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Broken File in Root Canal

asked 1 year ago by TicaGaga in Stanton, CA
Latest answer by Daniel Melnick, DDS
Question viewed 3,289 times
Tags: female, file, root canal

I just had a root canal done today due to a deep filling I've had for a while. During the procedure, the general dentist broke the file inside the root. According to him, it should not be a problem but I am extremely concerned and don't feel comfortable having something there that shouldn't be. He said the tip broke off pretty deep. I am in a lot of pain. Could it be from the file or just the rct itself? Should I be concerned that the file broke and remains in my root canal?

10 answers to Broken File in Root Canal

Broken root canal file

While rare, it is not uncommon that a file may bind and break during root canal therapy. I would not be overly concerned that you still have tooth pain, as it may take a few weeks for complete healing. As far the file's effect on long term success of this tooth, it depends upon many factors and the tooth may require additional treatment to be maintained. I would suggest giving this tooth additional time to heal before deciding whether a referral to a root canal... more

Daniel Melnick, DDS
Laurel Cosmetic Dentist

Instrument breakage

Any dentist that does root canal procedures will have this occur. The main issue was the tooth vital or necrotic before the procedure and was adequate irrigation performed before the break. If the tooth was badly infected and the file broke early in the procedure then the chances are high you will have problems. If the procedure was a vital case and multiple irrigation solutions were used and allowed to be in the tooth for a long period of time you have better chances. The file being in the... more

J. Willis Baker, DDS
Wichita Cosmetic Dentist

Separated Root Canal File

This is something that sometimes happens during root canal treatment. I think being evaluated by a root canal specialist (endodontist) would be a good idea - especially if you continue to have symptoms. Often a separated instrument will cause no problems but it should be checked periodically. More than once I have found broken files in teeth during an exam of a new patient and not only were there no symptoms after 10 or 15 years but the patient was unaware it was even there... more

Paul D. Kantor, DDS
Cleveland Cosmetic Dentist

Broken Instuments in Root Canal

At times, even with the best precautions,unfortunately instruments do break in during a root canal treatment. Sometimes the pain after RCT is usually the initial part of healing process and it goes away in a week considering that you have a good antibiotic and analgesic cover. If the pain still persists ask your dentist to evaluate the tooth again and if needed refer it to the specialist. A root canal treated tooth, even with a broken instrument may not give any problem, if... more

Dalvir Pannu, DDS
San Jose Cosmetic Dentist

Broken File during Root Canal

Separation of a file during a root canal procedure, even though it is rare, does happen. The long term health of the tooth may depend on where the file separated. If the file separated at or near the tip of the root, often times there is no problem. If the separation occur ed in the middle to top of the root, the long term success may be compromised. In either case it is probably wise to have an endodontist evaluation to determine the severity. Immediate... more

Daniel Beninato, DDS
Omaha Cosmetic Dentist

Broken Root Canal File

A broken file being left in the root canal space, especially when it is lodged deep in the canal is not a common occurrence but does occasionally happen. It is not a cause for grave concern. As long as the canal was cleaned and sterilized properly and the canal fully sealed to the tip of the root, a broken instrument can be incorporated into the canal filling without fear of complication. A separated or broken root canal file usually occurs when the file binds in a narrow... more

Marc Zive, DMD
Springfield Cosmetic Dentist

Root canal with a file in it.

The files are known to separate in the canals, but fortunately, this is not very common. Sometimes they can be removed if it break near the top. When it is deeper in the canal, especially if there is a curvature in the root, they can be difficult to remove. Depending on whether the procedure was almost completed or just started could determine the effect. If the dentist had gotten all thedecay out and cleaned the tooth, then the file could act like a seal at the tip, along with the... more

Randall LaFrom, DDS
San Jose Cosmetic Dentist

Broken instruments

I have both a cosmetic and specialty practice in endodontics. rootcanalman com As a root canal specialist i would like to tell you it does happen, but more often with general dentist. Don't Panic. Things to consider. Where is the break? Did it happen in the beginning before the tooth was thoroughly cleaned or at the end of the root canal. If it happened early, your tooth may hurt because they did not remove all of the nerve.... more

Richard Sprague, DDS
Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist

See an endodontist.

I would recommend an evaluation by an endodontist. An endodontist is a specialist in root canal treatment. They could give you an idea of a prognosis for this tooth. It may also be possible that the broken file can be removed. Many teeth have files in them that have no problems. The tooth would need to be removed if it had a root fracture, perforation, or an uncontrollable infection.

Kimberly Johnson Genc, DDS
Newport Beach Cosmetic Dentist

Broken files most of the time are a non-issue

One thing that may be hard to understand is that the tooth separated the file, not the dentist. What this means is that the tooth is likely beyond saving, but in an attempt to save time, money or the tooth, the dentist was being heroic. We have all been there, so this is not an indication that the dentists skill is inferior. Often, the broken file will present no issue at all. The titanium material is similar to the metal used in dental implants, so it may turn out... more

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

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