American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

A hemiseptal defect is classified as a one wall defect because it involves the loss of one wall of a bony structure, often observed in dental and periodontal contexts. In this specific classification, the term "hemiseptal" denotes a condition where only one side of the septum is compromised or missing, leaving one wall intact.

This kind of defect has implications for both the stability of the surrounding structures and the potential for infection or further bone loss, as the remaining wall plays a crucial role in support. Recognizing a hemiseptal defect as a one wall defect is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics and related fields.

Other classifications, such as two-walled or three-walled defects, would imply the loss of additional wall structures, significantly altering the clinical implications and approaches to management. However, in the case of a hemiseptal defect, the clear identification of one wall remaining helps orthodontists and periodontists strategize the most effective interventions.