Root perforations: aetiology, management strategies and outcomes. The hole truth.

The purpose of this clinical article is to emphasise that root perforations can occur both during and after endodontic treatment. These reduce the chance of a successful treatment outcome and can jeopardise the survival of the tooth. The aetiology and diagnosis of root perforations are described. The article also focusses on the non-surgical and surgical management of root perforations and describes how selection of the appropriate treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis.