A Comparative Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of The Efficacy of Three Gutta-Percha Solvents Used During Endodontic Retreatment

Efficacy of Three Gutta-Percha Solvents

Authors

  • Goka RY Ho Teaching Hospital https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4150-2109
  • Nyako EA University of Ghana Dental School
  • Ampofo PC University of Ghana Dental School
  • Hewlett S University of Ghana Dental School
  • Acheampong AO KNUST School of Medicine and Dentistry
  • Ndanu TA University of Ghana Dental School
  • Konadu AB University of Ghana Dental School
  • Adu-Ampomah NF University of Ghana Dental School https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4507-9389
  • Ankoh SE KNUST School of Medicine and Dentistry

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60014/pmjg.v14i1.400

Keywords:

Endodontic retreatment, Chloroform, Eucalyptol, D-Limonene, SEM

Abstract

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.

Author Biographies

Goka RY, Ho Teaching Hospital

Snr Specialist and Head of Dental Department, Ho Teaching Hospital, Ho.

Part-time Lecturer- Department of Adult Oral Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho

Part-time Lecturer- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho

Nyako EA, University of Ghana Dental School

Professor Restorative Dentistry (University of Ghana Dental School)

Former Dean (University of Ghana Dental School)

Ampofo PC, University of Ghana Dental School

Head of Restorative Department (University of Ghana Dental School)

Former Chairman of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (Ghana College of Surgeons)

Hewlett S, University of Ghana Dental School

Acting Dean University of Ghana Dental School (UGDS)

Former head of the Restorative Department - UGDS

Acheampong AO, KNUST School of Medicine and Dentistry

Dean of the School of Dentistry (KNUST)

Former head of the Oral and Maxillofacial Department (Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital)

 

Ndanu TA, University of Ghana Dental School

Statistician and Snr. lecturer in Community Dentistry Department (University of Ghana Dental School)

Konadu AB, University of Ghana Dental School

Snr. Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry (University of Ghana Dental School)

Secretary of the Dental Faculty (Ghana College of Surgeons)

Adu-Ampomah NF, University of Ghana Dental School

Lecturer- Restorative Department (University of Ghana Dental School)

Snr Specialist- Dental Department, Adabraka Polyclinic

Ankoh SE, KNUST School of Medicine and Dentistry

Lecturer- Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, KNUST

Snr Specialist, Dental Department. Holy Family Hospital, Berekum

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Published

2025-03-28

How to Cite

Goka, R., Nyako, E., Ampofo, P., Hewlett, S., Oti Acheampong, A., Ndanu, T., Konadu, A., Adu-Ampomah, N. F., & Ankoh, S. (2025). A Comparative Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of The Efficacy of Three Gutta-Percha Solvents Used During Endodontic Retreatment : Efficacy of Three Gutta-Percha Solvents. Postgraduate Medical Journal of Ghana, 14(1), 22–27. https://doi.org/10.60014/pmjg.v14i1.400