title: Comparative evaluation of tensile strength of Gutta-percha cones with a herbal disinfectant.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate and compare the tensile strength values and influence of taper on the tensile strength of Gutta-percha (GP) cones after disinfection with sodium hypochlorite (SH) and Aloe vera gel (AV).
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty GP cones of size 110, 2% taper, 60 GP cones F3 ProTaper, and 60 GP of size 30, 6% taper were obtained from sealed packs as three different groups. Experimental groups were disinfected with 5.25% SH and 90% AV gel except the control group. Tensile strengths of GP were measured using the universal testing machine.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean tensile strength values for Group IA, IIA and IIIA are 11.8 MPa, 8.69 MPa, and 9.24 MPa, respectively. Results were subjected to statistical analysis one-way analysis of variance test and Tukey post-hoc test. 5.25% SH solutions decreased the tensile strength of GP cones whereas with 90% AV gel it was not significantly altered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ninety percent Aloe vera gel as a disinfectant does not alter the tensile strength of GP cones.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Raghunandhan Raju
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Mahali
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Vikarabad, Telangana, India.
authors.forename: Binoy
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dola
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Rambabu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tanikonda
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, GSL Dental College, Rajamundry, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Suresh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Peddireddi
keywords: Aloe vera; Gutta-percha cones; disinfection; sodium hypochlorite; tensile strength