title: Alternative solvents to chloroform for gutta-percha removal.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate new or previously identified solvents for effectiveness in dissolving gutta-percha. The solubility of a standardized weight of gutta-percha was tested in 5-ml quantities of 32 solvents. Ten samples of 30 solvents were tested at both 22 and 37 degrees C for 15 min. If the gutta-percha samples dissolved within 15 min, the times were recorded and statistically analyzed. There was no significant difference (p greater than 0.05, one-way analysis of variance and Scheffe's test) between dissolving times of chloroform and trichloroethylene at 22 and 37 degrees C. At 22 degrees C, three solvents dissolved the gutta-percha sample, whereas at 37 degrees C, nine solvents dissolved the gutta-percha. At 37 degrees C, halothane (Fluothane) was twice as effective as cineole and demonstrated many favorable working qualities. An important finding from the experimentation with halothane was the discovery of a potential obturating material, which was termed "halopercha".
authors.affiliation: Naval Dental School, Bethesda, MD.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Wourms
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Hicks
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Pelleu
mesh_terms: D002725:Chloroform; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000737:chemistry*; D006221:Halothane; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods; D012995:Solubility; D012997:Solvents; D014241:Trichloroethylene
chemical_list: D012997:Solvents; D014241:Trichloroethylene; D002725:Chloroform; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006221:Halothane