Which instrument is used to remove tissue from within the canal using a barbed tip?

• A. Barbed broach
• B. Root canal file
• C. Apex locator
• D. Fill canal with paste

Answer: (A)

In endodontic instrumentation, the barbed broach is specifically designed to remove tissue from inside the canal. Its slender, flexible wire has tiny barbs along its tip that grip pulpal tissue as you insert and gently rotate it, pulling the tissue up and out as you withdraw. This makes it ideal for clearing tissue remnants from the canal walls, a task that other tools aren’t specialized for. A root canal file is used mainly to enlarge and smooth the canal and to scrub away debris, not to actively pull tissue out with barbs. An apex locator helps determine working length, and filling the canal with paste is part of obturation, not tissue removal.