Influence of Fractured Instruments on the Success Rate of Endodontic Treatment

From Volume 35, Issue 3, April 2008 | Pages 172-179

Authors

Stephane Simon

FDS, MSc

Clinical Lecturer in Endodontics, Honorary Associate Specialist, University of Birmingham School of Dentistry (UK) and University of Paris 7 (France)

Articles by Stephane Simon

Pierre Machtou

FDS, PhD

Professor of Endodontology, University of Paris 7 (France)

Articles by Pierre Machtou

Phillip Tomson

BDS, MFDS RCSEd, MFDS RCS(Eng)

Clinical Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry, University of Birmingham School of Dentistry

Articles by Phillip Tomson

Nick Adams

BDS, MSc, MRD RCS(Eng)

Specialist in Endodontics, Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Associate Specialist, University of Birmingham School of Dentistry

Articles by Nick Adams

Philip Lumley

BDS, MDentSci, PhD, FDS RCPS

Professor of Endodontology and Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, University of Birmingham School of Dentistry, (France)

Articles by Philip Lumley

Abstract

The fracture of an instrument is a recognized complication in endodontics. The immediate response to a fractured instrument is frequently to regard the treatment as a failure. Several factors must, however, be taken into account to evaluate the prognosis of the tooth in this situation. The objective of the endodontic treatment with or without a fractured instrument remains the same, namely to disinfect the root canal system and prevent its recontamination. The time at which file fracture occurred during treatment and the degree of canal infection should be considered when determining the potential effect of instrument fracture on treatment outcome. Patients must be informed about an instrument fracturing in their tooth for ethical and legal reasons. The aim of this paper is to attempt to place fractured instruments in context, not to provide an in depth description of fractured instrument management techniques.

Article