What are gutta-percha points primarily used for in root canal therapy?

• A. Irrigate debris with solution
• B. Gutta-percha points fill a root canal
• C. Dress canal before filling
• D. Dry the canal with paper points

Answer: (B)

Gutta-percha points are used to obturate a root canal, meaning they fill and seal the cleaned and shaped canal to prevent microleakage and reinfection. They are typically placed with a root canal sealer so the space is tightly sealed and adapts to the canal walls and any irregularities. This filling step comes after cleaning, shaping, drying, and sometimes dressing between appointments. In contrast, irrigation uses solutions to remove debris, and drying is done with paper points, while dressing involves medicaments placed before final obturation. So the primary role of gutta-percha points is to fill and seal the root canal.