Evaluation of efficacy of different chemical agents in disinfection of gutta percha cones

Most of the times, gutta percha cones available in the market are non sterilized. Also there is risk of contamination either by handling or aerosols and from physical sources during the storage process. So if we follow the principles of endodontics, then these GP cones should be disinfected prior to using them for obturation. But most clinicians avoid these procedures even though it has a great role in success of root canal treatment. For a chemical agent to be considered effective in the disinfection of a given material, its ability to eliminate resistant microorganisms at a concentration of about 107- 108CFU ml-1 must be proved. In the present in vitro study gutta percha cones were contaminated with microbes and thereafter left in disinfecting solutions for different times, and their efficacy in disinfection of gutta percha cones was evaluated.