Gutta percha removal

# Best method to remove gutta-percha in retreatment procedures:
A. Hand instrumentation
B. Automated instrumentation
C. Rotatory instruments
D. Ultrasonic instruments

The correct answer is A. Hand instrumentation

The coronal portion of gutta-percha obturations should always be drilled out, preferably by means of endodontic drills such as the Gates-Glidden or Peeso. Gutta-percha may be dissolved (solvent technique) or removed in its solid form (Solid gutta-percha techniques). Dissolving avoids the use of excessive force in the negotiating of gutta-percha-obturated canals.

Extrusion of solvent into the periapical tissues should be prevented.

Solvents of gutta-percha: Gutta-percha is soluble in chloroform, ethyl chloroform, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, xylene, eucalyptol oil, halothane, and rectified white turpentine.

Retreatment of solid objects other than gutta-percha, either a silver point or a fragment of an instrument or post, cannot be easily grasped and pulled out. A readily accessible solid object may be withdrawn from the canal by a variety of instruments, including Stieglitz or Perry pliers, a modified Castroviejos needle holder, or a Caulfield silver point extractor. Ultrasonic Vibration, bypassing with hand instruments and Intermittent irrigation, alternating sodium hypochlorite with hydrogen peroxide or RC-Prep, may float the object coronally through the effervescence they create.

Special grasping devices. The Masserann technique- Masserann and alternative extractors. The Masserann kit consists of an extractor into which the object to be retrieved is locked. An assortment of end-cutting trepan burs are used in anticlockwise rotation, to provide access for the extractor.