Analysis of Endodontic Successes and Failures in the Removal of Fractured Endodontic Instruments during Retreatment: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Trial Sequential Analysis

Abstract

This study presents a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate the success rates of endodontic retreatments in teeth where separated instruments are located within the roots. The search and selection of studies were conducted across two databases, SCOPUS and PubMed, as well as the Cochrane Library registry, yielding a total of 1620 records. Following the selection process, 11 studies were included in the systematic review. Overall, out of 1133 retreated teeth, there were 172 failures in instrument removal and 55 perforations. The meta-analysis results indicate that failures are more frequent when instruments are located in the apical third, with a failure rate of 21%, compared to an 8.8% failure rate in the middle/coronal third. The anatomy of the root canals, particularly the location of the separated instruments, significantly influences the success rates.