A Comparative Evaluation of Root Fracture Resistance of Three Techniques of Retrieval of Separated Endodontic Instruments from Curved Root Canals (An In Vitro Study)

Abstract The separation of instruments before completion of root canal preparation especially in infected teeth was found to be associated with a high probability of failure of endodontic treatment. Retrieval of these separated instruments can aid in completion of endodontic treatment successfully. To our knowledge there are no studies on the effect of using different retrieval methods on root fracture resistance, retrieval time and success. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the efficiency of three different retrieval methods: ultrasonics, LeoPen loop system and XP-endo shaper in resistance to root fracture of extracted human lower molars with moderately curved roots after retrieval, success of retrieval method and retrieval time of separated instruments.