INTRODUCTION: Various procedures along the course of an endodontic treatment may lead to perforations. The prognosis of perforated teeth depends on perforation location, perforation size, and time from occurrence. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the prevalence of root perforations and associated pathological changes in the adjacent periodontal tissues. METHODS: Full periapical status surveys and medical records of 2,002 patients with a total of 56,175 teeth were evaluated. RESULTS: Of a total of 5,048 root canal-treated teeth, 116 root perforations were identified in 101 patients. Associated pathological changes in the adjacent periodontal tissues were identified in 81 teeth with perforations. The patient's age, perforation location and size, and tooth type significantly influenced the occurrence of perforation associated periodontal damage. CONCLUSIONS: When a perforation occurs, the main treatment goal is to prevent long-lasting injury to the periodontium. Better knowledge of the prevalence of perforations and their possible predictors may assist the clinician in the prevention and treatment of iatrogenic root perforations. Copyright (c) 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
INTRODUCTION: Various procedures along the course of an endodontic treatment may lead to perforations. The prognosis of perforated teeth depends on perforation location, perforation size, and time from occurrence. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the prevalence of root perforations and associated pathological changes in the adjacent periodontal tissues. METHODS: Full periapical status surveys and medical records of 2,002 patients with a total of 56,175 teeth were evaluated. RESULTS: Of a total of 5,048 root canal-treated teeth, 116 root perforations were identified in 101 patients. Associated pathological changes in the adjacent periodontal tissues were identified in 81 teeth with perforations. The patient's age, perforation location and size, and tooth type significantly influenced the occurrence of perforation associated periodontal damage. CONCLUSIONS: When a perforation occurs, the main treatment goal is to prevent long-lasting injury to the periodontium. Better knowledge of the prevalence of perforations and their possible predictors may assist the clinician in the prevention and treatment of iatrogenic root perforations. Copyright (c) 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.