Abstract
Prevention is the best key to avoid iatrogenic errors. The risk of instrument fracture can be minimized when root canal anatomy and its “difficulty level” is recognized and assessed prior to intervention; endodontic access, isolation, and operational field are adequate; and appropriate selection of instruments and preparation techniques are established. Therefore, deep knowledge of the properties and limitations of the instruments and preparation techniques to be used, gained through reading combined with extensive practice ex vivo, is needed. Upon root canal treatment initiation, handling and utilization of endodontic instruments must be performed according to standards of best practice. Every type of instrument should be used for the purpose it has been designed and manufactured for, always in the right way conforming to its specifications. Endodontic instruments should be carefully inspected prior to, during, and after use, preferably under magnification, for any signs of fracture or plastic deformation. The accumulation of debris within the flutes should be inspected periodically. Therefore, all instruments must remain clean with the aid of a surface debridement protocol and should be dispensed if surface deformations are visible.
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Lambrianidis, T. (2018). Prevention. In: Lambrianidis, T. (eds) Management of Fractured Endodontic Instruments. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60651-4_9
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