(TC43) Technique for the Management of Fractured Instruments

Abstract: One of the primary objectives in root canal treatment and retreatment is the removal of bacteria through adequate cleaning of the contaminated root canal space. To accomplish this, thorough debridement and disinfection of the canal space are crucial. A frequent challenge in endodontics is achieving complete debridement in teeth that have separated instruments within their root canal spaces. Research indicates that separated instruments do not necessarily affect prognosis. However, failure to successfully remove these instruments can lead to under-instrumentation, under-irrigation, and under-obturation, potentially reducing the success rate of endodontic treatments in some cases. Thus, this table clinic aims to introduce a technique for overcoming the challenges associated with removing a separated instrument during root canal treatment. This technique involves the use of Gates Glidden burs with a modified tip to create a platform up to the coronal level of the fractured instrument, facilitating visualization of the top of the separated file. This should be followed by employing a file retrieval method to remove the separated file. This method offers a safe, straightforward, and efficient way to enhance the conventional use of Gates Glidden burs in teeth with separated instruments within their root canal spaces.