PREVALENCE OF IATROGENIC PERFORATIONS ACCORDING TO THEIR LOCATION AND AFFECTED ROOT SURFACES

Background: The location of the endodontic perforation has shown a strong correlation with the healing process and successful outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of iatrogenic perforations according to their location and affected root surfaces. Materials and methods: Over a period of 7 years, 100 cases of iatrogenic root perforations were recorded from the digital radiographs of each case. The perforations were classified according to the following criteria: (1) perforation location – cervical, furcation, stripping, lateral, and apical (2) affected root surface. The prevalence of different types of perforation was calculated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Among all types of perforations, the most common are those located in the furcation area of the molars (46%), followed by lateral root perforation (35.8%). The mesial root surfaces are most often affected by iatrogenic perforations (71.9%), followed by the distal ones (21%). Conclusion: Prior to root canal treatment, it is essential to assess the morphologic conditions in the key areas prone to iatrogenic perforations.