Current concepts in gutta-percha removal in endodontic retreatment

Effective removal of gutta-percha (GP) in endodontic retreatment is a significant factor in creating successful outcomes from failed procedures. Ideally, gutta-percha removal must be efficient, not predispose the tooth to subsequent failure through iatrogenic events, and clean the existing canals so that subsequent irrigants can effectively and biomechanically cleanse the root canal system. All things being equal, it is recommended that GP be removed without solvents in the coronal two-thirds of canals as much as possible and with solvents in the apical third. Rotary nickel titanium files and the SystemB heat source (SybronEndo, Orange, CA) are significant adjuncts in effective GP removal.