Thermal Properties of Contemporary and Conventional Gutta Percha Materials Used in Root Canal Treatment.

摘要

Purpose: The major goal in root canal treatment is to fill the prepared, internal root canal system with a material that will prevent leakage and re-infection. The sealing ability of this root canal filling material is an important factor in reaching this goal.1 Naturally-occurring gutta percha (trans-1, 4-polyisoprene) has been traditionally used during endodontic (e.g., root canal) treatment as a material to obturate and seal prepared root canal spaces. Gutta percha can exist in two distinct crystalline configurations which are traditionally defined by temperature. The energy afforded at higher temperatures allows the gutta percha to exist in an "extended" conformation (alpha phase) that is hallmarked by an almost fully amorphous, liquid-like state. Upon cooling, the alpha phase is transformed back into a more stable, crystalline material (beta phase) that possesses the physical properties desired for the final root canal seal Discussion: During the past five years, a plethora of new dental gutta percha materials have been marketed for various endodontic treatment techniques. Noted confusion now exists for the proper use within the dental community concerning these newer materials. Of utmost concern is that many of these newer materials are marketed the same as traditional gutta percha: this perplexity has resulted in some newer materials to be used in the wrong technique. Endodontic treatment needs are one of the chief reasons for active duty not being world-wide qualified. Furthermore, root canal retreatment is manpower demanding and incurs additional treatment risk. Furthermore, the data produced from this research will serve as a standard guide of gutta percha materials for clinicians within the Department of Defense for the most optimal treatment of our military beneficiaries.