(TC23) Retrieval of Silver Cones Using the Hedstrom Braiding Technique with Modifications

Abstract: The knowledge necessary to remove silver cones is a valuable skill to maintain for nonsurgical retreatment. As the population that currently possess teeth with silver cones decreases, there is also a diminishing number of clinicians that have the experience of retreating these cases. The purpose of this table clinic is to demonstrate a novel modification that uses EDTA along with the Hedstrom braiding technique to retrieve silver cones. Implementing the use of a hemostat, EDTA, and cotton roll can help clinicians during silver cone retreatment procedures and decrease chair time. Remove all restorative materials surrounding the silver cone to create space in the canal for Hedstrom files and EDTA. Place an adequate quantity of EDTA in the canal. EDTA helps to soften the dentin, which decreases the binding of the file with the canal wall thereby preventing any separation of the file. Hedstrom files are placed apically around the silver cone to engage the metal. The files are then braided in a twisting motion in one direction and secured with a locking hemostat. A cotton roll is placed next to the files to create a fulcrum for rotating the files out of the canal using the hemostat. Repeat this technique in the opposite direction of twisting if unsuccessful until the silver cone is retrieved. This table clinic provides practitioners with this modification to the conventional Hedstrom braiding technique with the use of EDTA, which could be a time-saving technique without the use of any additional armamentarium.