The presence of humidity inside the root canal system after instrumentation and removal of the septic content can influence the apex sealing, and consequently, the success of the endodontic treatment. The goal of this paper was to evaluate the influence of the number of autoclave sterilization cycles on the absorbing capability and speed of absorption of paper points used in endodontic procedures. Four hundred and forty paper points number 40 were analyzed and the trade marks used were: Tanari, Tanari "cell pack" , Diadent "cell pack" and Conne. Ten points of each manufacturer received 0 to ten cycles of autoclave sterilization (134oC/15 psi/15 min). After each sterilization cycle, absorption capability and absorption velocity to 1% sodium hypochlorite solution were evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically by the ANOVA and Tukey tests. In conclusion, the trade marks which suffered less influence by the sterilization cycles in decreasing order were: Tanari, Tanari "cell pack" , Conne and Diadent. The best absorption velocities were observed in: Tanari "cell pack", Tanari, Conne and Diadent. The autoclave process seems to be a viable procedure, when 10 cycles are applied, only for the paper points of trade mark Tanari used in endodontic procedures.
Sterilization; Endodontics
