title: Gutta-percha: a look at the need for sterilization.
abstract: Many have argued that the prevention of contamination becomes a problem when gutta-percha cones are used to obturate the root canal space. This study evaluated the extent of contamination of commercially available gutta-percha cones taken directly from the manufacturer's box. Results show that if gutta-percha is not intentionally contaminated, there is no need for chemical decontamination before obturation.
authors.affiliation: Endodontic Department, Advanced Endodontic Program, University of Southern California, School of Dentistry, 925 W. 34th St., Room 124C, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, USA.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Namazikhah
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Trnavsky
mesh_terms: D001407:Bacillus / Q000187:drug effects; D001729:Bismuth / Q000494:pharmacology; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D019552:Infection Control, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D008709:Methenamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000494:pharmacology; D012834:Silver / Q000494:pharmacology; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000494:pharmacology; D013242:Sterilization; D014025:Titanium / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D012834:Silver; C028044:epoxy resin AH-26; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D014025:Titanium; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite; D008709:Methenamine; D001729:Bismuth