ROOT CANAL SEALERS

INTRODUCTION
SEALERS : These are Cements / Resins / Semiliquid / Plastic-which are
used as binding agents to fill up the gap between root canal and
obturating material.
-

It also fills up the irregularities, discrepancies, lateral canals and

accessory canals.

It helps to achieve a proper apical seal.

IDEAL REQUIREMENTS
-

The requirements of a suitable sealers used for filling the dry

canal in conjunction with gutta-percha / silver cone are as
follows:

1) It should be TACKY, when mixed to provide good adhesion

between the filling material and canal wall when set.
2) It should provide a HERMETIC SEAL (an excellent seal apically
and laterally).
3) Should be RADIO-OPAQUE, so that it can be visualized in a
radiograph.
4) Should not shrink upon setting (DIMENSIONALLY STABLE).

5) Should not STAIN tooth structure.

6) Should be INSOLUBLE in tissue fluids.
7) Should be TISSUE TOLERANT i.e. non-irritating to peri-apical
tissues.
8) Should be BACTERIOSTATIC / atleast not encourage bacterial
growth.
9) Should not PROVOKE an immune response in peri-apical region
(should be absorbable when extruded).
10)It should be neither mutagenic nor carcinogenic.
11)Should be easily mixed and introduced into the root canal.
12)Should SET SLOWLY to ensure sufficient WORKING TIME.
13)Film thickness should be as minimum as possible.
14)It should be SOLUBLE IN common solvents if it is necessary to
remove the root canal filling.
FUNCTIONS
1) They exert GERMICIDAL / ANTIBACTERIAL activity after
the placement.
2) They form a BOND between the filling material and the dentinal
walls (acts as BINDING AGENT).

3) They act as LUBRICANTS when used in conjunction with

semisolid material.
4) They exhibit RADIO-OPACITY as it may disclose the presence
of accessory canals, resorptive areas, root fractures and the shape
of apical foramen.
CLASSIFICATION
There are a number of classifications of root canal sealers which
can be discussed as:
I ACCORDING TO THEIR COMPOSITION [MESSING]
a) EUGENOL
b) NON-EUGENOL
i) Silver containing

c) MEDICATED

ii) Silver Free

1)

Ricketts
1)
Procos
formula Kerrs
ol
NonSealer (1931)
staining G
cement
2)
Procosol
(GrossmanRadio-opaque
1958)
silver
cement
(Grossman2)
Grossm
1936)
ans sealer
(Grossman1974)
3)

4)

1)

DIAKET
(1951)

1.

2)

AH 26 (1957)

2.

3)

Chloropercha
Eucapercha

3.

Nogenol

4.

5)

Hydron

5.

Endofil

Tublise
al
(Kerr1961)

7)

Glass Ionomer

Wachs
Paste (Wach
1925-55)

9)

Ca PO4 cements

10)

Cyanoacrylate

8)

Polycarboxylat
e

N2 (1970)
Endometha
sone

4)
6)

DIAKETA

Spad
Iodoform
paste

6.

Rieblers
paste

7.

Mynol
cement

8.

Ca (OH)2
paste (Lanes, 1962)

9.

Ca
(Frant,
[BiocalexCa(OH)2)]

(OH)2
1962)

II ACCORDING TO GROSSMAN:
1) Zinc-oxide resin cements.
2) Ca(OH)2 cements.
3) Paraformaldehyde cements.
4) Pastes.
III ACCORDING TO COHEN
Specification number 57 classifies endodontic filling materials as
follows:
Type I

Cl 1, Cl 2

Type II

Cl 1, Cl 2, Cl 3

Type III

Cl 1, Cl 2, Cl 3, Cl 4

Type I : CORE (Standardized) auxiliary (conventional) points to be used

with sealer cements.
Class 1 Metallic.
Class 2 Polymeric.
Type II : Sealer cements to be used with core materials.
Class 1 Powder and liquid nonpolymerizing.
Class 2 Paste and non-polymerizing.
Class 3 Polymer resin systems.

Type III : Filling materials to be used without either use materials /

sealer cements.
Class 1 Powder and liquid non-polymerizing.
Class 2 Paste and paste non-polymerizing.
Class 3 Metal amalgams.
Class 4 Polymers.
V ACCORDING TO INGLE
-

Cements.

Pastes.

Plastic.

VI ACCORDING TO CLARK
-

Absorbable.

Non-absorbable

VII ACCORDING TO HARTY F.J

1. Pastes and cements may be divided into 5 groups.
1) Zinc-oxide eugenol based.
2) Resin based.
3) GP based.
4) Dentin adhesive materials.
5) Materials to which medicaments have been added.
Examples of ZnOE are already mentioned.

2. Resin based: Consists of an epoxy resin base which sets upon mixing
with an activator. Examples AH 26
-

Diaket

Hydron.

3. Guttapercha based : Pastes and cements based on gutta-percha

consists of solutions of gutta-percha in organic solvents well known
products are:
-

Chloropercha.

Encapercha.

4. Dentin adhesive materials: Adhesive cements have been tested in an

attempt to improve the quality of sealers.
Examples: Cyanoacrylate cements.
-

Glass ionomer cements.

Polycarboxylate cement.

Calcium phosphate.

Composite materials.

5. Materials to which medicaments have been added.

-

These may be divided into 2 groups:

i.

Those in which strong disinfectants and antiphlogistics

have been added in order to supports possible postoperative pain.

ii.

Those in which Ca(OH)2 has been added with the

purpose of inducing cementogenesis and dentinogenesis at the foramen, thus creating a permanent
biological seal. Examples:

Paraformaldehyde.

Calcium hydroxide.
In the first group of pastes, the supplemented disinfectant is

paraformaldehyde and corticosteriod preparation is used as an

antiphlogistic.
The most popular commercial Ca(OH)2 containing cements are:
-

Calcibiotic root canal sealer (CRCS).

Sealapex.

Biocalex.

Antiphlogists : Agents which counteract inflammation.

INDIVIDUAL SEALERS
A)

SILVER CONTAINING

1) Kerr root canal sealer / Rickerts Formula:

Composition:
Powder:
ZnO

34-41.2%.

Precipitated silver

25-30.0%

Oleo resins

30-16%
8

Thymol iodide

11-12%

Liquid
Oil of cloves 78-80%
Canal balsam 20-22%
Advantages:
i.

Excellent lubricating properties.

ii.

It allows a working time of more than 30 minutes when

mixed in 1:1 ratio.

iii.

Germicidal action and biocompatibility.

iv.

Greater bulk than any sealer and hence fills voids,

auxillary canals and irregularities present lateral to gutta-percha
cones.

v.

Prostaglanding inhibition property (Zn Eugenolate).

Disadvantages:
i.

Stains dentin to dark grey colar.

Indication:
i.

This is indicated to warm gutta-percha technique where

lateral canals are present.

Manipulation:
1.

One drop of liquid + 1 pellet of powder.

10

2.

Granular

appearance

remains

even

after

spatulation is completed because of precipitated silver.

3.

It completely sets and is inert within 15-30

minutes, so Grossmans formula appeared in 1936; with the
purpose of developing a sealer that afforded more working time.

2) Procosol Radiopaque Silver Cement

Powder:
ZnO USP

45%

Ppt silver

17%

Hydrogenated resin 36%

Magnesium oxide

2%

Liquid:
Eugenol

90%

Canada balsam

10%

To get rid of stain use xylol to wash the pulp chamber after
condensation.
Indications:
1.

Material of choice for lateral canals.

2.

For silver points.

3.

Vertical condensation of warm gutta-percha when

bulk of material is required as a sealer.

11

Packaging:
-

Liquid in bottle (dropper).

Premeasured powder in pellet form.

Mixing:
-

1 pellet to 1 drop (1:1).

A)

Silver Free : Grossmans formula was revised to

exclude Ag.
1) Procosol Non-staining Cement / Grossmans Eugenol Cement
(1958):
This sealer is revised by Grossman again in 1974; by the addition
of Na borate to the powder component and by the elimination of all
ingredients except eugenol from the liquid.

Procosol Non-staining (1958)

Grossmans Sealer (1974)

Composition:

Composition:

Powder:

Powder:

Zno (reagent) 40%

Zno (reagent) 40%

Staxybelite resin 27%

Staybelite resin 30%

Bismuth subcarbonate 15%

Bismuth subcarbonate 15%

Ba sulfate 15%

Ba sulfate 15%
Na anhydrous 1%

Liquid:

Liquid:

Eugenol 80%

Eugenol 5 parts.

Sweet oil of almond 20%

12

Grossmans sealer is used widely because it provides good seal.

Commercial names:
-

Procosol non-staining sealer.

Roths sol.

Endoseal.

Properties:
i)

It has plasticity.

ii)

It has slow setting time in the absence of

moisture and due to the presence of Na borate anhydrate.

iii)

It has good sealing potential and small

volumetric change upon setting.

iv)

Zinc Eugenate is decomposed by H2O

through continuous loss of eugenol which makes ZnOE; a weak
unstable compound.
Because the use of Grossmans sealer in bulk for retrofillings and

surgical root end repair is questionable.

This sealer if extruded apically gets absorped.
Disadvantages:
1) Resin is of coarse particle size and unless the material in
spatulated vigorously during mixing, an increased piece of resin

13

may lodge on the walls of the canal and prevent the root-canal
filling from sealing at correct level.
Setting Time:
-

This cement hardens in approximate 2 hours at 37C.

Its setting time in canal is less: 10-30 minute because of the

moisture present in dentin. The S.T. is influenced by:
a) Quality of the ZnO and pH of the resin used.
b) Technique used in mixing the cement.
c) Amount of humidity in the temperature.
d) Temperature and dryness of the mixing slab and spatula.

Manipulation:
-

Two / 3 drops of liquid: small increments of powder.

Spatulation time depends on number of liquids drops.

Spatulated to a smooth creamy consistency on a sterilized; dried,

cool glass slab.

a) Drop test

b) String out teeth

- 10-12 seconds

1 inch without breaking.

2) Tubliseal: 1961)
-

Available in paste system containing base and catalyst.

14

Composition:
Base:
ZnO

57-59%

Oleo resins

18.5 21.25%

Bismuth trioxide

7.5%

Thymol iodide

3.75% - 5%

Oil and waxes

10-10.1%

Barium sulphate
Catalyst:
Eugenol
Polymerized resin
Ammidalin.
It differs from Rickerts cement in that the ZnO base paste also
contains barium sulphate as a radiopacifier and mineral oil, corn, startch
and lethin, catalyst is made up of polypale resin eugenol and thermol
iodide.
Advantages:
1) Easy to mix.
2) Extensively lubricated.
3) Does not stain the tooth structure.
4) It expands after setting.
Disadvantages:
1) Irritant to peri apical tissue.

15

2) Very low viscosity extrusion through apical foramen because

shorter spatulation time is recommended.
3) W.T. is less than 30 minutes and even less in the presence of
moisture.
Indications:
i.

In apical surgery cases immediately after filling. The

canal is overfilled intentionally with heavy condensation and the
excess removed by curettage.

ii.

For filling the last millimeter of the prepared canal

where the master cone may not reach because of its great
lubricating property.

3) Giachs Sealer (1955, Wach et al)

Composition:
Powder:
Zno

10g

Tricalcium phosphate

2g

Bismuth subnitrate

3.5g

Bismuth subiodide

0.3g

Magnesium oxide (heavy) 0.5g

Liquid:
Canada balsam

20ml

Oil of cloves

6ml.

16

Properties:
a) Medium WT.
b) Minimum lubricating quality.
c) Minimum periapical irritation.
d) It is sticky due to the presence of Canada balsam.
e) It should be mixed to smooth creamy consistency and
should string out at least one inch when spatula is raised
from the glass slab.
f) Increasing the thickness of the sealer lessens its lubricating
effect (so this sealer is introduced when there is a
possibility of over extension beyond the confines of the
root canal.
g) It is packaged as powder and liquid in separate bottles.
Advantages:
a)

It is germicidal.

b)

Less peri-apical irritation.

c)

It has light body and thus does not defect the

small gutta-percha cones.

17

d)

It stays in position due to the tackiness at the tip

of the cone.

Disadvantage:
a) Odour of liquid.
Indications:
a)

All lateral condensation methods especially

when chance of overfilling is present.

b)

Small curved canals of minimum caliber

because of its light body does not defect the small master
gutta-percha cone used in such canals.

Contraindications:
a)

When heavy lubrication is needed as with

short master cone.

Packaging:
Powder and liquid in separate bottles.
Mixing:
-

Mixed to creamy consistency, mass drawn/ 1 inch from raised

spatula.

Thicker for larger canals and for overfilling.

18

Summary of ZnOE based cements: Basically ZnOE based

cements have an advantage of:
-

Ease of manipulation.

Adhesion to dentinal walls and limited dimensional changes.

Radioopaque, germicidal action, ample WT and minimal staining

except Ag containing PROCOSOL.

Disadvantages: Pa irritation and not absorped easily from apical tissues.

Setting Reaction: It reacts because of a combination of physical and
chemical reaction yielding a hardened mass of ZnO embedded in a
matrix of long sheath like crystal of Zn eugenolate. Many factors is
moisture; particle size; pH etc. are factors that influence the setting
reaction.
-

Tissue culture study of ZnOE formulation are cytotoxic.

Inflammation at Pa region persists for years.

Until excess E ZnOE cement is phagocytosed.

NON-EUGENOL
1) DIAKET
-

It is a polyvinyl resin (Polyketone), a reinforced chelate formed

between ZnO and Diketone.

19

Diaket consists of a fine, pure white powder and a viscous honey

coloured liquid.

2 drops of liquid + 1 scoop of powder (changing the ratio of

powder to liquid effects the hardness of the final set and
radioopacity).

Diaket hardens rapidly.

S.T. is 6-8 minutes on glass slab and faster in the root canal.

Diaket is known for its resistance to absorption.

It is a superior to other sealers in tensile strength and resistance to

permeability.

Modification of apical cementum and alveolar bone occurred

with glass overfilling.

This cement is usually used for ENDOSSEOUS IMPLANT.

Diaket showed a greater tendency towards fibrous encapsulation

where as AH-26 tends to disintegrate into fine granules which
were phagocytosed.

2) AH-26
This is an epoxy resin recommended by SHROEDER in 1954.
Powder:
Bismuth oxide

60%
20

Flexamethylene tetramine 25%

Ag powder

10%

Titanium oxide

5%

Liquid:
Bisphenol diglycidyl ether
The formulation has been altered recently with the removal of
silver as one of the constituents to prevent tooth discolouration.
PROPERTIES / ADVANTAGES:
1.

It has good adhesive property.

2.

Antibacterial.

3.

It contracts slightly while hardening.

4.

Low toxicity and well tolerated by Pa tissues.

DISADVANTAGES:
1.

Parasthesia may occur following the use of

AH-26, but partial recovery occurs within 1-2 years.

2.

Inhibits leukocyte migration.

PACKAGING
Yellow powder and viscous resin, liquid and is mixed to a thick
creamy consistency.
Its setting time:

36-48 hours at body temperature.

5 to 7 days at room temperature.

21

TISSUE CULTURE STUDIES:

-

The material was moderately to severe toxic when tested on

human epithelial cells; blood, monocytes and lymphocytes etc.

Human studies:
-

Well tolerated by Pa tissue.

Excess material in the PDL tends to become encapsulated.

Mandibular parasthesia may occur following filling.

EFFECTIVENESS OF SEALER:
-

It is an effective sealing agent.

3) KLOROPERKA N.O. SEALER:

This formula is given by Nyborg and Inllin in 1965.
Composition:
Powder:
Canada balsam

19.6%

Resin

11.8%

Guttapercha

19.6%

Zinc oxide

49%

Liquid:
Chloroform
-

It was first introduced in 1939.

22

The powder is mixed with liquid chloroform.

After insertion the chloroform evaporates, leaving voids.

It is associated with a greater degree of leakage than other

materials.

CHLOROPERCHA
-

This is a mixture of gutta-percha and chloroform.

This chloroform paste has been used by some clinicians as the

sole canal filling material.

As such the technique is improper because of the excessive

shrinkage of the filling after evaporation of the chloroform.

INDICATIONS:
-

Perforations.

Unusually curved canals.

Canals with ledge formation.

In conjunction with well fitted primary cone chloropercha can fill

accessory canals and root canal space.

MODIFIED CHLOROPERCHA METHODS

There are 2 modifications:
1.

Johnston Callahan.

2.

Nygaard Ostby.
23

Johnston-Callahan method:
-

The canal is repeatedly flooded with 95% alcohol.

Then dried with absorbent points.

It is then flooded with Callahan resin, chloroform solution for 2-3

minutes (more chloroform is added if the paste becomes too thick
by diffusion / evaporation.

A suitable gutta-percha is inserted and compressed laterally and

apically with a string motion of the plugger until the gutta-percha
is dissolved completely in the chloroform solution in the root
canal.

Additional points are added one at a time and dissolved in the

same way.

Extrusion should be prevented because freshly prepared

chloroform is toxic before evaporation of chloroform (as
chloroform evaporates it shrinks and apical seal is lost).

NYGAARD OSTBY
-

The canal walls are coated with kloroperka the primary cone
dipped in sealer is inserted apically.

Pushing partially dissolved tip of the cone to its apical seal.

24

Addition cones dipped in sealer are packed into the canal to

obtain satisfactory filling.

FDA has banned the use of chloroform since it has a carcinogenic

potential.

1) NEWLY DEVELOPED CaPO4 TYPE SEALERS ARE:

1.

Tetra calcium phosphate (TeCP).

2.

Diacalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD).

3.

If modified MC II vains and buffer solution

(TDM).

4.

TDM-S-Buffer solution + 2.6% chondrotin

sulphate.

Composition: TDM-S
Powder:
a.

Tetracalcium phosphate.

b.

Dibasic Ca phosphate.

a.

Citric acid.

b.

Dibasic NaPO4.

c.

Chondrotin sulphate.

d.

Distilled H2O.

Liquid:

1.

Biocompatible.
25

2.
3.

No peri-apical inflammatory reaction.

Chondrotin and other ingredients said to promote wound
healing.

2) APPATITE ROOT CANAL SEALER Hydrox

Powder

Liquid

-tricalcium phosphate

Polyacrylic acid.

Hydroxyl appatite.

Distilled H2O.

Iodoform.

Bismuth subcarbonate.

Type I

ARS used for VITAL PULPECTOMY

Type II

30% iodoform used in INFECTED CANALS has

radioopacity.
Bactericidal
Bone invigoration effects.

Type III

5% iodoform.
Treatment of accidental perforations.
Orthograde filling after apicectomy.

ADVANTAGES:
-

Biocompatible.

Osteogenic potential.

Low tissue toxicity.

DISADVANTAGES:
-

Sets quickly, hence multiple mix essential.

26

Low radioopacity.

Low wetting ability.

1) ENDOFLOSS : ZnO based medicated cement.

Powder:

Liquid:

ZnO.

Eugenol.

Iodoform.

Parachlorophenol.

Ca(OH)2

BaSO4

Mixing is similar to PROCOSOL (ZnO sealer).

S.T. 30-45 minutes.

Biocompatible.

Induces severe inflammatory reaction in 48 hours and gradually

reduces after 3 months.

Severe cytotoxicity along with coagulation necrosis was observed

which is attributed to the presence of iodoform and
parachlorphenol.

2) TS-60
Powder

Liquid

ZnO.

Fatty acids.

Rosin.

Ortho ethoxy benzoic acid.

Magnesium oxide

Glycol.

27

HYDRON : Wiehterle and Lim (1960):

-

It is a rapid setting hydrophilic, plastic material used as a root

canal sealers without the use of core.

Goldman-Aydron is a polymer of hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate

(HEMA).

It is available as an injectable root-canal filling material.

Biocompatible and it conforms to the shape of the canal because

of its plasticity.

When it comes in contact with moisture, the gel absorbs H 2O and

swells.

W.T. is 6 to 8 minutes.

Less radioopaque than gutta-percha.

The syringe method makes it difficult to control the placement of

plastic gel accurately and to control the formation of voids within
its structure.

Long-term studies showed that it causes Pa irritation and

inflammation with the activation of macrophages.

Hydron is thixotropic i.e. before polymerization occurs it changes

from a gel to liquid for short-time.

28

It can be removed only by burs i.e. peeso reamer.

ENDOFIL:
-

A recently introduced injectable silicone resin endodontic sealant

is known as Lee Endo-fill.

It can be used with gutta-percha as the core material or as a sole

sealant and filling material to be injected in the canal with a
pressure syringe.

Endofill: a silicone elastomer silicone monomer.

Catalyst silicone based radioopacifier bismuth subnitrate.
Active ingredients.
-

Hydroxyl terminated dimethyl polysiloxane.

Undecylenic acid.

Benzyl alcohol.

Hydrophobic amorphous silica (10-30 particle size).

Catalyst Tetra ethylorthosilicate polydimethyl siloxane:

-

The mixed silicone has low working viscosity with good

adaptation to the tooth structure.

Good penetration of accessory canals.

29

It cures to a pale pink rubbery solid resembling gutta-percha in

properties.

ST 8 to 90 minutes (depending on the catalyst amount >

catalyst, faster setting, > shrinkage.

The voids can be detected on a radiograph and can be repacked.

A moist cotton pellet is used for vertical condensation and the

excess is removed.

H2O accelerates the S.T.

ADVANTAGES:
1. Ease of preparation.
2. Adjustable W.T.
3. Low working viscosity.
4. Rubbery consistency.
5. It is not a resorbable material.
DISADVANTAGES:
1. Cannot be used in the presence of H2O2.
2. Canal must be absolutely dry.
3. Shrinks upon setting but has an affinity for flowing into
open tubuli.
4. Endo-fills bonding ability to the canal walls decreases if it
is not used within about 20 minutes of mixing.
30

BIOCOMPATIBILITY:
-

Silicon elastomers are low in toxicity and inert to tissues.

GLASS IONOMER CEMENT (KETAC-ENDO)

-

Saito introduced the endodontic glass ionomer.

He suggested using Fuji Type I luting cement to fill entire rootcanal.

Later Pittford and Stewart worked on this material to improve the

properties.

Glass-ionomer cements are reaction product of an ion-leachable

glass powder and a polyanion in aqueous solution.

On setting they form a hard polysalt gel which adhere tightly to

enamel and dentin.

Because of their adhesive property they are used as root-canal

sealers, provided they are not cytotoxic. It can be triturated and
injected onto root-canal.

ADVANTAGES:
-

It has best physical qualities.

It has best binding to dentin.

Fewest voids.

Lowest surface tension.

Best flow property.

31

Less cytotoxic.

DISADVANTAGES:
-

It cannot be removed in case of re-treatment (no known solvent

for GI).

However Toronto / Osract group has reported that ketac-endo

sealer can be effectively removed by hand instruments, chloroform solvent followed by 1 minute with an ultrasonic no.
25 file.

NOGENOL:
-

This was developed to overcome the irritating quality of Eugenol.

The product is an outgrowth of non-eugenol periodontal pack.

This ZnO non-eugenol cement nogenol have been advocated as it

considered to be less irritating sealer.

It was found that after 24 hours all sealers showed considerable

inflammation.

AH-26 hours nogenol was considerably less irritating than the

other sealers.

Expands on setting and improve its sealing efficacy with time.

Base is ZnO with barium sulfate and vegetable oil.

-

Accelerator hydrogenated rosin.

32

Methyl abietable.

Lauric acid.

Chlorothymol.

Salicylic acid.

POLYCARBOXYLATE CEMENTS:
-

It consists of modified ZnO powder and aqueous solution of

polyacrylic acid.

The cement has chelating action.

Binds to both enamel and dentin.

Because of its adhesive and antibacterial properties, the cement

has been tested as a root canal sealer.

Like any other sealer, this material also produces an

inflammatory response when it is extruded into Pa tissues.

Apical seal is found to be inferior to other sealers.

ADVANTAGES:
1. It bonds well to dentine.
2. Antibacterial property.
3. Compounds like fluoride and Ca(OH)2 can be added.
DISADVANTAGES:

33

1. Special plastic plugger is required for insertion since it has great

adhesiveness to steel instruments.
CALCIUM PHOSPHATE CEMENT:
-

It has been developed for use on exposed root surfaces of

sensitive teeth.

Browne (1983) showed that this cement penetrated and occluded

the radicular dentinal tubules and enhanced hydroxyapatite
formation.

Wefel (1984) found that it effectively plugged the apical foramen

and penetrated the dentinal tubules upto 10mm.

The biocompatibility of this cement in Endo-therapy has not yet

been established

CYANOACRYLATE CEMENTS:
-

These are composite type polymers that can be polymerized to

hard products by the use of basic inorganic material that also
serve as fillers.

A number of homologues including methyl, ethyl; n-butyl,

isobutyl and isopropyl have been formulated in dental cements.

They have been reported to be biocompatible.

MEDICATED CEMENTS:
34

Examples:
Diaket A:
-

Chemically this sealer is similar to diaket but it also contains the

disinfectant HEXACHLOROPHENE.

It is one of the few medicated cements which does not contain

paraformaldehyde.

TISSUE CULTURE STUDIES:

-

Diaket is moderately toxic to cells.

It has a strong cytotoxic effect upto 48 hours after insertion.

HUMAN STUDIES:
-

Material is well tolerated by the Pa tissues (overfillings with

Diaket-A causes no inflammatory reaction and are encapsulated
by fibrous connective tissue).

Pb tetroxide is toxic to human organism and is of little benefit to the

properties of cement.
Paraformaldehyde hereby irritating and destructive to tissue.
Corticosteroid are supposed to reduce post-operative pain.

35

N2 :
-

It was introduced by SARGENT and RITCHER (1961/71).

N2 refers to the 2nd nerve (pulp is referred to as first nerve).

2 different types of N2 were available previously.

N2 normal

N2 apical

- Used for root filling.

- Used for antiseptic medication of

the canal.

Recently N2 Universal has been introduced.

The formula has been cultured by removing hydrocortisone,

prednisolone and barium sulfate.

Composition:
Powder
ZnO

68.51g

Pb tetroxide - 12.00g
Radiopaquers - Paraformaldehyde

4.70g

Bismuth subcarbonate

2.60g

Bismuth subnitrate

3.70g

Antiseptic Titanium dioxide

8.40

Phenyl mercuric borate

36

0.04g

Liquid:
Eugenol.
Oleum Rosae
Oleum Lavandulal
-

The corticosteroids are now added to the cement separately as

hydrocortisone powder / terra-cortil.

The object of introducing formaldehyde within the root-filling is

to obtain a continued release of formaldehyde gas which brings
prolonged fixation and antiseptic action.

TOXICITY:
-

Because of irritation is severe if forced into maxillary sinus

mandibular canal-caused persisting, paresthesia.

APICAL SEAL is better when compared to procosol, nongenol

and tubliseal and diaket.

ENDOMETHASONE:
-

The formation of this sealer is similar to N2 composition:

Powder:
ZnO

- 100.0gm

Bismuth subnitrate 100.0g

Dexamethasone

0.019g

Hydrocortisone

1.6g

37

Thymol iodide

25.0g

Paraformaldehyde 2.20g
Liquid:
Eugenol
-

A pink antiseptic powder is mixed with eugenol.

Sometimes endomehasone RC sealers gives rise to pain /

discomfort after 6 to 8 weeks of insertion.

This occurs because the corticosteroid masks any inflammatory

reaction until it is removed from the area.

Paraformaldehyde is not resorbed equally, quickly and the

symptom of the inflammatory reaction becomes apparent.

SPAD:
-

Known for one visit non-irritant radioopaque filler and sealer.

It is a resorcinol formaldehyde resin supplied as a powder and 2

liquids.

Composition:
Powder:
ZnO

72.9g

Ba Sulphate

13.00g

Titanium dioxide

6.30g

Paraformaldehyde 4.70g
Hydrocortisone acetate 2.00g
38

Ca(OH)2

0.94g

Phenyl mercuric borate 0.16g

Liquid:
(Clear) Formaldehyde solution

87.00g

Glycerine

13.00g

Liquid (LD)
(RED) Glycerine

55g

Resorcinol

25g

HCl acid

20g

Equal parts of the 2 liquids are mixed with powder.

Reaction in between the resorcinol and formaldehyde.

For this reaction, an acid pH is needed and this is provided by the

HCl acid.

The large amount of ZnO in the powder is to control the pH and

so prolong the S.T.

Setting time of spad is 24 hours during which small amounts of

unreacted formaldehyde gas released.

INDICATIONS:
-

Pulpotomies in Devi and permanent teeth.

Treatment of acute endo infections.

39

Pa within Pa infections because it is thought that sterilizing

affect accelerates healing.

Extrusion bone necrosis.

IODOFORM PASTE:
-

If alone / in combination with ether substances has been used as a

cement / as sealer with core materials.

Walkhoff (1928).

It is a resorbable paste.
Consists of: 60 parts of iodoform.
40 parts of solution 45% parachlorphenol,
Antiseptic

49% of camphor
6% menthol.

COMMERCIALLY aka KRI 1 paste.

-

When the pulp is necrotic, the apical foramen is intentionally

widened during preparation and paste is deliberately filled into
the region during filling.

If a sinus is present, paste is pushed beyond the canal until it

extrudes through the sinus.

Large Pa lesions, paste is used to fill the Rl and also as antiseptic

dressing.

40

It is not necessary to insert a guttpercha/silver points as core

filling, if it is used, it should not touch the apex.

It stimulates the Pa tissues and even accelerates bone formation.

The filling material in the peri apex is removed by the action of

phagocytosis and direct drainage to the associated lymphnodes.

DISADVANTAGE:
1) Pa irritation during construction of post crown (so call has
to be filled with non-absorbable material according to
Laws (1959) apical quarter of the canal with a section of
gutta-percha + paste and the remaining with nonresorbable material.
2) Discoloration.
3) Cannot be used in patients who have sensitivity to iodine.
RIEBLERS PASTE:
Powder:
ZnO
Formaldehyde
Ba sulphate.
Phenol.

41

Liquid:
Formaldehyde.
Sulphuric acid.
Ammonia.
Glycerine.
MYNOL CEMENT:
Powder:
ZnO.
Iodoform.
Rosin.
Bismuth subnitrate.
Liquid:
Eugenol.
Creosol.
Thymol.
-

These cements are used, without core materials and are

introduced by means of lentulospiral / injection device.

APPLICATION OF A SEALER
-

Sealer can be placed by :

Reamer.

Lentulo-spiral.

42

Reamer:
-

To carry the cement apically a counter clockwise turn is given

to the reamer.

One size less than the last instruction is selected.

The safest is to use with a stopper to the approximate W.L.

A small amount of cement is gathered on the blade and is carried

into the canal and is rotated in counter clockwise as it is
withdrawn.

Spinning the sealer into the canal slow gentle pumping action +
helps a lateral rotary motion of the instrument helps to caat the
walls thoroughly and dispersal air trapped in the canal.

Lentulospiral:
-

It is turned clockwise either by fingers / handpiece.

It carries cement apically.

Not effective in marrow canals, easy breakage.

Causes extrusion of the cement when used with handpiece.

Causes cement to set rapidly as a result of its whipping action.

CALCIUM HYDROXIDE CEMENT:

-

Ca(OH)2 has been used as intra-canal medicaments.

43

As a sealant in conjunction gutta-percha.

As a root canal filling material.

Pure Ca(OH)2 can be used / + saline solution.

pH 12.3 to 12.5.

Its use is based on the assumption that there is formation of hard

structures / tissues at the apical foramen.

The alkalinity of Ca(OH)2, stimulates the induction of

mineralized tissue.

Ca(OH)2 may be effective as an INTERIM treatment but should

serve as a permanent RC filling material because it may
disintegrate if leakage occurs.

Some ZnOE cements have been modified by incorporating

Ca(OH)2.

(A)

Ca(OH)2 sealers are considered superior to ZnOE cements.

SEALAPEX KERR COMPANY:

Non-eugenol Ca(OH)2 polymerize resin RC sealer.

It is delivered in paste form.

44

Composition:
-

Base consists of ZnO with Ca(OH)2.

Butyl benzene
Sulfonamide.
Zn stearate.

Catalyst

Ba sulphate.
Titanium dioxide radioopaque.
Resin.
Isobutyl salicylate and Acrocil R972.

It never sets in dry atmosphere.

It 100% humidity it takes 3 weeks to reach final set.

It expands while setting.

Healing is better with sealapex than other sealers.

CRCS (HYGEINIC) : 1982

-

Was first of the Ca(OH)2 based sealers.

Sealex was introduced later.

Composition:
Powder:
ZnO
Hydrogenated rosin.
Ba SO4
Ca(OH)2 14%
Bismuth subcarbonate.
45

Liquid:
Eugenol
Eucalyptol.
-

CRCS is a ZnOE eucalystol sealers to which Ca(OH) 2 has been

added for its osteogenic effect.

CRCS is powder : Liquid combination.

CRCS 3 days to set fully in either dry / humid environment.

It shows may little H2O sorption i.e. quite stable.

The setting time, solubility; compressive strength and other

properties of these and Ca(OH)2 sealers were compared with
PROCOSOL.

They found that sealapex showed a typical behaviour on its

pronounced volume expansion water absorption and change in
radioopacity with time.

(B)

LIFE
-

A Ca(OH)2 liner and pulp capping material and sealer.

Similar composition to sealapex.

(C)

VITAPEX
-

Japanese have introduced.

Components are iodoform and silicone oil.

46

(D)

BIOCALEX
-

Bernard (1952 as Ocalex.

Powder: Liquid system.

Powder: Heavy Ca oxide, Zn oxide

Liquid: Glycol, H2O

The powder and liquid are mixed to a paste.

Acts as RC medicament and RC filler.

After being sealed in the canal expands 6 times its original

volume.

CaO+H2O react within the tooth to form the Ca(OH) 2 which

ionizes to release OH ions.

Decompose necrotic pulp tissue to form H2O and CO2.

The H2O by combining with residual CaO leads to further

Ca(OH)2 formation while CO2 reacts with Ca(OH)2 to form
carbonate which is deposited in the RC walls.

The end result is that the contents of the canals are subjected to
chemical incineration with sterilization occurring by the action of
OH ions and sealing of the canal by decomposition of Ca(CO3).

Efficacy of sealing the root canal with Biocalex is a controversy.

47

NEWER SEALERS
1. Endofloss.
2. Appetite root canal sealer.
3. RCS containing tetra-calcium dicalcium phosphate and 1%
chondrotin sulphate.
1)

ENDOFLOSS:
-

Recently introduced sealer consisting of P:L formulation.

Powder:
ZnO.
Iodoform.
Ca(OH)2
BaSO4
Liquid:
Eugenol.
Parachlorophenol.
-

It is zinc oxide based medicated cement.

Mixing is similar to procosol (ZnO sealer).

S.T. 30-45 minutes.

Biocompatible.

48

Induces severe inflammatory reaction in 48 hours and gradually

reduced after 3 months.

Severe toxicity along with coagulation necrosis was observed

which is attributed to the presence of iodoform parachlorophenol.

2)

APPETITE RCS: HYDROX - P:L Combination

Powder:

Liquid:

-trica PO4

Polyacrylic acid.

Hydroxyl appetite.

Distilled H2O

Iodoform.
Bismuth subcarbonate.
3 types: - Type I; II and III:
1. Type I : ARS used for vital pulpectomy.
Type II : 30% iodoform used in infected canals that has
radioopacity; bactericide and bone invigoration effects.
Type III : in between cases which contains 5% iodoform.
2. Treatment of accidental perforations.
3. Orthograde filling.
Advantages:

Disadvantages:

1. Biocompatible.
essential.

1.

Sets

quickly;

hence

2. Osteogenic potential.2. Low radioopacity.

3. Low tissue toxicity. 3. Low wetting ability.

49

multiple

mix

Newly developed CaPO4 type sealers are:

1. Tetraca phosphate (TeCP).
2. Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD).
3. A modified McII vains and buffer solution (JDM).
4. TDM-S buffer solution + 25% chondrotin sulphate.
Composition:
TDM-S

TDM

Powder:
Tetracalcium PO4

Tetraca phosphate

Dibasic Ca PO4

Dibasic Ca phosphate

Liquid:
Citric acid

Dibasic NaPO4

Chondrotin sulphate

Distilled H2O

Studies have shown excellent biocompatibility.

No Pa inflammatory reaction seen.

Chondrotin and other ingredients said to promote wound healing.

50

BIOSEAL:
Sealing ability of a new-hydroxyapatite containing endodontic
sealer using lateral condensation and thermatic composition of guttapercha in vitro JOE, Vol. 22; No. 4: April 96.
Hydrox:
1. Is assumed to influence the apical healing.
2. It may effect the sealing ability of the cement because of its
composite structure additive did not effect the sealing ability.
BIOSEAL : PCS.
IEJ (97) 30; 205-209: Ca(OH)2 RCS : evaluation of pH Ca ion
concentration and conductivity.
Sealapex

Highest pH; ionic Ca and total Ca values.

Hygienic CRCS

IInd.

Dentsply - Sealer 26 IInd

Vivadent Apexit

IIIrd.

Effect of sealer thickness on long-term sealing ability : a 2-year

follow up study.
ZnOE Roth

Thick layers > leakage than thin layers.

PCS ENT
AH-26; Ketac Endo; Sealapex Thick and thin layers.

51