What are the best materials available for repairing perforations?
A. In general, ProRoot (Dentsply Tulsa Dental) is the restorative material of choice to repair virtually all perforation defects. The original ProRoot was only available as a grayish-colored material which may have precluded its use when there was an esthetic consideration. Fortunately, however, ProRoot has recently become available in a tooth-colored material as well. Other tooth-colored restoratives, such as a dual cured composite, require the placement of a barrier so the material is not contaminated by moisture during use. A barrier serves as a “hemostatic” and a “backstop” so a restorative material can be placed into a clean, dry preparation with control. Calcium sulfate is the barrier of choice when using the principles of wet bonding, is biocompatible, osteogenic, resorbable, and following placement, sets brick-hard. When set, calcium sulfate is trimmed back to the cavo surface of the root. A dual cured, tooth-colored restorative can now be placed against the barrier and utilize
