Calcium Silicate Cements Application in Lateral Root Perforation Repair: A Case Report with 16-Month Follow-Up ()
1. Introduction
According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), perforation is defined as “the mechanical or pathologic communication between the root canal system and the external tooth surface” [1].
In the course of endodontic treatment, clinicians confront the need to manage perforations, resulting from operator errors during access preparation, canal negotiation, root canal preparation or internal/external resorption process [2] [3]. If the perforated tooth has strategic value, an indication for repair should be considered [4]. Location of the perforation and time between perforation occurrence and closure, are essential factors for successful repair. Close to the gingival sulcus, the prognosis is uncertain due to contamination with bacteria. If communication is not treated promptly, apical migration of epithelium can occur developing a periodontal defect. Large perforations cause more damage in surrounding tissues, making more arduous sealing and repair due to continuous contamination [5] [6].
Tri-Calcium silicate (Ca3SiO5) cements have been utilized as bone cement and recently have been used because of exceptional sealing ability, biocompatibility and bioactivity, as well as regenerative capabilities and antibacterial properties [7] [8] [9]. A material is considered bioactive when induces a positive response from the host. The major source of Ca2+ released comes from the hydration reaction of calcium silicates, and the consequent production of calcium hydroxide [10] [11]. Moisture is necessary for setting reaction and trigger the formation of apatite deposits through bone/osteoblast bioactivity. Apatite deposition can contribute to preserving sealing, through osteoconductivity, osteoinductivity and biocompatibility [12].
This case report describes the treatment and management of lateral root perforation with tri/dicalcium silicate cement and subsequent follow-up after 16 months.
2. Case Report
A 55-years-old Hispanic/latino-white male patient was referred to Endodontic Department at University of Buenos Aires 7 days after iatrogenic perforation during endodontic access on maxillary left lateral incisor. The patient’s medical history was non-relevant and he rejected any systemic disease and medication allergies. After clinical examination, a temporary restoration was observed and patient accused some discomfort on the attached gingiva. Radiographic examination revealed radiolucency parallel to the long axis compromising the upper third of the tooth (Figure 1).
Local infiltration anesthesia was administered using 4% carticaine and 1:100.000
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Figure 1. Pre-operative radiograph showing temporary filling over cavity access, perforation size and location parallel to the root canal (yellow arrow), and root canal disposition.
adrenaline (Anescart Forte, SIDUS, Buenos Aires, Argentina) and then rubber dam isolation was placed. Temporary restoration was removed with high hand-piece and round burs, and pulp chamber was irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).
Perforation site was clearly identified under dental microscope 1.0 × magnification (Carl Zeiss, OPMI pico), after drying with paper points mineral trioxide aggregate (EndoSequence BC RRM Fast Set Putty, Brasseler, USA) was placed with Buchanan hand pluggers size 1 and 2 (SybronEndo Corporation, Orange, CA, USA). Working length was estimated in 5 - 6 mm controlling hand pressure and thus avoided material extrusion. Immediate restoration was achieved with glass ionomer layer over MTA. Then, orifice canal was located and size 10 stainless steel K-file (Dentsply, Ballaigues, Switzerland) was used to reach the working length estimated in 20 mm, working length radiograph was taken (Figure 2).
Rotary instrumentation was performed with 21 mm ProTaper Next rotary files (Dentsply Sirona, USA) until .30 tip size/.04 taper. Copious irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was used intermittently for removing necrotic pulp remnants and dentinal debris. Obturation was achieved using gutta-percha points size 30.04 (Meta Biomed, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea) and ADSEAL (Meta Biomed, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea) root canal sealer. A sterilized cotton pellet was placed into the pulp chamber with IRM (Dentsply, São Paulo, Brazil) provisional restoration. A post op. radiograph was taken after treatment checking root canal obturation and perforation filling (Figure 3) (Figure 4).
After 16-month follow-up, the patient did not revealed any symptoms with no tenderness to percussion or palpation tests. A digital intraoral periapical radiograph and cone beam computed tomography were taken and showed no periapical radiolucency and continuous PDL. Also, fiber post was observed and perforation filling with MTA (Figure 5) (Figure 6).
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Figure 2. Working length was determined by 15 flex-file at 20 mm.
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Figure 3. Clinical view showing root canal filling with thermoplasticized gutta-percha and MTA placed on perforation site. MTA filling was covered with a layer of glass ionomer.
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Figure 4. Immediate post-op radiograph. Note root canal obturation with gutta-percha and perforation site filled with MTA.
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Figure 5. Sixteen months recall examination. Continuous PDL and root canal filling on the apical third can be observed. Fiber post placed in the coronal and medium third of the canal, and perforation site (yellow arrow) filled with MTA.
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Figure 6. Cone-beam computed tomography (sagittal view) after sixteen months. Perforation repair, size and location (yellow arrow) can be observed. Note the dark space in the root canal (fiber post) and coronal restoration.
3. Discussion
The purpose for repairing root perforations is to preserve a healthy periodontium, arresting persistent inflammation and loss of attachment. Perforations close to the crestal bone have the lowest success rate of repair when compared to perforations in other areas of the root [2] [13]. Contamination with bacteria is possible due to the proximity to the gingival sulcus, time between perforation and repair is crucial for predictable results. Immediate sealing of perforation is essential for prevention of infection and prevention of apical migration of the epithelium to the perforation site, avoiding periodontal defect [14] [15].
The patient in this case report was referred 7 days after appointment with his dentist. He presented a large lateral root perforation on the buccal side of the root of maxillary lateral incisor.
Effective sealing ability is essential for perforations management. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), has been introduced to seal communications between the tooth and the external surfaces, [16] showing very good outcomes due to hydrophilic characteristics. Currently, is used due to multiple applications in endodontics: antimicrobial activity, root canal sealer, dimensional stability, non-toxic, and promotion of osteogenesis and cementogenesis [17]. However, the adhesive strength between MTA and dentin is still a disadvantage since MTA demand at least 3 - 4 mm to prevent microleakage. Furthermore, studies have shown that 6 mm cavities filled with MTA decreased fluid conductance around of 97% in a fluid filtration technique [18] [19]. In this case report, cavity length was determined at 5 - 6 mm.
In moist environments, MTA can release Ca2+ and OH− ions forming apatite. [20] [21]. MTA is a bioactive material that originates calcium hydroxide and stimulate formation of hydroxyapatite structures, [22] creating a hybrid layer between dentin and MTA. In this case report, MTA placed in the perforation site was ortho-grade in contact with periodontal tissues. When perforations are of significant size, overfilling to surrounding tissues should be expected.
Mainly composed of dicalcium and tricalcium silicates, inhibits macrophague differentiation into osteoclasts reducing bone resorption, and increase osteoblasts/dental pulp cells proliferation [23] [24]. In contact with blood and interstitial fluids, calcium and phosphate ions in cement and blood respectively, react and precipitate hydroxyapatite or a pseudo-apatite. This bioactivity develops the four phases of wound healing and induces osteogenesis, reconstruction of cementum and reattachment of Sharpey´s fibers [25]. Kontakiotis et al. reported that alteration in the pH of host tissues due to inflammation, could modify the physical and chemical properties influencing the hydration reaction of MTA, at lower ph present in setting process, higher is the porosity [26].
Sealing ability is a key factor for perforation/communication repair, an ideal material should grant a tight seal. Tri/dicalcium silicate cements expand by 0.2% - 6%, promoting to the sealing capacity. However, they show a certain degree of solubility to enhance the mineralization process in contact with vital tissue during setting time. Materials with high OH− and Ca2+ release are more soluble [27] [28]. In this case report, expansion and setting in moist environment properties of tri/di silicate cements were primary factors for success.
Holland et al. [29] reported that MTA is an effective material repair for root perforations. Studies in dogs’ teeth with intentional lateral root perforations repaired with MTA, showed no inflammation and cementum deposition against MTA after 30/180 days due to multiple factors, making it an interesting material for repair. Other authors found clinical success after surgical repair with MTA of a maxillary incisor with lateral perforation at the coronal third and a supracrestal root perforation of a lower left second molar after 15-month follow-up respectively [4] [30].
4. Conclusion
When root perforations occur during endodontic treatment, location, size and time of occurrence should be carefully considered. Use of tri/dicalcium silicate materials is recommended due to its ability to create an alkaline environment and releasing calcium ions necessary for precipitation of hydroxyapatite contributing to the healing of surrounding tissues. In this case report, MTA was used to seal the perforation site due to its multiple properties. The repaired tooth was clinically, functionally, and radiographically evaluated. Finally, no symptoms were found after 16-month follow-up. Based on this clinical case report, MTA is suggested as a reliable material for root perforation repair.