Analysis of the Risks of Needle Fracture in Dental Procedures: Literature Review

Authors

  • Jaqueline Alves Bezerra Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya
  • Luma Camilly de Santana Santos Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya
  • Caio Cesar Silva França Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya
  • Eduardo Souza de Lobão Veras Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya
  • Matheus Araújo Brito Santos Lopes Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya
  • Elesbão Ferreira Viana Júnior Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2025v7n10p620-637

Keywords:

Prevention, Needlestick Accident, Complications, Needlestick Fracture, Dentistry

Abstract

Introduction: The use of disposable dental needles has significantly reduced cases of fracture during clinical procedures. Even so, this complication can still occur, usually associated with incorrect use of the needles, either due to excessive force, sudden and unpredictable movements on the part of patients or even a combination of these factors. Objective: The aim of this study is to carry out a literature review on the risks of needle fracture during dental procedures, addressing its etiology, risk factors, clinical implications, preventive measures and recommended conduct in the face of this complication. Methodology: This work analyzes studies through a bibliographic search related to the occurrence of needle fracture, however, national and international databases were used, namely Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), PubMed, using descriptors such as: Prevention; needle accident; complications; needle fracture; and dentistry; combined with the Boolean system “AND” and “OR”, published in the years 2015 to 2025. Results: Smaller gauge needles present a higher risk of fracture compared to thicker ones. It is also important to take into account the possibility of manufacturing defects or imperfections in commercially available needles. Conclusion: In cases where a needle fracture occurs, it is essential to request complementary tests in order to precisely identify the location of the fragment. It is therefore essential that dental professionals understand that, in addition to mastering clinical techniques, it is equally important to know how to guide patients in specific situations. Transmitting confidence and serenity during care is essential to avoid resistance on the part of the patient, and this attitude is just as important as the technical skills needed to handle the case effectively.

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Author Biographies

Jaqueline Alves Bezerra, Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya

Introduction: The use of disposable dental needles has significantly reduced cases of fracture during clinical procedures. Even so, this complication can still occur, usually associated with incorrect use of the needles, either due to excessive force, sudden and unpredictable movements on the part of patients or even a combination of these factors. Objective: The aim of this study is to carry out a literature review on the risks of needle fracture during dental procedures, addressing its etiology, risk factors, clinical implications, preventive measures and recommended conduct in the face of this complication. Methodology: This work analyzes studies through a bibliographic search related to the occurrence of needle fracture, however, national and international databases were used, namely Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), PubMed, using descriptors such as: Prevention; needle accident; complications; needle fracture; and dentistry; combined with the Boolean system “AND” and “OR”, published in the years 2015 to 2025. Results: Smaller gauge needles present a higher risk of fracture compared to thicker ones. It is also important to take into account the possibility of manufacturing defects or imperfections in commercially available needles. Conclusion: In cases where a needle fracture occurs, it is essential to request complementary tests in order to precisely identify the location of the fragment. It is therefore essential that dental professionals understand that, in addition to mastering clinical techniques, it is equally important to know how to guide patients in specific situations. Transmitting confidence and serenity during care is essential to avoid resistance on the part of the patient, and this attitude is just as important as the technical skills needed to handle the case effectively.

Luma Camilly de Santana Santos , Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya

Introduction: The use of disposable dental needles has significantly reduced cases of fracture during clinical procedures. Even so, this complication can still occur, usually associated with incorrect use of the needles, either due to excessive force, sudden and unpredictable movements on the part of patients or even a combination of these factors. Objective: The aim of this study is to carry out a literature review on the risks of needle fracture during dental procedures, addressing its etiology, risk factors, clinical implications, preventive measures and recommended conduct in the face of this complication. Methodology: This work analyzes studies through a bibliographic search related to the occurrence of needle fracture, however, national and international databases were used, namely Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), PubMed, using descriptors such as: Prevention; needle accident; complications; needle fracture; and dentistry; combined with the Boolean system “AND” and “OR”, published in the years 2015 to 2025. Results: Smaller gauge needles present a higher risk of fracture compared to thicker ones. It is also important to take into account the possibility of manufacturing defects or imperfections in commercially available needles. Conclusion: In cases where a needle fracture occurs, it is essential to request complementary tests in order to precisely identify the location of the fragment. It is therefore essential that dental professionals understand that, in addition to mastering clinical techniques, it is equally important to know how to guide patients in specific situations. Transmitting confidence and serenity during care is essential to avoid resistance on the part of the patient, and this attitude is just as important as the technical skills needed to handle the case effectively.

Caio Cesar Silva França , Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya

Introduction: The use of disposable dental needles has significantly reduced cases of fracture during clinical procedures. Even so, this complication can still occur, usually associated with incorrect use of the needles, either due to excessive force, sudden and unpredictable movements on the part of patients or even a combination of these factors. Objective: The aim of this study is to carry out a literature review on the risks of needle fracture during dental procedures, addressing its etiology, risk factors, clinical implications, preventive measures and recommended conduct in the face of this complication. Methodology: This work analyzes studies through a bibliographic search related to the occurrence of needle fracture, however, national and international databases were used, namely Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), PubMed, using descriptors such as: Prevention; needle accident; complications; needle fracture; and dentistry; combined with the Boolean system “AND” and “OR”, published in the years 2015 to 2025. Results: Smaller gauge needles present a higher risk of fracture compared to thicker ones. It is also important to take into account the possibility of manufacturing defects or imperfections in commercially available needles. Conclusion: In cases where a needle fracture occurs, it is essential to request complementary tests in order to precisely identify the location of the fragment. It is therefore essential that dental professionals understand that, in addition to mastering clinical techniques, it is equally important to know how to guide patients in specific situations. Transmitting confidence and serenity during care is essential to avoid resistance on the part of the patient, and this attitude is just as important as the technical skills needed to handle the case effectively.

Eduardo Souza de Lobão Veras , Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya

Introduction: The use of disposable dental needles has significantly reduced cases of fracture during clinical procedures. Even so, this complication can still occur, usually associated with incorrect use of the needles, either due to excessive force, sudden and unpredictable movements on the part of patients or even a combination of these factors. Objective: The aim of this study is to carry out a literature review on the risks of needle fracture during dental procedures, addressing its etiology, risk factors, clinical implications, preventive measures and recommended conduct in the face of this complication. Methodology: This work analyzes studies through a bibliographic search related to the occurrence of needle fracture, however, national and international databases were used, namely Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), PubMed, using descriptors such as: Prevention; needle accident; complications; needle fracture; and dentistry; combined with the Boolean system “AND” and “OR”, published in the years 2015 to 2025. Results: Smaller gauge needles present a higher risk of fracture compared to thicker ones. It is also important to take into account the possibility of manufacturing defects or imperfections in commercially available needles. Conclusion: In cases where a needle fracture occurs, it is essential to request complementary tests in order to precisely identify the location of the fragment. It is therefore essential that dental professionals understand that, in addition to mastering clinical techniques, it is equally important to know how to guide patients in specific situations. Transmitting confidence and serenity during care is essential to avoid resistance on the part of the patient, and this attitude is just as important as the technical skills needed to handle the case effectively.

Matheus Araújo Brito Santos Lopes , Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya

Introduction: The use of disposable dental needles has significantly reduced cases of fracture during clinical procedures. Even so, this complication can still occur, usually associated with incorrect use of the needles, either due to excessive force, sudden and unpredictable movements on the part of patients or even a combination of these factors. Objective: The aim of this study is to carry out a literature review on the risks of needle fracture during dental procedures, addressing its etiology, risk factors, clinical implications, preventive measures and recommended conduct in the face of this complication. Methodology: This work analyzes studies through a bibliographic search related to the occurrence of needle fracture, however, national and international databases were used, namely Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), PubMed, using descriptors such as: Prevention; needle accident; complications; needle fracture; and dentistry; combined with the Boolean system “AND” and “OR”, published in the years 2015 to 2025. Results: Smaller gauge needles present a higher risk of fracture compared to thicker ones. It is also important to take into account the possibility of manufacturing defects or imperfections in commercially available needles. Conclusion: In cases where a needle fracture occurs, it is essential to request complementary tests in order to precisely identify the location of the fragment. It is therefore essential that dental professionals understand that, in addition to mastering clinical techniques, it is equally important to know how to guide patients in specific situations. Transmitting confidence and serenity during care is essential to avoid resistance on the part of the patient, and this attitude is just as important as the technical skills needed to handle the case effectively.

Elesbão Ferreira Viana Júnior , Centro Universitário Uninovafapi | Afya

Introduction: The use of disposable dental needles has significantly reduced cases of fracture during clinical procedures. Even so, this complication can still occur, usually associated with incorrect use of the needles, either due to excessive force, sudden and unpredictable movements on the part of patients or even a combination of these factors. Objective: The aim of this study is to carry out a literature review on the risks of needle fracture during dental procedures, addressing its etiology, risk factors, clinical implications, preventive measures and recommended conduct in the face of this complication. Methodology: This work analyzes studies through a bibliographic search related to the occurrence of needle fracture, however, national and international databases were used, namely Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), PubMed, using descriptors such as: Prevention; needle accident; complications; needle fracture; and dentistry; combined with the Boolean system “AND” and “OR”, published in the years 2015 to 2025. Results: Smaller gauge needles present a higher risk of fracture compared to thicker ones. It is also important to take into account the possibility of manufacturing defects or imperfections in commercially available needles. Conclusion: In cases where a needle fracture occurs, it is essential to request complementary tests in order to precisely identify the location of the fragment. It is therefore essential that dental professionals understand that, in addition to mastering clinical techniques, it is equally important to know how to guide patients in specific situations. Transmitting confidence and serenity during care is essential to avoid resistance on the part of the patient, and this attitude is just as important as the technical skills needed to handle the case effectively.

References

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Published

2025-10-12

How to Cite

Bezerra, J. A., Santos , L. C. de S., França , C. C. S., Veras , E. S. de L., Lopes , M. A. B. S., & Júnior , E. F. V. (2025). Analysis of the Risks of Needle Fracture in Dental Procedures: Literature Review. Brazilian Journal of Implantology and Health Sciences, 7(10), 620–637. https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2025v7n10p620-637