Endoscope-assisted retrieval of separated instruments: An ex vivo comparative study of Masserann, microsonic, and loop techniques

Instrument separation during root canal treatment can hinder effective cleaning and shaping, making reliable retrieval techniques essential. Endoscopic visualization might aid in instrument removal procedures offering direct magnification of root canal anatomy. This ex vivo study evaluated the success rate and procedure time of three instrument retrieval techniques - Masserann, microsonic, and loop techniques - under the visualization of dental operation microscope (DOM) assisted by an endoscope. Sixty extracted human mandibular single-rooted teeth with simulated fractures were assigned to the Masserann, microsonic, or ultrasonic with loop techniques (<i>n</i> = 20/group), each performed under endoscopic visualization alongside DOM. The success rate of instrument removal and procedure time were recorded. Complications, such as root perforation, apical extrusion and secondary fracture, were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson χ² and Kruskal-Wallis tests with 5% significance threshold. Success rates for the microsonic, Masserann, and ultrasonic with loop techniques were 80%, 70%, and 80%, respectively (<i>p</i> > 0.05). The average procedure times were 13.02 min for the microsonic technique, 17.25 min for the Masserann technique, and 17 min for the ultrasonic with loop technique (<i>p</i> > 0.05). The Masserann technique demonstrated a higher complication rate, with two cases each of perforation and apical extrusion, whereas no secondary fractures occurred in any group. Conclusively, the microsonic technique showed the highest success rate with the shortest retrieval time, indicating its efficiency and suitability for instrument removal from root canals, particularly when combined with enhanced visualization through endoscopy.