Methylene chloride (dichloromethane). Methylene chloride is used in endodontics as a very effective means of dissolving gutta-percha and endometasone. It is much better than chloroform due to the following benefits:
- less harmful:
- has a less pungent odor:
- it is easier to rinse out the remnants of gutta-percha:
- much easier to remove from the root canal:
- less susceptibility to degradation by light: Appropriate precautions should be taken when using methylene chloride. Protect respiratory tract, eyes and skin, do not swallow!