What is it?

It is a thermoplastic filling material that is heated and compressed into the canal(s) of the tooth which is then sealed with an adhesive cement

What is it used for?

Gutta percha is the material used to fill the tooth. When a tooth is infected or badly damaged, there are two options: repair and save it or remove it. A root canal accomplishes the former. The damaged area of the tooth, known as the pulp, which if diseased is then removed.