Instrumentation-related complications

Abstract

Similar to other disciplines of advanced dentistry, a clinician may encounter complications or unforeseen circumstances during endodontic therapy. Every clinician performing endodontic procedures would have experienced a range of outcomes ranging from a case well done to an unfavorable prognosis related to a procedural accident. Examples of complications during the root canal procedure include ledge formation, separated instruments, and over-instrumentation. However, fear of procedural accidents should not deter a practitioner from performing root canal treatment. An experienced clinician uses knowledge, clinical skill and acumen, experience, and awareness of his or her own limitations to minimize these accidents.