Comprehensive review of current endodontic sealers

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Endodontic sealers are crucial for non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) success.
• Diverse sealer types exist, varying in composition and setting reactions.
• Key performance indicators include setting time, solubility, sealing ability, antimicrobial properties, biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review current endodontic sealer types.
• To compare the microleakage of various sealers using meta-analysis.
• To evaluate antimicrobial and biocompatibility profiles of different sealers.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of endodontic sealers.
• Meta-analysis to calculate relative microleakage.
• Comparative assessment of properties like antimicrobial effects and biocompatibility.

Main Results:

• Tricalcium silicate sealers exhibited the lowest relative microleakage compared to AH Plus.
• Silicone and other non-AH Plus epoxy resin sealers showed intermediate microleakage.
• Tricalcium silicate sealers demonstrated the most favorable antimicrobial effects and excellent biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Tricalcium silicate sealers represent a significant advancement in endodontic materials.
• They offer superior sealing ability and therapeutic benefits over traditional sealers.
• Future endodontic sealers should aim for both hermetic sealing and therapeutic properties.