Alternative techniques to remove fractured instrument fragments from the apical third of root canals: report of two cases

Braz Dent J. 2015 Jan-Feb;26(1):79-85. doi: 10.1590/0103-6440201302446.

Abstract

This paper describes two cases of instrument fragment removal from the apical thirds of root canals using a customized extractor and a modified needle technique, respectively. In case 1, a customized extractor was manufactured to remove a bur fragment located in the apical root canal of a maxillary central incisor. The use of this extractor enabled successful and conservative removal of the instrument fragment. In case 2, a modified injection needle was used as a trepan to gain access around an instrument fragment located in the curved apical portion of the mesiobuccal canal of a mandibular molar. A segment of steel wire was inserted into the needle lumen to engage the metallic fragment, enabling its removal with counter-clockwise rotation and a simultaneous pull-out motion. Alternative and creative methods are useful for the management of intracanal metallic fragments during root canal treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Child
  • Dental Instruments
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Incisor
  • Middle Aged
  • Molar
  • Needles
  • Root Canal Therapy / instrumentation*