A COMPARATIVE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE EFFICACY OF THREE GUTTA-PERCHA SOLVENTS USED DURING ENDODONTIC RETREATMENT

Objective: This study sought to compare the number of unfilled dentinal tubules in the root canals using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) after the use of K-files and the respective solvents (Chloroform, Eucalyptol, D-limonene). Methodology: The study was a prospective comparative study. Single-rooted teeth extracted because of various dental conditions were root-treated using the rotary ProTaper system and stored in normal saline. After three months, the teeth were randomly assigned to the three solvent groups (Chloroform, Eucalyptol, and D-limonene). Gutta- percha was removed using the solvent and K-files. The teeth were then divided longitudinally and the root canal surfaces (apical third, middle third, and coronal third) were examined using a scanning electron microscope to determine the number of unfilled dentinal tubule orifices per unit area. Results: D-limonene had the greatest number of unfilled dentinal tubules across the three segments of the divided teeth while Chloroform had the least number of unfilled dentinal tubules Conclusion: D-limonene had superior gutta-percha removal abilities as compared to Eucalyptol and Chloroform.