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Physical properties comparison of four bioceramic vs. epoxy resin-based root canal sealers: an in vitro study
Alireza Akbari Moghadam1, Mohsen Aminsobhani2, Zeynab Afzali3
1Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
The choice of endodontic sealer plays a crucial role in preventing microleakage, maintaining apical integrity, and ensuring durable clinical performance. Among available materials, bioceramic sealers offer bioactivity and chemical bonding potential, whereas epoxy resin-based sealers provide proven stability and low solubility. This study aimed to compare the physicochemical properties of four bioceramic root canal sealers with an epoxy resin-based reference material (AH Plus), focusing on setting time, solubility (with and without thermal cycling), and dimensional change.
Materials And Methods:
Five sealers were tested: EndoSeal MTA, CeraSeal, Nano-MTA, NeoSealer Flo (bioceramic), and AH Plus (epoxy resin-based). Setting time was determined according to ISO 6876:2012 using Gilmore needles. Solubility was evaluated under thermocycled (1000 cycles, 5-55 °C) and non-thermocycled conditions. Dimensional change was assessed via pre- and post-immersion micro-CT imaging after 7 days in distilled water.
Results:
EndoSeal MTA had the shortest setting time, and NeoSealer Flo the longest (p < 0.0001). AH Plus showed the lowest solubility; NeoSealer Flo had the highest. Thermal cycling did not significantly affect solubility (p > 0.05), but a strong correlation was found between thermocycled and non-thermocycled values (r² = 0.8084, p < 0.0001). AH Plus demonstrated significant volumetric increase, while bioceramic sealers showed varying degrees of shrinkage (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
Bioceramic sealers demonstrated comparable or superior solubility and adaptation compared with the epoxy resin-based control, although differences in setting time and dimensional change were material-dependent. These findings suggest that selecting sealers according to their physicochemical performance, such as faster setting in single-visit treatments or higher dimensional change in retreatments, may improve the long-term prognosis and clinical success of root canal therapy.
Clinical Relevance:
This study identifies material-specific strengths and weaknesses that can guide evidence-based selection. Matching the sealer's physicochemical profile to the clinical scenario can optimize treatment longevity and reduce failure risk.
