Endodontic filling materials

Abstract

The principal function of root filling materials is to prevent invasion of bacteria and infection of the root canal system after completed endodontic treatment. This is accomplished by the formation of a tight, permanent seal with the surrounding tooth structure, leaving no space for invasion of or colonization by bacteria. The materials can also have a direct antibacterial effect and kill the microbes when in contact with them. Materials applied onto larger areas of connective tissue, i.e. for retrograde root fillings or perforation repair, should also allow or stimulate complete repair or regeneration. Ideally, the selection of materials for various applications in endodontics should be based on clinical, scientifically valid data. However, most current endodontic practices and choice of materials are based on a convoluted history where data of varying relevance and validity is mixed with experts’ stated opinions and manufacturers’ advertising. In this review, the chemical, physical, and biological properties of different root filling materials are discussed together with their handling characteristics and recommended use in the clinic. Emphasis is placed on evidence generated from clinical practice and research.

Root filling materials and techniques: bioceramics a new hope?

“…In addition sealers do not bond to the gutta‐percha core material, leaving a gap with potential for microbial leakage when the sealer shrinks on setting (Fig. .…”

Effectiveness of lateral and secondary canal filling with different endodontic sealers and obturation techniques

“…In this context, it is important to use a filling material with good sealing and flow properties, as well as radiopacity, dimensional stability, and low cytotoxicity 6 . Up to this moment, there is no product combining all the ideal properties, which may explain the need for continuous development of new endodontic sealers.…”

“…Up to this moment, there is no product combining all the ideal properties, which may explain the need for continuous development of new endodontic sealers. Currently, there are commercially available sealers composed of zinc oxide-eugenol, glass ionomer, resin, silicone, calcium hydroxide, and MTA 6,7 . One of the innovative materials released on the market is the GuttaFlow (Coltène Whaledent, Altstatten, Switzerland), which is based on silicone and gutta-percha powder.…”

“…However, it has been poorly investigated [10][11][12] and it should be further compared with existing materials. The AH Plus (DeTrey Dentsply GmbH, Konstanz, Germany) is based on epoxy resin and it is considered a goldstandard material for root filling due to its long history of clinical success 6 and remarkable bond strength to dentin 13 . EndoFill (Dentsply, Petrópolis, RJ, Brazil) is another conventional sealer, which is composed of zinc oxide-eugenol and offers a long time of use and good clinical performance 6,14 .…”

“…The AH Plus (DeTrey Dentsply GmbH, Konstanz, Germany) is based on epoxy resin and it is considered a goldstandard material for root filling due to its long history of clinical success 6 and remarkable bond strength to dentin 13 . EndoFill (Dentsply, Petrópolis, RJ, Brazil) is another conventional sealer, which is composed of zinc oxide-eugenol and offers a long time of use and good clinical performance 6,14 . The flow property of a sealer is related to its ability to penetrate into irregularities or ramifications of the main root canal and dentinal tubules 15 .…”