Efficient and effective root canal retreatment without chloroform

A root canal retreatment technique is described which eliminates the need for chloroform as a gutta percha solvent. This technique utilizes the gutta percha softening actions of both a self-heating instrument and the heat-potentiated solvent action of eucalyptol. In addition, sonics/ultrasonics and/or Gates-Glidden drills are suggested as useful adjuncts to canal debridement during re-preparation of the canal system. Given the controversy regarding the toxicity of chloroform, both for dental patients and dental personnel, practitioners may wish to consider using this retreatment technique to eliminate chloroform from endodontic retreatment procedures, while still achieving effective, efficient root canal retreatment.