The investigation of thermal behaviour and physical properties of several types of contemporary gutta-percha points

Abstract

Aim: To analyse the contents and thermal behaviour of several brands of contemporary gutta-percha points due to the variable nature of the components of gutta-percha, and the impact they can have on the physical properties of this unique material during canal filling. Methodology: Six brands of gutta-percha were investigated: Conform Fit TM Gutta-Percha Points for ProTaper Gold® (PTG) (Dentsply Sirona), ProTaper® Universal Gutta-Percha Points (PTU) (Dentsply Sirona), Autofit TM Feathered Tip Gutta Percha (Kerr), Mtwo® Gutta-Percha (VDW), Gutta Percha Root Canal Points (GC, GC Corporation) and Gutta-Percha Points ISO Color-Coded (ISO; Dentsply Sirona). The organic and inorganic fractions of gutta-percha points were separated by quantitative chemical analysis. Thermal conductivity was detected using a laser flash method. In addition, the thermal behaviour of gutta-percha in response to temperature variations was analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests were applied for comparisons amongst groups for chemical compositions and temperature obtained from DSC. The associations between compositions and thermal conductivity were determined using simple linear regression. A p value .05). Conclusions: Chemical compositions and initial phase changing temperature by DSC varied according to the various brands of gutta-percha points. Conform Fit TM gutta-percha had the lowest percentage of inorganic fraction and thermal conductivity amongst these six brands of gutta-percha. Thermal conductivity had the strongest positive correlation with the percentage of inorganic components and zinc, whilst there was a negative correlation to the amount (ratio) of gutta-percha.