Gutta-percha

Gutta-percha is a tree-derived material that has been used in various industries, including dentistry, for over a century. It is a natural latex produced from the sap of trees belonging to the genus Palaquium in the family Sapotaceae. The most common species used for the production of gutta-percha is Palaquium gutta.

History

Gutta-percha was first introduced to the Western world in the mid-19th century. It was initially used for a variety of purposes, including the insulation of underwater telegraph cables. Its use in dentistry began in the late 19th century, when it was discovered to be an ideal material for filling root canals due to its biocompatibility, plasticity, and ability to be heated and reshaped.

Properties and Uses

Gutta-percha is a thermoplastic material, meaning it can be softened and reshaped with heat. This property makes it ideal for use in endodontics, where it is used to fill the empty space within a tooth's root canal after it has been cleaned and shaped. Gutta-percha is biocompatible, meaning it does not cause a reaction when in contact with living tissue, and it is also radiopaque, allowing it to be seen on x-rays.

In addition to its use in dentistry, gutta-percha has been used in the manufacture of furniture, golf balls, and even surgical implements.

Production

The production of gutta-percha involves tapping the trees for their sap, much like the process used for rubber production. The sap is then purified and dried to produce the final product. The majority of gutta-percha production occurs in Southeast Asia, where the trees are native.

See Also

• Endodontics
• Dental materials
• Palaquium gutta