An removal of gutta-percha and root canal sealer: a literature review and an audit comparing current practice in dental schools.
Endodontic failures often require non-surgical retreatment. The most common root canal obturating material is gutta-percha (GP), used in conjunction with various sealers. GP removal can be undertaken thermally and/or mechanically with or without solvents, however, no published guidelines exist. Following a literature review, an audit was undertaken comparing current endodontic practice in Belfast Dental School with the other dental schools across the UK and Republic of Ireland. From the findings, Belfast Dental School decided to introduce rotary files and chloroform to its Conservation Clinic with restrictions for use of the latter, although solvent use is not recommended in every case.


CONCLUSIONS
Efficiency in removing both gutta-percha and root canal sealer would maximize the ability to disinfect the root canal system and therefore increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Department of Restorative Dentistry, The Royal Hospitals, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BP, Northern Ireland.
Melissa-L
ML
Good
Andrew
A
McCammon
D019230:Dental Audit; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D019233:Retreatment; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000009:adverse effects; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation; D012575:Schools, Dental; D006113:United Kingdom
D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D006171:Gutta-Percha