scanning electron microscopy study of dental gutta-percha after cutting

introduction: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphologic surface of gutta­percha cones after cutting with different methods. materials and methods: the apical 3 millimeters of forty standardized, gutta-percha cones size 40 were cut off using scissors or a scalpel against a glass slab. the samples were then examined under scanning electron microscopy (sem) for topographic deformity. results: according to results, cutting with scissors produced significant topographic deformity in the standardized gutta-percha cone surface but cutting with sharp surgical instrument against a glass slab allowed the development of a smooth and unmodified gutta­percha cone surface. conclusion: results of this study recommended that cutting the tip of a gutta­percha point with a sharp scalpel against a glass slab would produce more reasonable surface morphology than using scissor for the same procedure.