Effect of three gutta-percha solvents

Abstract

We assessed the ability of chloroform, eucalyptol and D-Limonene to dissolve 4 different #140 gutta-percha cones and 5 different thermoplasticized gutta-percha filling materials (Obtura II, Thermafil, Ultrafil Regular Set, Ultrafil Firm Set and Endo Set). The 8 gutta-percha samples were immersed in the solvents for 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes, and dried at 37℃. The decrease in weight was then calculated. Chloroform was the most effective of the solvents used in this study. D-Limonene and eucalyptol were not as effective, and there was no significant difference between the two in solubility. Thermoplasticized gutta-percha dissolved more rapidly than standardized gutta-percha cones. Ultrafil in particular dissolved more rapidly than Obtura II or Thermafil.