Abstract: An endodontic obturator includes a body and a disposable cartridge containing gutta percha that is couplable with the body. By containing the gutta percha in a disposable cartridge, a dentist or other medical technician does not have to clean the body or other components of the obturator, thus reducing the amount of time required to clean the obturator after use. The obturator also includes a heater operable to heat the gutta percha in the disposable cartridge and a thermal barrier operable to resist the flow of heat from the heater to the rest of the body. In addition, the obturator includes a mechanism operable to generate pressure in the disposable cartridge to dispense the gutta percha. With the thermal barrier, a portion of the obturator's body that a dentist or other medical technician might hold while injecting gutta percha into a patient's tooth may be kept relatively cool.

Abstract: An endodontic obturator includes a body and a disposable cartridge containing gutta percha that is couplable with the body. By containing the gutta percha in a disposable cartridge, a dentist or other medical technician does not have to clean the body or other components of the obturator, thus reducing the amount of time required to clean the obturator after use. The obturator also includes a heater operable to heat the gutta percha in the disposable cartridge and a thermal barrier operable to resist the flow of heat from the heater to the rest of the body. In addition, the obturator includes a mechanism operable to generate pressure in the disposable cartridge to dispense the gutta percha. With the thermal barrier, a portion of the obturator's body that a dentist or other medical technician might hold while injecting gutta percha into a patient's tooth may be kept relatively cool.