Removal of broken instruments from root canals
Sometimes, during root canal treatment, an instrument may break inside the canal. This is not the dentist’s fault — it is a known complication that can occur during the procedure. The decision about whether removal is necessary is made by the dentist after analyzing the individual case. It is a difficult and delicate task.
The primary principle is to create a straight and sufficiently wide path to the broken instrument. This allows for visual control and easier access. We carefully remove dentin surrounding the fragment, expose it, and work to make it mobile. With the use of appropriate equipment, we are often able to successfully remove the instrument. Throughout the entire process, continuous work under the microscope is essential.
A major challenge arises when the broken instrument extends beyond the apical foramen. In such cases, it is often tightly wedged in the natural opening, and attempts to remove it carry the risk of fracturing the root tip at that location. There is also a risk of pushing the fragment farther into the periapical tissues.
