Gutta-percha: a look at the need for sterilization.

Many have argued that the prevention of contamination becomes a problem when gutta-percha cones are used to obturate the root canal space. This study evaluated the extent of contamination of commercially available gutta-percha cones taken directly from the manufacturer's box. Results show that if gutta-percha is not intentionally contaminated, there is no need for chemical decontamination before obturation.