Root canal retreatment and repair of iatrogenic perforation: A case report

Introduction. Root perforations may occur following endodontic treatment, thus compromising the root integrity and treatment outcome. Case Report. A patient presented with a root canal perforation following an earlier treatment of the upper left lateral incisor (tooth 22). Once the diagnosis of a symptomatic periapical periodontitis was established, a decision was made to retreat the root canal using mineral trioxide aggregate and perform apicoectomy. The procedure was performed in three sessions and two follow-up visits, after 12 and 18 months, respectively. At the last follow-up, bone neoformation was observed in the periapical region of the treated tooth. Conclusion. Successful outcome in this case depended on appropriate diagnosis, root canal and surgical site disinfection, as well as sealing of the root canal perforation to prevent recontamination.