Abstract: A method of removing an endodontic instrument fragment from a root canal, and a retrieving assembly for practicing the method. A wire is formed into a loop having two free ends opposite the loop. The free ends of the wire are passed through an elongated tube so that the loop extends from one side of the tube and the free ends extend from the opposite side of the tube. The loop is bent so that it makes a positive angle with respect to the tube, and the loop and a portion of the tube are inserted into the root canal alongside the fragment. The loop is slid passed the fragment so that the closed portion of the loop is on the opposite side of the fragment than the tube, and then the free ends of the wire are gripped with a hemostat and the hemostat is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the tube, to cause the loop and tube to tightly hold the fragment. Then the tube and loop, with tightly held fragment, are withdrawn from the root canal.