Gutta-percha has been the most popularly used semi solid material for obturating the root canal system. Its acceptance as a dental material runs for more than a century. In contrast to rubber, which is an elastic material, gutta-percha is non-elastic. It becomes plastic when heated but retains it shape when cooled. The differences between the two materials arise from their different chemical compositions. Gutta-percha demonstrates minimal toxicity, minimal tissue irritability and is the least allergenic material available when retained within the root canal system when used as obturating material.
