The method does not require removal of tooth structure and can be tried before resorting to more invasive methods.

In this article, we present a simple method for removing a fractured resin post and core pattern. It does not require removal of tooth structure and can be tried before resorting to more invasive methods.

THE METHOD
First, the dentist grasps a no. 2 friction-grip round carbide bur with locking hemostats. Then, he or she heats the end of the bur over a Bunsen burner flame until hot (Figure, C), plunges it into the remaining acrylic resin of the post pattern and quickly cools it with an air syringe. The round head of the bur is surrounded by resin and forms a locking connection with the residual pattern (Figure, D).

The dentist releases the hemostat, which leaves the bur extending out of the tooth. Then he or she grasps the end of the bur with his or her fingers and pulls firmly with the force being parallel to the long axis of the tooth (Figure, E). The post should disengage from the tooth and come out on the end of the bur (Figure, F).

If the resin post pattern fractures further at the level of the bur, a second attempt often will result in successful removal of the remaining acrylic resin.

CONCLUSION
This procedure allows for the removal of fractured acrylic in the root canal space without the use of rotary instrumentation. The tooth structure is preserved, and the risk of perforation is eliminated.

DO YOU HAVE A TIP TO SHARE?
Do you have a time- or work-saving clinical technique to share with your colleagues? Submit it to JADA’s Clinical Directions department. A Clinical Directions item should be a maximum of two double-spaced typed pages and should include no more than one figure or illustration. Submit items to Clinical Directions, JADA, 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.