American Board of General Dentistry (ABGD) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In endodontic retreatment, the primary goal is to effectively remove gutta percha to access the previously treated root canal system. Various solvents can aid in this process, each with their own properties and effectiveness.

The correct answer highlights ethylene chloride as a substance not typically recognized as a solvent for gutta percha removal in endodontic practices. While other solvents like chloroform, methylchloroform, eucalyptol, and tetrachloroethylene are established options due to their chemical properties, ethylene chloride is not commonly used for this purpose. It may not provide the necessary efficacy or safety profile compared to the other compounds mentioned.

Chloroform and methylchloroform are effective due to their ability to solvate gutta percha efficiently. Similarly, eucalyptol is a natural solvent that has been shown to assist in softening the gutta percha. Tetrachloroethylene, known as EndoSolv-E, is specifically manufactured for use in endodontic procedures, proving its effectiveness and popularity in clinical settings.

Thus, the identification of ethylene chloride as not being a solvent in gutta percha removal reflects its less favorable or recognized role in endodontic retreatment compared to