To assess knowledge about separated endodontic files- A questionnaire study Running title: Separated endodontic files

Abstract

Background: The separation of an endodontic instrument instantly transforms a case, from whatever
level of difficulty it was preoperatively, to a new level of severity. The present study was conducted to
assess knowledge about separated endodontic files.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted among 340 dental practitioners of both genders in
Jaipur Rajasthan. A questionnaire was prepared and distributed among all dentists and were asked to
respond it.
Results: Out of 340 subjects, males were 190 and females were 150. 60% replied that they have ever
broken instrument during root canal treatment, 40% replied not, 55%inform their patient after instrument
breakage and 45% not, 70% remove the instrument while 30% not, 62% break hand files and38% rotary
files, 52% NiTi and 48% stainless steel are frequently broken, in 50% in apical part of root canal the
instruments more separate followed by 30% in middle and 10% in coronal, in 45% instruments are
broken in molars, in 32% in premolar, in 15% inn canine and in 8% in incisors, RCT instruments are

more separated while negotiating the canal in 39%, during cleaning and shaping in 38% and after cleaning and shaping in 23%. Masseran kit in 40%, conventional methods in 37% and special device in 23% are methods of choice for removing the separated file, canal irregularities in 30%, ledge formation in 45% and perforation in 25% are common errors while attempting to bypass

separated file. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Authors found that separated endodontic files should be either removed. Subjects had
limited knowledge regarding separated endodontic files.