Positive and negative properties of four endodontic sealant groups: a systematic review

Background. The choice of sealant is an important dentist’s decision with a long-term influence on treatment. Knowledge of the properties and characters of each material is key to the optimal endosealer selection on individual basis.

Objectives. A comparison of endodontic sealants based on epoxy resins, calcium hydroxide, zinc oxide eugenol and bioceramics.

Methods. Publications were mined in the PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases to cover the four sealer groups (epoxy, calcium hydroxide, zinc oxide eugenol and bioceramics) over years 2014-2021, including selected relevant sources within 2002-2013; 73 articles were considered for review, regardless of the study design or language. Content and descriptive analyses were used as research tools. Meta-analysis was not used due to a high evidence heterogeneity.

Results. The dental market currently offers a variety of sealant groups. Endodontic sealants based on epoxy resins, zinc oxide eugenol, calcium hydroxide and bioceramics are the most common. The review identifies no ideal material for the root canal filling.

Conclusion. Manifold studies demonstrate the pros and cons in each endodontic sealant group with respect to variant criteria. Depending on clinical situation, the practitioner can opt for the material property to identify the endosealer.

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