Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics

Comparative evaluation of tip diameter of different gutta-percha cones according to ISO 6877 measurement method and direct measurement method: an in vitro study: Rémy Balthazard, Renaud Giess, Loïs Martrette, Jean-Marc Martrette, Marin Vincent, Éric Mortier; J Korean Acad Conserv Dent ;Published online September 17, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5395/rde.2026.51.e42 [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract PDF: Objectives
Accurate fitting of the gutta-percha master cone is essential to ensure apical sealing and the success of endodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the dimensional variability of gutta-percha cones by assessing the conformity of their apical tip diameter to manufacturer-specified values, and to compare tip diameter (D0) determination according to ISO 6877 with a direct measurement method. Methods: Ten size 25/.06 and ten size 30/.04 gutta-percha cones from ten commercial brands were evaluated. The apical tip diameter was determined according to the ISO 6877 measurement protocol and compared with a direct measurement obtained using a profilometer. Results: A substantial number of gutta-percha cones exhibited apical tip diameters that did not correspond to manufacturer-declared values. ISO 6877-based determination of D0 yielded heterogeneous results, likely due to morphological irregularities and taper variations. In contrast, direct measurement provided more homogeneous values that were generally closer to the nominal diameter. Cones manufactured using an injection molding process demonstrated the highest dimensional consistency. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need to revise the dimensional tolerances defined by ISO standard 6877. The adoption of more precise manufacturing and quality-control processes, together with the use of direct measurement as a complementary assessment tool, may improve the reliability of the nominal dimensions of gutta-percha cones.

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Assessment of sterilization effect and the alteration of surface texture and physical properties of gutta-percha cone after short-term chemical disinfection: Nan-Sim Pang, Il-Young Jung, Yoon-Jung Yu, Kee-Yeon Kum; J Korean Acad Conserv Dent 2006;31(2):133-140. Published online March 31, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5395/JKACD.2006.31.2.133

The purposes of this study were firstly to identify the microbial species on gutta-percha (GP) cones exposed at clinics using polymerase chain reaction, and secondly to evaluate the short-term sterilization effect of three chemical disinfectants. It also evaluated the alteration of surface texture and physical properties of GP cones after 5-min soaking into three chemical disinfectants. 150 GP cones from two endodontic departments were randomly selected for microbial detection using PCR assay with universal primer. After inoculation on the sterilized GP cones with the same microorganism identified by PCR assay, they were soaked in three chemical disinfectants: 5% NaOCl, 2% Chlorhexidine, and ChloraPrep for 1, 5, 10, and 30 minutes. The sterilization effect was evaluated by turbidity and subculture. The change of surface textures using a scanning electron microscope and the tensile strength and elongation rate of the GP cones were measured using an Instron 5500 (Canton). Statistical analysis was performed.

Four bacterial species were detected in 29 GP cones (19.4%), and all the species belonged to the genus Staphylococcus. All chemical disinfectants were effective in sterilization with just 1 minute soaking. On the SEM picture of NaOCl-soaked GP cone, a cluster of cuboidal crystals was seen on the cone surface. The tensile strength of NaOCl-soaked group was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). Also, all disinfectants significantly increased the elongation rate of GP cones compared to the fresh GP cone (p < 0.05). Present data demonstrate that three chemical disinfectants are useful for rapid sterilization of GP cone just before obturation.

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Obturation efficiency of non-standardized gutta-percha cone in curved root canals prepared with 0.06 taper nickel-titanium instruments: Eun-Ah Lee, Sung-Kyo Kim; J Korean Acad Conserv Dent 2005;30(2):79-85. Published online March 31, 2005; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5395/JKACD.2005.30.2.079

Abstract PDF

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the obturation efficiency of a non-standardized gutta-percha cone in curved root canals prepared with 0.06 taper nickel-titanium instruments.

Sixty simulated curved root canals in clear resin blocks were prepared with crown-down technique using 0.06 taper rotary ProTaper™ and ProFile (Dentsply-Maillefer) until apical canal was size 30. Root canals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 15 blocks and obturated with cold-laterally compacted gutta-percha technique by using either a non-standardized size medium gutta-percha cone or an ISO-standardized size 30 one as a master cone. Gutta-percha area ratio were calculated at apical levels of 1, 3, and 5 mm using AutoCAD 2000 after cross-sectioning, and the data were analyzed with one-way and two-way ANOVAs and Duncan's multiple range test.

Non-standardized size medium cone groups showed significantly higher gutta-percha area ratio than standardized cone groups at all apical levels (p < 0.01).

Non-standardized cone groups used significantly less accessory cones than standardized cone groups (p < 0.01).

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Efficiency of Using Different Greater Taper Gutta-Percha Cones in Continuous Warm Vertical Condensation: An Ex Vivo Study
Mamata Hebbal, Reem Barakat, Rahaf Almohareb, Ghada Alaskar, Lama Alghufaily, Nouf AlFarraj, Alia Albaz
The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice.2021; 22(1): 56. CrossRef

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