Endodontic Sealers and Innovations to Enhance Their Properties: A Current Review

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Endodontic sealers are essential for successful root canal obturation and preventing reinfection.
• Diverse sealer compositions exist, from traditional zinc oxide-eugenol to advanced bioceramics.
• Evaluating sealer properties like biocompatibility, sealing ability, and antimicrobial activity is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and categorize endodontic sealers based on chemical composition.
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and clinical performance of various sealer types.
• To highlight recent advancements in sealer modification and identify future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of endodontic sealers.
• Categorization of sealers by chemical composition (e.g., zinc oxide-eugenol, glass ionomer, resins, calcium hydroxide, bioceramics).
• Evaluation of materials based on reported physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, sealing ability, and antimicrobial activity.

Main Results:

• Bioceramic sealers exhibit favorable bioactivity and performance in moist environments.
• Chitosan is identified as a promising additive for enhancing antimicrobial properties and sealing capacity.
• Concerns persist regarding bioceramic sealers' neurotoxicity and retreatment challenges.

Conclusions:

• Contemporary endodontic sealers offer significant advantages but require further innovation.
• Enhancements through organic/inorganic additives, nanotechnology, and natural compounds are key research areas.
• Optimizing biological safety, mechanical performance, and clinical usability remains a priority for endodontic sealers.