The Impact of Fractured Endodontic File Removal on Vertical Root Fracture Resistance: Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

Abstract - This study investigated by means of finite element analysis the influence of fractured file removal on root fracture resistance in an endodontically-treated canine. A 4mm fragment of an endodontic file was deliberately fractured in the apical third of an upper canine root and removed by ultrasonic tips. Micro-computed tomography scans were carried out before and after fractured file removal on the same tooth. Two 3D-FE models (before and after file removal) were subjected to 100N loading. Results indicate that the fractured file removal increased von Mises stresses by 55%. Peak stresses were located around the root filling/dentine interface prior to file removal. Following file removal, peak stresses were concentrated at the buccal root surface/bone interface that might initiate vertical root fracture buccolingually.

KEYWORDS: Vertical root fracture, stress analysis, finite element analysis.