Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of microsonic technique on removal of intracanal separated instruments.
Methods: Forty-four teeth with 47 intracanal separated instruments, which could not be successfully managed by conventional methods, were endodontically treated with ultrasonic instruments under dental operating microscope. The success rate was calculated and the cases were reviewed 5 to 19 months after retreatment.
Results: Thirty-four (34/47) separated instruments in 33 (33/44) teeth were completely removed with a success rate of 75%. Thirteen separated instruments in 11 teeth, however, could not be eliminated from the canals. Root canal perforation or vertical fracture was not found. None of these teeth showed periapical deterioration in the follow-up.
Conclusions: The combined use of dental operating microscope and ultrasonic instruments in endodontic treatment enriched the way of managing complicated cases of intracanal separated instruments.