Removing a Separated Instrument

Have you ever wonder what it takes to remove a separated file? The position of the separated instrument has a lot to do with our ability to retrieve it. The closer it is to the apex, the more difficult it is to remove. Removing a separated instrument is a balancing act between removing enough tooth structure to dislodge the file and removing too much tooth structure and weakening or perforating the root.

This video shows the removal of a separated rotary file using an ultrasonic instrument. (watch closely and you will see the instrument fly out) The separated instrument has been located, coronal access to the separated file has been increased using Gates Gliddens. Under the microscope, the ultrasonic tip is used to trough around the separated instrument. One of two things will happen:
1. The instrument will loosen & sometime fly out
2. The instrument will break again & the procedure starts over again.
Removing a separated instrument can be a difficult procedure which requires alot of patience from the operator and the patient.
For helpful tips to prevent file separation, click here.