title: Scanning electron microscopic investigation of the surface of gutta-percha cones after cutting.
abstract: The surface of auxiliary gutta-percha cones after cutting with different methods was evaluated. The tips of gutta-percha cones size fine were cut off using scissors, a razor blade against a glass slab, a razor blade combined with a calibrator, or a razor blade/calibrator followed by a further cutting with a razor blade against a glass slab. Samples were examined under scanning electron microscopy. Cutting with scissors and razor blade/calibrator produced significant irregularities in the cone surface. Cutting with razor blades against a glass slab, with or without previous use of a calibrator, allowed the development of a smooth gutta-percha cone surface.
authors.affiliation: Brazilian Association of Endodontics, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Lopes
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Siqueira
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Elias
mesh_terms: D006171:Gutta-Percha; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000379:methods*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D006171:Gutta-Percha