Gutta-percha in endodontics - A comprehensive review of material science

Abstract

The complete and three-dimensional fluid tight seal of the root canal system is the final component of the endodontic triad. The long-standing and closest material which has fulfilled this criterion is gutta-percha (GP). Several materials have been tried and tested as an endodontic filling material, of which GP has been most extensively used for years and has established itself as a gold standard. In addition, it has proved itself successful with different techniques of obturation while maintaining its basic requisites. This article deals briefly with the history and evolution of GP, source, chemical composition, manufacturing, disinfection, cross-reactivity, and advancements in the material.

Heat Induced Alterations of the Endodontically Treated Teeth for the Forensic Identifications: An in Vitro Study

“…Another aspect of gutta-percha is that it is a thermoplastic material, which is characterized by soft consistency from 60°C (melting point). The physical properties of tensile strength, stiffness, brittleness, and radiopacity depend on the organic (Gutta-percha polymer and resins/wax) and inorganic components (zinc oxide and metal sulfates) ( 13 ). At 800°C, the radiopacity of the gutta-percha is still visible because it contains a radiopacifier, barium sulphate.…”

Harnessing biomolecules for bioinspired dental biomaterials

“…In these cases, necrotic pulp must be removed, the intracanal system disinfected (antimicrobial options for this are discussed in Section 2.1.3), and the pulp chamber filled with a restorative material. 426,431 The absence of living tissue in the intracanal space prevents the possibility of pulp regeneration when using Fig. 7 Hard and soft periodontal tissues susceptible to disease and infection necessitating bioinspired dental biomaterial therapies.…”

Effect of volumetric shrinkage of restorative materials on tooth structure: A finite element analysis

“…2 In the mid-19th century, the thermoplastic gutta-percha was introduced as a root canal filling material. 3 Plasticity made it durable and easy to fill in the curvilinear root canals because it is important that it should adopt the shape of the root canal. 2 Later on, a strong necessity of endodontic sealers was realized after observing the clinical and radiographic signs of apical periodontitis in the root canal filled with gutta-percha.…”