Gutta-Percha Market

Market Overview

The global gutta-percha market size was valued at 190.51 million in 2022, and it is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 370.62 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.56% during the forecast period (2022-2031).

Gutta-Percha is a stiff, rigid thermoplastic polymer made from the coagulated latex of certain Malaysian trees. It primarily comprises a hydrocarbon isomeric with rubber and is utilized mostly in dentistry and electrical insulation. Gutta-percha, a polymeric material derived from the percha tree in Malaysia, is used as a permanent filler in root canals. The pulp, or living tissue, inside a damaged tooth is extracted during a root canal procedure, and the canals are cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed.

Gutta-percha is frequently used with a sealer to create a fluid-tight seal within root canal fillings. The most regularly utilized filling procedures are lateral compaction of gutta-percha combined with a sealer such as calcium silicate cement. The increase in public awareness about oral hygiene and advancements in techniques for canal obturation operations are expected to drive market expansion

Market Dynamics

Global Gutta-Percha Market Driver

Increasing Public Awareness about Oral Hygiene and Advancements in Techniques for Canal Obturation Operations

Gutta-percha is frequently used with a sealer to create a fluid-tight seal within root canal fillings. The most regularly utilized filling procedures are lateral compaction of gutta-percha combined with a sealer such as calcium silicate cement. During a root canal procedure, the pulp—a damaged portion of the tooth—is removed, and the tooth's canals are cleaned and disinfected before filling and sealing. Gutta-percha is a filling substance used following a root canal surgery. The increased prevalence of dental disorders such as tooth decay, gum disease, dental cracks, and dental cavities has increased the demand for root canal therapy.

Gutta-percha (GP) is commonly used as a filler material because it is flexible, inert, and biocompatible. Traditional endodontic treatments, which involve filling the root canal space with GP, have limitations like leakage, reinfection of the canal, and poor mechanical properties. To overcome these issues, physicians have investigated the use of alternate root-filling materials other than GP. An American endodontist, Edwin Maynard, invented dental gutta-percha almost 170 years ago.

Despite ongoing research and development of new root canal filling methods, gutta-percha remains one of the most successful and widely used options in clinics worldwide, owing to its ability to completely seal a root canal and prevent any entry of bacteria into the area, preventing further complications and providing a permanent solution for the patient. Similarly, the FDA allows for the safe consumption of 15 g/g (ppm) in food, and an IADR study confirmed that endodontic gutta-percha tips contain an average of 0.10 g in each tip, demonstrating that the cadmium content does not reach the maximum recommended intake.

Technological Advancements in Gutta Percha Products

The introduction of modern manufacturing procedures has improved the manufacture of Gutta-percha. This has resulted in higher-quality and more consistent Gutta-percha products. Gutta-percha's characteristics have been enhanced by the inclusion of fillers like silica and barium, which improve the material's mechanical and radiopacity qualities. These enhancements have made gutta-percha an even more useful and adaptable material for various applications, driving market growth.

Dentsply Sirona claims to have upgraded next-generation gutta-percha points, a recent breakthrough that has improved the practice and technology. The injection molding process is considerably better than traditional hand-rolled Gutta-percha. The process of injection molding the cones achieves a much finer match between the master cone and the specific shape of your client's file. This fills the gap left by the conventional technique, which caused a lot of variation in cone fit.

Global Gutta-Percha Market Restraint

High Cost of Root Canal Treatment 

Performing a root canal procedure necessitates utilizing several advanced instruments, which are characterized by their high cost and the need for a specialized surgical environment. The cost of dental surgery can vary significantly due to each tooth's distinct root shape or formation. The molar with three roots will be more expensive than the front tooth with one root.

Gutta-percha has also been praised for its reduced allergenic potential. They are radiopaque, which means they can be seen on an X-ray. It is critical for endodontists because it helps them to see how far the gutta-percha tip has filled the cavity and how well it has sealed it. Despite its associated cost, Gutta-percha is widely regarded as a highly recommended material for root canal treatment.

Global Gutta-Percha Market Opportunities

Research and Development and Product Innovation

New formulations or modifications of Gutta-percha may be discovered through research and development efforts to improve its qualities. Material composition, methods, and biocompatibility innovation can improve performance and create opportunities in the expanding industry. Discrimination and innovation can help a company differentiate itself from competitors, increasing product demand. Nowadays, companies are emphasizing and investing heavily in new product development. Such factors create opportunities for market growth.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global gutta-percha market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global gutta-percha market shareholder and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The growing number of individuals with dental disorders is driving market expansion. As per the American Dental Association, 85% of Americans prioritize dental health and regard oral health as an important component of overall health. The growing senior population and the fast-food junk food-eating population are increasing the value of the area market. In addition, North America is the world's leading region in market share due to the population's high prevalence of dental conditions, strong medical infrastructure, well-established reimbursement policies, important market players, and advancements in preventive and restorative dental treatments. According to the WHO Global Oral Health Status Report (2022), oral diseases impact about 3.5 billion people globally, with three out of every four affected living in middle-income countries. Similarly, Caries of permanent teeth affect an estimated 2 billion individuals worldwide, with 514 million children suffering from caries of primary teeth.

Moreover, as urbanization spreads and lifestyles evolve, the global prevalence of serious oral diseases is rising. Reasons for this include easy access to high-sugar-content foods, a lack of affordable dental care in the community, and inadequate fluoride exposure (through drinking water and oral hygiene products like toothpaste). Tobacco, alcohol, and sugary food and drink have all been heavily marketed, leading to higher rates of consumption that contribute to tooth decay and other non-communicable diseases. This is driving the regional market growth.

Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to increased government spending on healthcare development and public awareness of oral hygiene. Asia's growing economies, such as China, Japan, and India, have well-developed healthcare infrastructure and facilities and are increasingly focused on R&D operations. Attributes such as favorable government policies to promote oral health, the rising prevalence of conditions such as dental caries among the population, key market players, and an increase in demand for dental procedures are paving the way for the Asia-Pacific dental equipment market to expand. Furthermore, due to reduced patient wait times, lower-cost treatment, and the availability of a huge pool of experienced dental practitioners and cutting-edge technology, medical tourism in the Asia Pacific region is quickly increasing. These aspects above will contribute to regional market growth.

Europe is estimated to expand significantly over the forecast period. Oral diseases exhibit several shared risk factors with non-communicable diseases, such as dietary habits and tobacco use. As with many chronic conditions (diabetes, obesity, heart disease, etc.), a significant portion of the disease burden is associated with socioeconomic status, age, and lifestyle behavior. As per the World Health Organization, nearly half of the adult residents in the EU suffer from oral conditions, primarily untreated dental caries and periodontal diseases, with wide variance among European countries. Regarding spending per disease, oral diseases ranked third in the European Union, after only diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Spending on dental care increased in most European countries assessed in absolute terms and as a share of GDP.

Additionally, dental care receives a relatively large share of public funding despite being relatively inexpensive compared to other medical services because of its limited availability in pre-packaged forms. Only one-third of dental care spending is covered by government schemes or mandatory insurance, while more than two-thirds is paid out-of-pocket or through voluntary health insurance. The latter is significant in many countries because it covers dental care services that are either totally or partially excluded from publicly funded benefit packages. In addition, two recent trends in the dental care industry are the increasing number of private equity firm investments and the subsequent acquisitions of solo and smaller group dental practices. These dental chains dominate the market in many European nations, making the market even more competitive, with typically negative effects for small practices.

Segmental Analysis

The global gutta-percha market is segmented by form, type, and end-user.

Based on form, the global gutta-percha market is segmented into alpha and beta.

The alpha segment dominates the global market and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The "alpha" form, the natural form, exists in the tree. At room temperature, the alpha form of gutta-percha is brittle, but when heated, it becomes gluey, sticky, and extremely flowable. In addition, alpha is the most widely utilized, particularly in thermoplastic gutta-percha, since it shrinks less and has greater viscous and sticky properties when heated. Amorphous and soluble, the alpha form is produced when heated above 65 degrees Celsius. The alpha type is favored for injectable applications because of its better drifting qualities and relative volume stability.

Based on type, the global gutta-percha market is segmented by surface modified gutta-percha, medicated gutta-percha, and nanoparticles enriched gutta-percha.

The surface-modified gutta-percha segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The global market is divided into surface-modified gutta-percha, medicated gutta-percha, and nanoparticles enhanced gutta-percha based on product type. Surface-modified gutta-percha dominated the market because it permits a strong seal along the dentinal walls of the root canal since it is hydrophilic and aids chemical bonding, resulting in a monoblock.

Nanoparticles-enhanced gutta-percha is being developed to lower the risk of root canal reinfection and improve treatment outcomes. Diamond and silver nanoparticles are placed in gutta-percha due to their advantageous qualities, such as variable faceted surface chemistry and biocompatibility, as well as their function in increasing mechanical properties. Nanotechnology has become the most innovative period in health sciences and innovation. Because of their polycationic or polyanionic nature, nanoparticles have more antibacterial activity, broadening their uses in various disciplines.

Based on end-user, the global gutta-percha market is segmented by hospitals and dental clinics, and research centers.

The hospital and dental clinic segment has the largest market share and is expected to increase significantly during the forecast period. This is due to increased hospitals and government spending on healthcare infrastructure development. The dental clinic is developing significantly, owing to an expansion in the number of dental clinics and experts performing dental treatments.

Recent Developments

• November 2022-An innovative reciprocating file with a counterclockwise flute, the ZenFlex ONE, was released by Kerr Dental. For endodontists and general practitioners performing root canal procedures, the new ZenFlex ONE file and its corresponding Gutta Percha and Paper Points present a straightforward solution.