Reliability of Length Marks on Gutta-Percha Cones and Paper Points: In Vitro Study

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the standardization of length markings on gutta-percha cones and paper points of different brands.

Methods: Twenty gutta-percha cones and 20 paper points with size of 35.02# from 3 commercial brands [Diadent (Vancouver, BC, Canada); Meta Biomed (Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea); Rachel Endo (İstanbul, Türkiye)] were selected randomly for the present study. A specially designed metal block with a ruler and groove that enables standardizing the process of taking digital images of the samples was used for length calculation. The measurements were made starting at D0 to the indicated lines corresponding to 18, 20, and 22 mm on each sample. Three iterations of the measuring process were conducted, and the average values obtained for each
sample were considered as the final data. Data were statistically analyzed, and the significance level was set at P < .05.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between absolute variation values between actual lengths and pre-indicated lengths according to brands (P < .001). Statistically, a significant difference was also detected between length measurements in intra-manufacturer products (P < .001).

Conclusion: Although the marked lines on gutta-percha cones are more trustworthy than paper points, length marks should not be used as absolute indicators, and variations should be expected.

Cite this article as: Isik V, Kayahan MB. Reliability of length marks on gutta-percha cones and paper points: in vitro study. Essent Dent. 2026, 5, 0051, doi:10.5152/EssentDent.2026.25051.