Summary:
Purpose: To present 2 techniques that utilize the ultrasonic scaler to aid in dislodging the silver cone
Most highlighted Results:
Four factors that complicate the removal of silver cones:
1. Use of zinc phosphate cement 2. Use of cement that have no known solvent.
3. Corrosion products may “lock” silver cones into the canal space.
4. Silver cones may be sectioned at or below the level of the canal orifice which complicates their removal.
Silver cones with a handle:
•Using ultrasonic scaler and apply moderate pressure to the cement covering the silver cone until the silver cone “backs out.” without the necessity of grasping the cone to remove it.
Silver cones without a handle below the level of the chamber:
A- If a silver cone is flush with the canal orifice
•#15 to 20 file should first be used to explore the interface between the silver cone and canal walls.
•When #25 file bypassed the cone by 3-4 mm, #25 or 30 H file should be used.
•The H file is then grasped while the ultrasonic scaler is placed on the shank of the file.
B- If a silver cone has broken off below the orifice
•The Masserann technique may then be utilized.
Clinical significance
The use of the ultrasonic scaler alone and in combination with other silver cone retrieval devices offers the advantages of conserving tooth structure; avoidance of surgical treatment; and time saving technique.
