ABSTRACT
This study was done to evaluate the tensile strength of gutta–percha using 5% sodium hypochlorite(SH), 2% chlorhexidine(CH) and 1% peracetic acid disinfectant solutions. 40 guttapercha cones of size 30(6% taper) were obtained from sealed packs as 4 different groups. Experimental groups were disinfected using 5% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine, 1% peracetic acid respectively except the control group. Then tensile strength of gutta–percha cones were measured using the universal testing machine. The mean tensile strength values for group I, II, III, IV are 7.003MPa, 8.49 MPa, 6.60MPa and 9.45MPa respectively. Results were subjected to statistical analysis one–way analysis of varience test and unpaired ‘t’ test. 1% peracetic acid decreased tensile strength significantly as compared to 5% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine. The result concluded that the least decreased in tensile strength is for chlorhexidine followed by sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid.