The surface of auxiliary gutta-percha cones after cuffing with different me
thods was evaluated. The tips of gutta-percha cones size fine were cut off
using scissors, a razor blade against a glass slab, a razor blade combined
with a calibrator, or a razor blade/calibrator followed by a further cuttin
g with a razor blade against a glass stab. Samples were examined under scan
ning electron microscopy, Cutting with scissors and razor blade/calibrator
produced significant irregularities in the cone surface. Cutting with razor
blades against a glass slab, with or without previous use of a calibrator,
allowed the development of a smooth gutta-percha cone surface.