[Endodontics--a literature review. Continuation of part II]

A survey of physical and biological properties of well-known root canal filling materials are discussed and the following conclusions were drawn: --No root canal filling material fulfils all requirements of an ideal sealer. Those materials, which perfectly seal the root canal and also show minimal periradicular tissur reaction, are recommended in Endodontics. --During setting time, all sealers are more or less toxic to the periradicular tissue. Materials which contain paraformaldehyde and lead exhibit a strong and persistent toxicity. --The tissue reaction of root canal filling materials is only slight when the root canal is underfilled. Ideally, in vital cases, the root canal should be filled to the dentine-cemental junction (approx. 1 mm short of the apex), in necrotic cases to the apical foramen. --Neither a root canal cement nor a guttapercha cone will perfectly seal a root canal alone. The combination of the two materials is recommended. --Silver cones are indicated only in narrow, tortuous canals. --Success of root canal therapy depends on various factors, primarily however on thorough root canal débridement.