Current Applications in Root Canal Retreatment: Use of Ultrasonic Tip

Many factors such as unavailability of root canals, inadequate root canal shaping, incomplete or overflowing root canal filling, instrument fractures, perforations and incomplete isolation may cause root canal treatment to fail. In cases where primary root canal treatment fails, non-surgical root canal retreatment should be preferred as the first option. The main purpose of root canal retreatment is to ensure proper cleaning, reshaping and filling of the root canal system by removing canal filling materials, debris and microorganisms in the root canal. Complete removal of the root canal filling from the root canal in root canal retreatment applications is directly related to the success of the treatment. Various methods are used to remove the root canal filling, including hand instruments, heat, ultrasonics, rotary instruments and solvents. With the developing technology, ultrasonics, which are generally used for irrigation, are used for root canal preparation, ultrasonic condensation of gutta percha, root canal tip preparation and placement of filling material, finding canal orifices, opening calcified root canals, removal of pulp stones, as well as using it to remove root canal sealer in retreatment is a new approach. Nowadays, ultrasonic tips with different materials, angles, lengths and cutting directions have increased the diversity and success rate of treatments. In this review, indications for the use of ultrasonic tips in different stages of root canal treatment, protocols and results of ultrasonic tips in root canal retreatment will be examined by evaluating current studies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.