Effective surface sterilization of gutta-percha points.

A bacteriologic investigation was conducted to determine the sterilizing effectiveness of various germicidal endodontic irrigants on gutta-percha points. It was found that most effective in surface sterilization was a 5-minute treatment using sodium hypochlorite, Zephiran, and hydrogen peroxide in concentrations of 4.50 percent, 0.53 percent, and 3.00 percent, respectively. These agents were potent against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as endospore-forming microorganisms. Fungal spores were killed only by the first two but not by the latter germicidal agents. On the other hand, ethanol, chloroform, eugenol, betadine, and Gram's iodine solution were found not to be effective for surface sterilization.