A novel technique for the removal of fractured instruments in the apical third of curved root canals

Abstract

Aim: To report on a conservative approach for removal of a fractured file in the severely curved apical portion of the distobuccal canal of a mandibular molar.

Summary: With the assistance of stainless steel hand files and a chloroform-dipped gutta-percha cone, a fractured rotary NiTi instrument was successfully removed. The use of this technique may assist in removal of loose instrument fragments that are not easily accessible to other removal techniques.

Key learning points: Instrument fractures do not always lead to an unfavourable prognosis and their removal from the apical third of curved canals should not be routinely attempted. The case highlights that it is possible to conservatively remove loosely bound objects from the hard-to-reach areas of the root canal system.