Non-surgical root canal retreatment: a case report of eleven silver cones removal in maxillary first premolar

Authors

  • Theerapon Nuntakarat Department of Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University
  • Sirawut Hiran-us Department of Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University

Keywords:

Root canal retreatment, Non-surgical retreatment, Silver cone removal, Braiding technique, Local argyrosis

Abstract

Modern endodontic therapy dismissed the use of silver cones as root canal filling due to their corrosion susceptibility, which ultimately leads to endodontic failure. When non-surgical retreatment is required, removal of silver cones can be challenging and potentially cause separation into fragments which may complicate retreatment procedures. This case report showcase a 68-year-old female patient, in which a sinus tract was found at the root apex of maxillary right first premolar tooth with local argyrosis in the corresponding region, which the patient was unaware of the condition. Radiographically, laterally condensed silver cones were suspected in the root canals, with radiolucency presented the apex. Eleven silver cones were successfully retrieved from both canals without any fragmentation or separation by engaging with Hedstrom files combined with braiding technique. Sinus tract was resolved following root canal disinfection procedures, and radiographic evidence indicated ongoing periapical healing after a one-year follow-up.

References

Kehoe JC. Intracanal corrosion of a silver cone producing a localized argyria: scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analyzer analyses. J Endod. 1984;10(5):199-201.

Seltzer S, Green DB, Weiner N, DeRenzis F. A scanning electron microscope examination of silver cones removed from endodontically treated teeth. J Endod. 2004;30(7):463-474.

Tomov G, Kovacevska G. Local Argyrosis of Oral Mucosa: Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations. Int J Sci Res (IJSR). 2015;4(1):1254-1257.

American Association of Endodontists (AAE). Use of Silver Points: AAE Position Statement. Chicago: AAE; 2024. Available from: https://www.aae.org/specialty/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/SilverPoints_PositionStatement.pdf2024.

Siqueira JF Jr, Rôças IN. Clinical implications and microbiology of bacterial persistence after treatment procedures. J Endod. 2008;34(11):1291-1301.e3.

Prada I, Micó-Muñoz P, Giner-Lluesma T, Micó-Martínez P, Collado-Castellano N, Manzano-Saiz A. Influence of microbiology on endodontic failure. Literature review. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2019;24(3):e364-e372.

Tabassum S, Khan FR. Failure of endodontic treatment: The usual suspects. Eur J Dent. 2016;10(1):144-147.

Siqueira JF Jr. Aetiology of root canal treatment failure: why well-treated teeth can fail. Int Endod J. 2001;34(1):1-10.

Shetty K. Technique Tips – A Predictable Method for Retrieval of Silver Cones Using Ultrasonics. Dent Update. 2016;43(4):396-397.

Ruddle CJ. Nonsurgical retreatment. J Endod. 2004;30(12):827-845.

Sookprome C. Endodontic retreatment in tooth with silver cone : A case report. J Prapokklao Hosp Clin Med Educat Center. 2009:249-255.

Sanguandikul L. Removals of silver cones in non-surgical retreatment: A case report. Vajira Med J. 2015;59(3):67-74.

Weisman MI. The removal of difficult silver cones. J Endod. 1983;9(5):210-211.

Hülsmann M. Retrieval of silver cones using different techniques. Int Endod J. 1990;23(6):298-303.

Hülsmann M. Removal of silver cones and fractured instruments using the Canal Finder System. J Endod. 1990;16(12):596-600.

Krell KV, Fuller MW, Scott GL. The conservative retrieval of silver cones in difficult cases. J Endod. 1984;10(6):269-273.

Gulati S, Sumanthini M, Shenoy VU. Retreatment of Silver Point Obturation: A Case Report and an Overview. J Contemp Dent. 2012;2(3):114-118.

Downloads

Published

2026-06-24

How to Cite

Nuntakarat, T., & Hiran-us, S. (2026). Non-surgical root canal retreatment: a case report of eleven silver cones removal in maxillary first premolar. Thai Endodontic Journal, 5(1), 3–24. retrieved from https://he03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/thaiendod/article/view/5145

Issue

Section

Case report