Clinical management of lateral canal perforation with MTA

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effect of repair of lateral root canal perforation with mineral trioxide aggregate(MTA). METHODS: 18 teeth with root canal perforation were selected. The root canals were shaped and cleaned, and then obturated with gutta-percha before or after MTA was used to repair the perforation. RESULTS: The postoperative X-ray films showed that the perforation of 17 teeth was repaired well, except one tooth with large and infected perforation. 10 cases showed a little over-filling of MTA. 16 patients were recalled and declared their teeth to be asymptomatic. The recall radiographs indicated that the apical radiolucent areas of teeth with pre-existing apical lesion decreased apparently or disappeared completely. No new radiolucency was found. CONCLUSIONS: MTA is effective in treatment of teeth with root canal perforation, even though the material is over-filled. Supported by 2004 Key Clinical Project of Medical Systems Affiliated to Ministry of Health and Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (Grant No. 5300624).