Gutta-Percha
Pronunciation: GUT-ah PER-chah
A thermoplastic natural polymer derived from the Palaquium tree, used as the primary filling material in root canal obturation.
Full Definition
Gutta-percha is a trans-polyisoprene material processed into standardized cones that conform to ISO taper and size specifications for root canal filling. It exists in two crystalline phases (alpha and beta), with the beta phase used at room temperature and the alpha phase relevant to thermoplasticised techniques. When heated, it becomes pliable and can be compacted into the complex anatomy of the root canal system, typically in combination with an endodontic sealer. Editors should hyphenate the term ('gutta-percha') consistently, as unhyphenated usage ('gutta percha') is an error in modern dental publishing conventions. Abbreviation 'GP' is acceptable after first use in technical documents.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate: 'gutta-percha.' The abbreviation 'GP' is acceptable in technical manuscripts after first use. Do not use 'gutta percha point' and 'gutta-percha cone' interchangeably without specifying taper and size.
In Context
- "Throughout the manuscript, 'gutta percha' appeared without a hyphen; this was corrected to 'gutta-percha' per journal style." — Copyediting revision note
- "The authors should clarify whether thermoplasticised gutta-percha or cold lateral compaction was used, as the technique affects the alpha/beta phase ratio." — Peer-review query