Root perforations: classification and treatment choices based on prognostic factors.

Root perforations are common complications of endodontic treatment or post preparation and often lead to tooth extraction. Successful treatment depends mainly on immediate sealing of the perforation and prevention of infection. Several factors affect the achievement of these goals, most important of which are: time of occurrence, size, and location of the perforation. A classification of root perforations, based on the above factors, is presented to assist the clinician in the choice of the treatment protocol which will give the best possible results when a perforation is diagnosed.