[Endodontic filling with gutta-percha- requirements, formation and characteristics].

Gutta-percha is a tough plastic substance from the latex of several Malaysian trees of the sapodilla family that resembles rubber but contains more resin. It is especially used as insulation and in dentistry. Gutta-percha endodontic filling points were found to contain approximately 20% gutta-percha (matrix), 66% zinc oxide (filler), 11% heavy metal sulphates (radiopacifier), and 3% waxes and/or resins (plasticiser). The mechanical properties were indicative of a partially crystalline viscoelastic polymeric material.