Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41792691›Full record

ArticleBMC oral health2026

Secondary retrieval and complication management for failed separated instrument removal in the apical third in curved root canals: a case series.

Mei Fu, Jia Guo, Fengting Wang, Benxiang Hou, Chen Zhang

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in BMC oral health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
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0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Mei Fu *Department of Endodontics, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Jia Guo *Department of Endodontics, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Fengting WangDepartment of Endodontics, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Benxiang HouCenter for Microscope Enhanced Dentistry, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Endohou@163.com.
Chen ZhangDepartment of Endodontics, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. endozhangchen@163.com.

Funding

Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals Incubating Program PX2024054Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals'Youth Programme QML20231509Innovation Foundation of Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University 23-09-24
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSeparated instruments in the apical third of the infected root canals can lead to persistent periapical lesions. Retrieval requires appropriate preoperative assessment and a skilled technique, especially in cases of separated instruments in the apical third of curved root canals. Otherwise, retrieval will lead to removal failure and concomitant complications. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report two cases of separated instrument retrieval failure with complications due to inadequate preoperative assessment and an incorrect technical approach. In these cases, we re-evaluated the feasibility of the secondary separated instrument retrieval, including the root canal curvature, type and length of instruments, and thickness of the root canal wall inside the curvature and around the top of the separated instrument. In addition, we describe the technical approach for determining the clasping zone of the separated instrument.

conclusionsThese cases suggest that preoperative evaluation and correct technical approach are crucial. Preventing complications is easier and more important than their management. Once removal fails, it becomes more complex and risky to remove the separated instruments. This case series offers insights into how to manage secondary retrieval, demonstrating the appropriate preoperative reassessment and technical approach.

Indexed as

Dental InstrumentsDental Pulp CavityForeign BodiesRoot Canal PreparationAdultDevice RemovalEquipment FailureFemaleHardware RemovalHumansMaleTooth ApexPreoperative assessmentSeparated instruments retrievalTechnical approach

Identifiers

PMID41792691
PMCPMC13077855

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