title: Assessment of the tip surface of gutta-percha cones after different cutting methods.
abstract: The surface of gutta-percha cones was evaluated after using five different cutting methods, including a new TipSnip device. The gutta-percha cones were cut off using: 1) TipSnip, 2) a single cut with a scalpel blade using a gauge, 3) two cuts with a scalpel blade using a gauge, 4) a razor blade against a glass slab or 5) scissors. Samples were examined under stereomicroscopy and observed by three highly qualified evaluators. The Kappa coefficient with a 95% confidence interval was used and all scores were tabulated and analyzed statistically using a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test with a 5% significance level. Cutting with scissors produced significant irregularities in the cone surface, providing the worst result. TipSnip, two cuts with scalpel blade, and cut with a razor against a glass slab provided the best results. A regular surface on the tips of gutta-percha cones improves apical fit, and may be achieved by means of different cutting methods.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry of Piracicaba, State University of Campinas. nogueiraemmanuel@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Emmanuel J N L
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Ana C J B
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Rocha
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Daniel R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Herrera
authors.forename: Tauby S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Coutinho-Filho
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D006171:Gutta-Percha