Endodontic sealers based on calcium silicates: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Endodontics
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Calcium silicate-based sealers represent a novel class of endodontic materials.
• These sealers aim to improve root canal obturation by incorporating antibacterial and bioactive properties.
• Current sealers focus on achieving a bacteria-tight seal, but new materials offer enhanced healing and hard tissue formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics and potential of calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers.
• To highlight the shift towards bioactive materials in root canal obturation.
• To identify the need for further clinical research on the efficacy and limitations of these sealers.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers.
• Analysis of the composition, setting reactions, and properties of one-component and two-component sealers.
• Discussion of in vitro characteristics and the implications of sealer bioactivity and solubility.

Main Results:

• Calcium silicate-based sealers undergo hydration and calcium phosphate precipitation reactions.
• Variations in sealer composition lead to differences in physical, chemical, and in vitro properties.
• The bioactive potential is linked to slight solubility, which may also affect sealing quality.

Conclusions:

• Calcium silicate-based sealers offer promising advancements in endodontic treatment beyond traditional sealing.
• The balance between bioactivity and solubility requires further investigation for clinical application.
• More clinical studies are essential to determine the long-term relevance and effectiveness of these materials.