25/02/2026
Management of a broken file during retreatment of an upper molar
Nonsurgical retreatment of an upper molar with management of a broken file in the mesiobuccal canal
he patient was referred by a colleague for the management of a separated instrument located in the mesiobuccal root, associated with a periapical radiolucency. The patient was asymptomatic at presentation (photo 1)
The initial strategy was to remove the separated instrument due to its coronal position and easy access. However, after one session, retrieval of the fragment was unsuccessful. Therefore, the treatment strategy was modified: shaping of the mesiobuccal second canal (MB2) was performed using Procodile files, and a canal confluence was identified.
Given the inability to retrieve the fragment and the presence of canal confluence, the treatment strategy focused on adequate disinfection and three-dimensional obturation of both canals while maintaining the separated instrument in situ.
Irrigation was performed using 2.5% sodium hypochlorite in combination with HEDP (Dual Rinse), with activation using the EndoActivator. A final rinse was performed with physiological saline solution. Obturation of the root canal system performed using Komet BioSeal bioceramic sealer with a warm vertical compaction technique.
The postoperative radiograph confirms adequate shaping and three-dimensional obturation of the root canal system, with the separated instrument left in situ and radiographic evidence of mesiobuccal canal confluence (photo 2)
At the 6-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, and radiographic evaluation showed evident healing of the periapical lesion despite the separated instrument remaining in situ.This case demonstrates that successful periapical healing can be achieved through proper disinfection and three-dimensional obturation despite the presence of a separated instrument (photo 3)