Alternative solvents to chloroform for gutta-percha removal

The purpose of this study was to evaluate new or previously identified solvents for effectiveness in dissolving gutta-percha. The solubility of a standardized weight of gutta-percha was tested in 5-ml quantities of 32 solvents. Ten samples of 30 solvents were tested at both 22 and 37 degrees C for 15 min. If the gutta-percha samples dissolved within 15 min, the times were recorded and statistically analyzed. There was no significant difference (p greater than 0.05, one-way analysis of variance and Scheffe's test) between dissolving times of chloroform and trichloroethylene at 22 and 37 degrees C. At 22 degrees C, three solvents dissolved the gutta-percha sample, whereas at 37 degrees C, nine solvents dissolved the gutta-percha. At 37 degrees C, halothane (Fluothane) was twice as effective as cineole and demonstrated many favorable working qualities. An important finding from the experimentation with halothane was the discovery of a potential obturating material, which was termed "halopercha".