Abstract

PATEL, E  and  OWEN, C P. The use of textural analysis to test the hardness and penetrability of three types of gutta percha cones when exposed to two endodontic solvents. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2016, vol.71, n.8, pp.346-350. ISSN 0375-1562.

AIM: Gutta-percha (GP) is removed from root canals by mechanical instrumentation used in conjunction with solvents such as Xylene and Eucalyptus oil. This study used textural analysis to test changes in the penetrability and hardness of Conventional GP, Thermafil^® and Guttacore™ when exposed to these solvents: rigidity was used for hardness and deformation energy and resilience for penetrability. METHODS: GP cones (n=81) were tested prior to, and following, solvent exposure. For each outcome variable, results were tabulated by group. Between-group differences were assessed employing a General Linear Model, with the outcome as the dependent variable and the solvent, GP type and solvent-GP type interaction as the independent variables. RESULTS: Significant differences in rigidity and deformation energy were observed. Resilience decreased in Thermafil and Guttacore, but increased in Conventional GP. A greater reduction in the hardness of Thermafil was observed with Eucalyptus oil. Conventional GP was susceptible to both solvents but penetrability decreased with Xylene. Guttacore was significantly altered by both solvents. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the toxicity profile of Xylene, and the biocompatibility and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptol, Eucalyptus oil is recommended for use during endodontic retreatment.

Keywords : Gutta percha; hardness; penetrability; solvents.

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