Endodontic Sealers: an Overview

The endodontic triad; consisting of biomechanical preparation, microbial control and complete obturation of the canal space; remains the basis of endodontic therapy. Complete obturation of pulp space as efficiently and three dimensionally as possible is considered to be an important part of root canal treatment. Endodontic literature reports the need to seal the root canal in a hermetic way i.e. the canal system should be sealed apically, coronally and laterally. Leonardo and Leal (1991) affirmed that to seal a root canal means to fill it in all its extension with an inert, antiseptic material, obtaining the most hermetic seal possible. Various endodontic materials have been advocated for obturation of the radicular space. Most techniques employ a core material and a sealer. All core materials require a sealer. There are no exceptions to this rule. Although there are a large number of filling materials, the combination of gutta-percha and a sealer is most widely used in clinical practice. The purpose of sealing root canals is to prevent periapical exudates from diffusing into the unfilled part of the canal, to prevent re-entry and colonization of bacteria .