Removal of a Broken Instrument from a Tooth with Apical Periodontitis Using a Novel Approach

The Management of Fractured Dental Instruments: A Case Series

The most common problem faced by dentists during root canal therapy is instrument separation. Instrument separation leads to the inefficient biomechanical preparation of the canals, which can affect the outcome of the root canal-treated tooth. Hence, bypassing the fractured instrument or removal can be accounted as a viable choice to maintain the structural integrity of the tooth. This article illustrates a case series wherein the fractured instrument was managed successfully with the use of conservative techniques.

Simplified Orthograde Apical Plug and Intra-Orifice Barriers for Resolving a Complex Endodontic Challenge: A Case Report

Successful endodontic treatments are contingent upon establishing a hermetic seal within the root canal system. This seal is pivotal in preventing/resolving apical periodontitis. This case report introduces a simplified orthograde apical plug and intra-orifice barrier technique as an effective alternative to previously unsuccessful invasive nonsurgical and surgical treatments. A 28-year-old patient presented with persistent discomfort and localized swelling in the furcation area of the mandibular left first molar. The tooth had previously undergone both root canal therapy and surgical retreatment. A distinctive feature of this case was the unconventional amputation of the mesial root, unlike conventional periradicular surgery or root amputation. This unusual scenario was accompanied by the presence of a large endodontic lesion. An apical plug, utilizing calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, was placed, complemented by the use of CEM intra-orifice barriers to ensure the hermetic sealing of the entire root canal system. Long-term follow-up assessment demonstrated the complete healing of the preexisting large endodontic lesion. This case underscores the significance of proper diagnosis, right treatment planning, and considering conservative treatment options for complex cases, highlighting the pivotal role played by a reliable seal in achieving successful results in endodontic procedures.

Comparative Study of the SEM Evaluation, EDX Assessment, Morphometric Analysis, and Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Three Novel Brands of NiTi Alloy Endodontic Files

In this study, we compare and analyze the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), morphometry and cyclic fatigue resistance of Endogal, PathMax, and Smarttrack novel brands of nickel−titanium (NiTi) alloy endodontic files. Material and Methods: Thirty sterile NiTi endodontic rotary files were randomly selected and assigned to one of the following study groups: A: 25.08 F2 Endogal (EDG) (n = 10); B: 25.08 F2 Path Max Pro (PMP) (n = 10); and C: 25.06 Smarttrack (ST) (n = 10). Dynamic cyclic fatigue tests were conducted using a cyclic fatigue device in stainless steel artificial root canal systems with an apical diameter of 250 µm, curvature angle of 60°, radius of curvature of 3 mm, and taper of 6%. Additionally, we analyzed the NiTi endodontic rotary files using EDX, SEM, and morphometry after micro-CT scanning. The results were analyzed using Weibull statistical analysis and ANOVA testing. Results: SEM, EDX, and morphometric analyses showed differences between the three novel brands of NiTi endodontic rotary files. Moreover, statistically significant differences were observed between the number of cycles to failure and time to failure of the three novel brands of NiTi endodontic rotary files (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Smarttrack NiTi alloy endodontic reciprocating files display greater resistance to cyclic fatigue than Endogal and Path Max Pro NiTi alloy endodontic rotary files, due to the reciprocating movement and metallurgical composition.

Diagnostic Value of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Digital Periapical Radiography in Detection of Separated Instruments

Introduction

File Fracture is one of the most common problems during root canal treatment which can affect treatment procedure and prognosis, so it is important to diagnose and prevent it. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic value of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital periapical radiography for detection of separated instrument retained inside the canal.

Methods and Materials

Ninety single-rooted extracted human teeth were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups (n=30). Group 1, separated file #10 at the 2-mm apical third of the root canal; group 2, separated file #35 at the 2-mm apical third of the root canal; and group 3, without a broken file (control group). The teeth were instrumented to size #30 and were shaped to size #55 and then the canals were obturated up to separated instrument, or the working length for the teeth without a separated instrument, with lateral condensation technique. After that all teeth were placed in dry skull, digital radiography and CBCT was taken. After data collection, data was analyzed using SPSS software by means of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and frequency tables.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of digital periapical radiography in detection of a fractured file #10 in the canal was 96.7% and 63.3%, 76.7%, 73.1%, 67.6%, 70%, for CBCT, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of digital periapical radiography in detection of a fracture file #35 in the canal was 93.3%, 96.7%, 96.6%, 93.5% and 95%, and 36.7%, 76.7%, 61.1%, 54.8%, 56.66%, for CBCT, respectively.

Conclusion

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of digital periapical radiography was better than the CBCT technique in both sizes of broken files.