A Diamond Encrusted Explorer Tool Stuck in Tooth After Root Canal by Endodontist. Is This Ok?

Question

The tip of a stainless steel diamond encrusted explorer tool broke off on removal, inverted and got stuck in another canal which had been cleaned out and has medication. He was more concerned with the calcified 4th canal. He is hoping he will have more success removing the tip in 6months time. Is it ok to have this stuck in my tooth permanently if he can't remove it? Should I just get the tooth out considering he can't get past the blockage in the 4th canal?

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

It happens every now and then that an instrument breaks and the tip remains in the canal. Usually there is no problem. As long as both patient and Doctor are aware of the situation and it is monitored in the future. Ask the endodontist about the prognosis of the tooth, considering the calcified canal. Is it worth restoring with a post and a Crown with a guarded prognosis?? You might be better off extracting and placing an implant, if that is an option.

Shivangi Gajwani Jain, MDS · Answer

If the canal is cleaned out completely as you mentioned and the sterilised broken instrument is stuck at the tip of the canal, then let it be there as it should not cause any infection. If the tooth has good remaining tooth structure, then let the dentist navigate the 4th canal and keep the tooth as preservation is the best policy.

A Diamond Encrusted Explorer Tool Stuck in Tooth After Root Canal by Endodontist. Is This Ok?

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