A Rare Case of Periapical Healing in an Apically Extruding, Separated Instrument

Endodontic file separation is a common mishap during cleaning and shaping procedures. Even though there have been many recent advances in the material science of endodontic files, instrument separation is sometimes inevitable. There are several treatment options available after instrument separation. In our case, a patient was referred to us with a separated instrument extending 4 mm beyond the apical foramen. Following the re-treatment, a guided periapical surgery was planned, and the patient was given long-term intracanal medication. At 3 months, the patient was symptom-free, and the lesion had reduced in size despite the fact that the endodontic file was extending apically. At 6 months follow-up, uneventful periapical healing occurred