Assessment of the tip surface of gutta-percha cones after different cutting methods

• Published in: Acta odontológica latinoamericana Vol. 24; no. 3; pp. 236 - 239
• Main Authors: Silva, Emmanuel J N L, Rocha, Ana C J B, Ferreira, Claudio, Herrera, Daniel R, Coutinho-Filho, Tauby S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Argentina Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Odontológica 2011
• Subjects: Dentistry; DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE; Equipment Design; Gutta-Percha; Root Canal Obturation - instrumentation; Root Canal Obturation - methods; Gutta-percha; Root canal obturation; Material obturador; Obturación de conductos radiculares; Gutapercha; Root canal filling materials
• ISSN: 0326-4815; 1852-4834; 1852-4834

The surface of gutta-percha cones was evaluated after using five different cutting methods, including a new TipSnip device. The gutta-percha cones were cut off using: 1) TipSnip, 2) a single cut with a scalpel blade using a gauge, 3) two cuts with a scalpel blade using a gauge, 4) a razor blade against a glass slab or 5) scissors. Samples were examined under stereomicroscopy and observed by three highly qualified evaluators. The Kappa coefficient with a 95% confidence interval was used and all scores were tabulated and analyzed statistically using a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test with a 5% significance level. Cutting with scissors produced significant irregularities in the cone surface, providing the worst result. TipSnip, two cuts with scalpel blade, and cut with a razor against a glass slab provided the best results. A regular surface on the tips of gutta-percha cones improves apical fit, and may be achieved by means of different cutting methods.