Gutta-percha
Pronunciation: GUT-uh PER-chuh
A natural thermoplastic material derived from the Palaquium tree, used as the primary core obturation material in root canal therapy.
Full Definition
Gutta-percha is a biocompatible, rubber-like material that is the most widely used filling material for obturating root canals. It is available in standardised ISO-sized cones (points) that correspond to root canal file sizes. The material is radiopaque, allowing radiographic verification of obturation quality. Gutta-percha may be used cold (lateral compaction) or heated (warm vertical compaction). Editors should note the hyphenated spelling and lower-case convention; it is not capitalised unless it begins a sentence.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate: 'gutta-percha', not 'gutta percha'. The term is lower-case in body text. When abbreviated to 'GP' in clinical notes, ensure the abbreviation is defined on first use.
In Context
- "The root canal was obturated with gutta-percha points and AH Plus sealer." — Endodontic treatment record
- "Radiographic review showed the gutta-percha was 1 mm short of the apex on the palatal canal." — Post-treatment radiology report