Although gutta-percha cones used for endodontic obturation are produced under aseptic manufacturing conditions, handling them on the part of the dentist or auxiliary prior to placement in a root canal can contaminate them. A study by Gomes, et al found that 100% of gutta-percha cones manipulated by gloves showed microbial growth; the microbial genus found most frequently was Staphylococcus. The study tested gutta-percha cones contaminated in vitro with several micro-organisms to determine if chlorhexidine (CHX) or sodium hypochlorite (NaOCL) were effective as disinfecting agents. The study found that CHX was not effective in eliminating Bacillus subtilis spores on gutta-percha cones after 72 hours of contact with the cones. However, NaOCL eliminated spores from gutta-percha cones after 1 minute of disinfection. The authors conclude that 5.25% NaOCL is an effective agent for a rapid disinfection of gutta-percha cones. They note that gutta-percha cones should be manipulated with sterilized tweezers and gauzes to avoid contamination prior to placement in the canal.
(Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology, Vol. 100, No. 4, October 2005)
