Clinical management of lateral canal perforation with MTA

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical effect of repair of lateral root canal perforation with MTA(mineral trioxide aggregate). Methods: 20 teeth with root canal perforation were selected. The root canals were shaped using Ni-Ti rotary instruments Hero 642, cleaned using sodium hypochlorite, and then obturated with gutta-percha before or after the perforation was repaired by MTA under dental operating microscope. Results: The postoperative X-ray films showed that the perforation of 19 teeth was repaired well, except one tooth with large and infected perforation. 11 cases showed a little over-filling of MTA. 18 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. Conclusion: MTA is effective in treatment of teeth with root canal perforation, even though the material is over-filled.