Evaluation of various methods of removing gutta-percha and endodontic sealer

Extracted human teeth were studied to evaluate three methods of removing gutta-percha and endodontic sealer from previously obturated canals. The results showed that: (1) Each method of removal left debris in the canals. (2) Significantly more debris remained in the apical third than in the middle or coronal thirds. Likewise, significantly more debris remained in the middle than in the coronal third. (3) Use of the GPX instruments enabled gutta-percha to be removed as effectively as the other methods. (4) Use of the GPX instruments required significantly less time for gutta-percha removal, compared to removal by the other methods.