J Dent Anesth Pain Med.  2015 Jun;15(2):97-100.

The surgical retrieval of a broken dental needle: A case report

• Lee J
• Park MW
• Kim MK
• Kim SM
• Seo KS

Abstract

One complication related to local anesthesia in the dental clinic is a broken needle. Although rare, a broken needle may be difficult to retrieve. Dental radiographs and 3D CT have been used in the past to confirm the location of a broken needle. We present the case of a broken needle, which was successfully removed using a careful, microscopic approach.

Keyword

Broken dental needle; Local anesthesia; Microscope; Complications

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, Local
Dental Clinics
Needles*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Preoperative radiographic image illustrating the broken needle: (A) 3D computerized tomography, (B) lateral skull view, (C) posterior-anterior skull view, (D) panoramic view.

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  Fig. 2 The broken needle was removed using a hemostat forcep.

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  Fig. 3 A postoperative panoramic radiograph confirmed the needle's retrieval.

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