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Which device provides adjustable heat for delivering gutta-percha during a root canal procedure?

  1. Electric endodontic handpiece

  2. Cement paste mixer

  3. Heat carrier machine

  4. Apex locator machine

The correct answer is: Heat carrier machine

The device that provides adjustable heat for delivering gutta-percha during a root canal procedure is the heat carrier machine. This specialized equipment is essential in endodontics as it heats the gutta-percha, allowing it to be softened and more easily manipulated into the canal spaces. The adjustable heat feature is crucial because it gives the dentist control over the temperature, which helps to ensure optimal flow and sealing of the gutta-percha to fill the canal effectively and prevent reinfection. While electric endodontic handpieces are significant in the preparation and shaping of the root canal, they do not provide heating for the gutta-percha. A cement paste mixer is mainly used for mixing dental cements and does not involve heat application for gutta-percha. An apex locator machine is utilized to determine the length of the root canal but does not heat materials for filling. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role of each device in endodontic procedures.