Removals of silver cones in non-surgical retreatment: A case report

Abstract

There are many techniques for removing silver cones due to their varying lengths, diameters and positions occupying root canal spaces. A single case involved an asymptomatic 65 -year-old female with a chief complaint of fractured right maxillary first premolar. This tooth previously had endodontic treatment 20 years before the presenting complaint. Radiographic findings showed two root canals were filled with silver cones and 3x3 mm2 apical lesions. Treatment plan was non-surgical retreatment and restoration using post and crown. The silver cones were removed by Stieglitz pliers, ultrasonic instruments, and bypassing technique. The canals were cleaned, shaped and filled with gutta percha. At the 2 -year follow-up, the tooth was asymptomatic and radiograph showed reduced size of the apical lesion. However, the follow-up in this case will be on-going to ensure complete healing.

Keywords: Silver cones, removal, non-surgical retreatment