Definition of Sealer

According to to Glossary of Endodontic Terms (10th edition) - Sealer, root canal (cement) is defined as a radiopaque dental cement used, usually in combination with a solid or semi-solid core material, to fill voids and to seal root canals during obturation.

Ideal properties of sealer includes  

• It should provide good adhesion to core filling material and too the root canal wall. 
• It should be radiopaque so as to correctly distinguish. 
• It should be non – staining and should show discolouration. 
• It should be biocompatible that is well tolerated by the living tissues. 
• It should possess antimicrobial property. 
• It should allow for retreatment. 
• It should provide good bond strength. 
• It should bond three dimensionally and provide an impervious seal against microleakage. 
• It should be easy to mix, introduce into the canal system. 

Root canal sealers can be classified broadly as 

Commonly used sealers:

• Zinc-oxide–eugenol-based sealers 
• Epoxy resin-based sealers 
• Calcium silicate–based sealers (CSBS) 

Other available sealers:

• Calcium hydroxide sealers
• Silicone sealers
• Glass ionomer–based sealers 
• Other resin-based sealers
• Medicated sealers (not recommended) 

Additional points

• Zinc oxide eugenoal based sealers mainly consists of Grossman’s formula sealer marketed as Procosol, Kerr / Rickerts formula sealer, Tubliseal, Wach’s sealer and nogenol etc. 
• Calcium hydroxide containing sealer includes of Sealapex, Calcibiotic root canal sealer, Vitapex, Apexit. 
• Epoxy resin based sealers are one of the widely used sealers comprising of AH 26, AH Plus, Diaket, Epiphany, EndoRez etc. 
• Silicone based sealers comprises of Endo – fill, Roeko seal, Gutta Flow and GUtta Flow – 2. 
• The less famous sealer includes the glass ionomer cement i.e. the Ketac Endo. 
• Medicated sealer includes N2, Endomethasone mainly. 
• Tricalcium silicate based sealer which consists of iRoot SP/ Endosequence BC/ Total Fill BC/ Edge Endo sealer, MTA Fillapex, Ceraseal, Endoseal MTA, Bio – C sealer. 

The functions in general of all root canal sealers includes 

• Antibacterial property 
• Lubricating property 
• Sealing capability of endodontic sealers to root dentin 

Root canal sealers are an integral part of root canal therapy during the obturation of the canal system. Using the correct sealer when indicated is of utmost clinical importance.

 Article by Dr. Siri P. B.