Comparative Evaluation of Techniques and Devices for the Removal of Fractured Instruments

Abstract

In most cases fractured instruments do not present diagnostic problems, with the exception of retreatment cases where the fragment in some instances might be hidden, obscured by root filling material and not very clearly visible. The recognition of remaining fragments is important for treatment planning. This involves the need to choose between various acceptable nonsurgical orthograde and surgical options. Evaluating, analyzing, and comparing the performance of the techniques proposed for the management of intracanal fractured endodontic instruments are important prerequisites for the selection of the most appropriate strategy and for the prediction of the outcome. For the best modality of treatment, good clinical judgment and experience in assessing objective findings are absolutely essential.