During re-treatment procedures, removing the gutta-percha dry (if possible) is preferred.  Simply because it is less messy.  But I often find myself use a bit of C-form (what we call chloroform in the office) specially when I have to negotiate the very last part of the gutta-percha close to the apex.  I also use it quite often when I re-treat cases with carrier-based obturation material.  And, what a mess that creates!


Thermafil removal
gutta percha soup created when using solvent

To get rid of this “soup” of gutta-percha from the access cavity and to continue working in a very clean and controlled environment, alcohol should be used as the next irrigant.  It clumps up all the softened gutta-percha to the point that it can easily be rinsed off by water spray or picked off by instruments.



Once the gross removal of gutta-percha from the canals is complete with alternating use of C-form and alcohol, I usually use EDTA as it will continue to clean the remaining of the softened gutta-percha from the canal system.

Dr. Mahmoud Ektefaie @ vanendo

0 Replies to “Alcohol is the Way to Go!”

  1. Mario says:

    Dr. E.
    What rotary instruments do you recommend for the removal of dry gutta percha?

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