Absorbency properties of different brands of standardized endodontic paper points

A comparative study of the absorbency properties of different endodontic paper points has been conducted. Twenty standardized absorbent paper points, size 30, from 13 bands (Dentaline, Zipperer, Kerr, Diadent, Roeko novo, Roeko color, Maillefer, P.D., Schein, Spectrapoint, Proclinic, Euronda, and Alpro) of 12 manufacturers were tested. Each dry paper point was weighted using an electronic laboratory balance. A length of 16 mm from the tip was then lowered in distilled water for 5 s, the paper point was weighted again, and the difference between both measurements was taken as the value of the fluid absorbed. Diadent, Kerr, and Dentalite showed significantly higher absorbencies (p < 0.05) than standardized paper points of the remaining brands. The study demonstrates a wide variation in the absorbency properties of this dental accessory.