Survey of endodontic retreatment methods used to remove intraradicular posts

A survey was conducted to determine the frequency and popularity of contemporary methods used in endodontic retreatment to remove intraradicular posts. Opinions and rationales were also sought for the choice of surgical management instead of nonsurgical retreatment. A questionnaire was sent to 571 active Diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics with 324 members responding (56.7%). Hand instruments, such as hemostats or special forceps, were the most commonly used, often in conjunction with ultrasonic or sonic vibration to loosen the post or break down the cement interface. A wide range of rationales was identified for the use of surgical retreatment methods, with failure to remove the post after reasonable nonsurgical efforts being the most often cited.