Retrieval of a separated nickel-titanium instrument using a modified 18-guage needle and cyanoacrylate glue: a case report

During root canal preparation procedures, the potential for instrument breakage is always present. When instrument breakage occurs, it leads to anxiety of the clinician and as well as a metallic obstruction of the canal which hinders further cleaning and shaping. Separated instruments must always be attempted for retrieval and if retrieval is not possible bypass should be tried. With the increased use of nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments the incidence of separated instruments has increased. A considerable amount of research has been done to understand the various factors related to the fracture of NiTi instruments to minimize its occurrence. This paper presents a review of the literature regarding the fracture of NiTi instruments and also describes a case report showing the use of a modified 18-guage needle and cyanoacrylate glue to retrieve a separated NiTi instrument from the mesiolingual canal of a mandibular first molar.