What to do if an instrument breaks during RCT?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a lot of pain in my upper back tooth. A few months ago, my dentist told me that I needed a root canal for that tooth. She did the first part of the root canal treatment and then kept canceling my appointments. I finally got an appointment for the second part of the root canal, but she says my tooth is severely infected, and there is an abscess.

Should I continue with the root canal treatment or have my tooth pulled out? The doctor told me that during the first part of my root canal treatment, a piece of equipment broke in my mouth but is usually not a cause of concern. I am taking antibiotics and the tablet Penicillin.

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

A small part of the cleaning instrument usually breaks inside the tooth if the canal is very narrow. If the procedure is completed in a short period, it serves as a good sealer depending on the position of the broken instrument, but I think it will take a long time for you to get back to the procedure.

If you continue the treatment, I cannot comment on the outcome. So, I suggest you undergo extraction if the tooth is badly infected and continue your medications till the abscess subsides.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.