Retrograde sealing of accidental root perforations with dentin-bonded composite resin

Surgical treatment was performed on 100 iatrogen perforations, of which 94 showed radiolucency of bone adjacent to the perforation and 83 presence of an exposed post. The perforations were in all cases sealed with a resin composite (Retroplast) bonded to adjacent root dentin with a dentin bonding agent (Gluma). Cases were examined after approximately 1 yr (first recall) and, if necessary after 1 1/2 to 11 yr (mean: 4.1 yr) (latest recall). It was observed that the presence or absence of bone on the root between the perforation and cervix at the time of operation had no significant effect on the healing result, and that the radiographic classification "partial" healing with a border of cortical bone or a lamina dura often remained unchanged for many years. At latest recall, the healing result of 65 teeth originally having root perforation elsewhere than at the furcation was: 71% complete, 11% partial, 3% uncertain, and 15% failure. This is significantly different from the healing result of 27 molar teeth originally having perforation at the furcation: 30% complete, 41% partial, 11% uncertain, and 18% failure.