Management of Separated Irrigating Needle within Root Canal: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Irrigation is an integral part of successful root canal treatment. Syringe and needle irrigation is an effective method to control microbial flora of the root canal. Needle with multiple vents efficiently delivers irrigating solutions. Geometric configuration of the irrigating needle may predispose it to fracture during irrigation. A fractured needle causes procedural difficulties during treatment. Careful removal of the fragment with minimal tissue loss improves the prognosis of the treatment. Case description: This case report describes the management of a fractured double-side-vented irrigating needle within the mesiobuccal canal orifice of maxillary first molar. The separated fragment was successfully retrieved with the help of indirect ultrasonics under magnification with a dental operating microscope. Conclusion: Development in techniques and armamentarium has led to successful retrieval of separated fragment from the root canal. The selection of a suitable method according to the position of the fractured instrument facilitates retrieval with minimal tissue removal. root of maxillary molar. This report describes a case in which ultrasonic technique was used to remove a fractured irrigating needle from the mesiobuccal canal of upper maxillary molar under magnification.