I often come accross cases with patients who have suffered an endodontic instrument fracture after root canal treatment. 

Most common is a fractured or seperated dental reamer (a small dental file used by dentist's to remove the nerve of the tooth during root canal treatment).  These dental reamers are very fragile if bent in the wrong direction and can be prone to breaking or fracturing within the tooth.

Whilst it is not negligent for a dentist to fracture a fragile endodontic instrument whilst carrying out (for example) a root treatment, it can be  negligent not to inform the patient that this has happend.  The dentist should note on the records the presence of any fractured instrument and take appropriate x-rays.  A referral to a specialist is then often made for removal of the instrument.

If you have discovered that your dentist has fractured an endodontic instrument in your tooth, it is vital that you contact me urgently for free legal advice so that I can assess your claim.

This image shows a small dental reamer (file) in position during a root canal treatment.  These reamers often fracture during root treatment and this can often be negligent if the patient is not informed of the presence of the fractured instrument...