Fracture of endodontic instruments: Clinical recommendations

Abstract

Endodontic instruments are metal tools, made of steel alloy or nickel-titanium (NiTi), employed as mechanical agents of root canal preparation.During root canal instrumentation the instrument is submitted to stress that varies according to the root canal anatomy. The Stress, the unknown of the mechanical properties of materials, little skills and clinical experience can lead to its rupture inside the root canal. The fracture during clinical use may occur by loading of torsion, rotating bending or their combinations. Fractured instruments and retained inside the root canal may affect the outcome of the endodontic treatment. The purpose of this paper is to present clinical recommendations for reducing the risk of fractures of endodontic instruments during root canal instrumentation.