Clinical Management of Intra-Pulp Canal Broken Endodontic Files in Primary Teeth: Literature Review / Manejo clínico de las limas endodónticas fracturadas dentro del conducto pulpar en dientes primarios: Revisión de la literatura

ABSTRACT: Fracture of an endodontic file inside a primary root canal is a rare but critical complication during the pulpectomy treatment, because the mechanical obstruction impedes the optimal cleaning and obturation of the pulp canal, compromising seriously the clinical outcome. This accidental event is mainly associated with over-use and excessive torque of intracanal files. Most clinicians opt to proceed with the extraction of the affected tooth followed by a space maintainer placement. Other practitioners attempt the non-surgical retrieval of the separated fragment through available proven techniques in permanent teeth; however, these methods may involve significant damage to the tooth and surround tissues. On the other hand, preservation of the metallic fragment might affect the treatment prognosis and interfere with the physiological root resorption.

RESUMEN: La fractura de una lima endodóntica dentro de un conducto radicular primario es una complicación rara aunque critica durante el tratamiento de pulpectomía, debido a que la obstrucción mecánica impide la limpieza y obturación óptimas del conducto pulpar, comprometiendo seriamente el resultado clínico. Este evento accidental está principalmente asociado con el sobreuso y torque excesivo de las limas dentro del conducto. La mayoría de los clínicos optan por realizar la extracción del diente afectado, seguido por la colocación de un mantenedor de espacio. Otros practicantes intentan la remoción no quirúrgica del fragmento separado a través de técnicas disponibles probadas en dientes permanentes; sin embargo, estos métodos pueden causar daños significativos al diente y tejidos circundantes. Por otra parte, la preservación del fragmento metálico puede afectar el pronóstico del tratamiento e interferir con el proceso de reabsorción radicular fisiológico.

Accidental aspiration of endodontic file: a dreaded but a preventable complication

Accidental ingestion of dental objects has been reported previously in literature. Accidental aspiration of a dental object is however uncommon. The affected patient may exhibit varying range of symptoms depending on location, type, shape and size of the foreign body swallowed/aspirated. We report a case about successful retrieval of an aspirated endodontic file with special focus on risk factors, prevention and management of these iatrogenic complications.

Dentinal defects induced by 6 different endodontic files when used for oval root canals: an in vitro comparative study

OBJECTIVES: To compare the formation of dentinal defects using stainless-steel hand K-files (HFs), rotary files, reciprocating files, and Self-Adjusting File (SAF), when used for oval root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty extracted human mandibular premolar with single root and oval canal were selected for this study. Oval canals were confirmed by exposing to mesio-distal and bucco-lingual radiographs. Teeth with open apices or anatomic irregularities were excluded. All selected teeth were de-coronated perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth, leaving roots segments approximately of 16 mm in length. Twenty teeth were left unprepared (control), and the remaining 120 teeth were divided into 6 groups (n = 20) and instrumented using HF (size 40/0.02), Revo-S (RS; size 40/0.06), ProTaper NEXT (PTN; size 40/0.06), WaveOne (WO; size 40/0.09), RECIPROC (RC; size 40/0.06), and the SAF (2 mm). Roots were then sectioned 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex, and observed under stereomicroscope, for presence of dentinal defects. “No defect” was defined as root dentin that presented with no visible microcracks or fractures. “Defect” was defined by microcracks or fractures in the root dentin. RESULTS: The control, HF, and SAF did not exhibit any dentinal defects. In roots instrumented by RS, PTN, WO, and RC files exhibited microcracks (incomplete or complete) in 40%, 30%, 55%, and 50%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The motor-driven root canal instrumentation with rotary and reciprocating files may create microcracks in radicular dentine, whereas the stainless-steel hand file instrumentation, and the SAF produce minimal or less cracks.

Application of forensic luminol for blood detection in endodontic files / Aplicação do luminol forense para detecção de sangue em limas endodônticas

Introduction: Blood is a biological material with high potential of infectious transmission in dental environments, including herpes simplex, hepatitis and AIDS. Aim: To investigate the efficacy of luminol in detecting blood in endodontic files before and after the sterilization process. Material and method: Luminol was used to investigate the presence or absence of traces of blood tissue in 50 endodontic files, visible to naked eye or not, after performing endodontic treatment and after the cleaning/sterilization process. The results obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed by using the Friedman's test at a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Result: By naked eye, it was found that 31/50 files showed no trace of blood, 8/50 showed a slight presence of blood and 11/50 showed a considerable presence of blood after endodontic treatment. After the use of luminol, however, 16/50 endodontic files showed no trace of blood, 19/50 showed a slight presence of blood and 15/50 showed a considerable presence of blood. After the cleaning and sterilization process, no blood was detected in the files. Conclusion: It was concluded that the luminol solution is effective in detecting blood tissue in endodontic files as well as in validating the cleaning/sterilization process.

Introdução: Sangue é um material biológico com alto potencial de transmissão de infecção em ambientes odontológicos, incluindo herpes simples, hepatites e AIDS. Objetivo: Investigar a eficácia do luminol em detector sangue em limas endodônticas antes e após o processo de esterilização. Material e método: Luminol foi utilizado para investigar a presença ou ausência de vestígios tecido sanguíneo em 50 limas endodônticas, visíveis ou não à olho nu, após a realização do tratamento endodôntico e após o processo de limpeza/esterilização. Os resultados obtidos foram tabulados e analisados estatisticamente utilizando o teste de Friedman com nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). Resultado: A olho nú, foi observado que 31/50 limas não apresentaram vestígios de sangue, 8/50 apresentaram uma leve presença de sangue e 11/50 apresentaram uma presença considerável de sangue após o tratamento endodôntico. Após a utilização do luminol, entretanto, 16/50 limas endodônticas não apresentaram vestígios de sangue, 19/50 apresentaram uma leve presença de sangue e 15/50 apresentaram uma presença considerável de sangue. Após o processo de limpeza e esterilização não foi detectado sangue nas limas endodônticas. Conclusão: A solução de luminol é efetiva na detecção de tecido sanguíneo em limas endodônticas, validando o processo de limpeza/esterilização.

Accidental separation and lodgment of rotary endodontic file into the dentist’s thumb.

Separation of the endodontic instrument within the root canal system and sharp injuries to the dentist is not an uncommon event in endodontic practice. Although root canal instruments can fracture at any stage of endodontic treatment, its fracture within the dentist’s hand is a very rare event. An unusual case of accidental separation and lodgment of rotary endodontic file in the dentist’s thumb is presented along with its management. A 33‑year‑old dentist reported with an accidental lodgment of rotary endodontic file into his thumb. The fractured instrument was removed successfully by a surgeon. The present case describes a rare event of occupational risk in endodontic practice.

Displacement of endodontic instruments in inferior alveolar canal.

Endodontic instrument breakage is a common occurrence during root canal treatment but the displacement of the separated instrument into the inferior alveolar canal is rare and has never been reported. We hereby present an unusual case of displacement of a separated instrument in the inferior alveolar canal and its retrieval by a simple technique.

Limpeza em limas endodônticas pós-uso e pré-esterilização / Cleanliness of endodontic files after use and before sterilization

Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia de dois métodos para limpeza de limas endodônticas: manual e com utilização de cuba ultrassônica. Método: Sessenta e seis limas endodônticas foram utilizadas no preparo de canais radiculares e posteriormente divididas em três grupos: 1) limpeza manual; 2) limpeza com ultra-som; 3) limas utilizadas nos pacientes que não foram limpas (controle positivo). Resultados: A análise estatística mostrou que no caso das limas limpas manualmente o percentual de limpeza foi de 0,4% enquanto que o de sujidade foi de 99,6%. No caso da limpeza ultrassônica o percentual de limpeza foi de 49,21% enquanto que o de sujidade foi de 50,79%. Conclusão: O resultado mais satisfatório foi a utilização do ultra-som, tendo como sugestão após o ultra-som a escovação, a utilização do sabão líquido, água e secagem para uma limpeza adequada das limas endodônticas.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of two endodontic file cleaning methods: manual and with the use of ultrasonic vat. Method: Sixty-six endodontic files were used for root canal preparations and afterwards divided into three groups: 1) manual cleaning; 2) ultrasonic cleaning; 3) files used in patients, but were not cleaned (positive control). Results: Statistical analysis showed that in the case of manually cleaned files, the percentage of cleaning was 0.4% while in those that were dirty it was 99.6%. In the case of ultrasonic cleaning, the cleaning percentage was 49.21% while the percentage of dirt was 50.79%. Conclusion: The most satisfactory result was obtained with the use of ultrasound, and it is suggested that after ultrasound, brushing, the use of liquid soap and water, and drying should be performed for adequate cleaning of endodontic files.