Brazilian gutta-percha points. Part I: chemical composition and X-ray diffraction analysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Gutta-percha points are widely used in endodontic treatments.
• The chemical composition of gutta-percha points can vary significantly between brands.
• Understanding the composition is crucial for predictable clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To chemically analyze and compare the composition of eight nonstandardized gutta-percha points commercially available in Brazil.
• To quantify the percentages of gutta-percha polymer, wax/resin, zinc oxide, and barium sulfate in each brand.

Main Methods:

• Chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction were employed.
• Organic and inorganic fractions were separated using chloroform and acetone.
• Elemental microanalysis, Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction identified elements and compounds.
• Barium sulfate content was calculated based on sulfur percentage.

Main Results:

• Significant variations in gutta-percha, zinc oxide, and wax/resin content were observed among the brands.
• Dentsply TP exhibited the highest gutta-percha percentage (21.6%).
• Dentsply FM showed an unusually high wax/resin percentage (p = 0.0003), and some brands lacked barium sulfate.

Conclusions:

• The analytical methods used were effective for quantifying the components of gutta-percha points.
• The chemical composition of gutta-percha points varies considerably, impacting their properties.
• Clinicians should be aware of these compositional differences when selecting gutta-percha materials.