title: Densitometric measurement of radiopacity of Gutta-percha cones and root dentin.
abstract: National and international standards require that gutta-percha cones be sufficiently radiopaque to be distinguished from natural structures such as dentin and to permit evaluation of the density of the root canal filling. Discs, 1-mm thick, made from 15 commercial and experimental brands of gutta-percha cones, were tested for their compliance with the requirements. The radiopacity of 1-mm thick root dentin slabs was similarly measured with a photo-densitometer. All radiographs were made on D-speed occlusal film and replicated on E-speed film. The mean radiopacity of the gutta-percha discs on D-speed film was 7.26 mm of aluminum equivalent and 7.53 mm on E-speed film, greatly exceeding the minimal requirement of 3 mm. The difference in the values obtained with the two film types was not significant, suggesting that E-speed films may be used for the test. Dentin slabs were uniform in their radiopacity, equivalent to 1 mm of aluminum, confirming previous findings. In view of complaints of insufficient clinical performance, the present minimal requirement for radiopacity of gutta-percha cones seems too low.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontology, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katz
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kaffe
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Littner
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tagger
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tamse
mesh_terms: D003720:Densitometry; D003804:Dentin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014962:X-Ray Film
chemical_list: D006171:Gutta-Percha