During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp is removed and the root canals are cleaned and shaped. The canals are then filled with a material called gutta-percha, which is a rubber-like substance that is used to fill the canals and prevent bacteria from re-entering. The gutta-percha is then sealed in place using a sealer, which helps to create a barrier between the gutta-percha and the tooth structure, and to ensure that the canals are completely sealed.
There are two main types of modern sealers:
- AH Plus Sealer: AH Plus is an epoxy resin-based sealer that contains the antimicrobial agents that help to reduce the bacterial load in the root canals. This can help to improve the overall success rate of the root canal procedure. It has been used for many years and is considered a well-established sealer, it has a good biocompatibility and provide a good seal of the canals.
- Bioceramic sealers: Bioceramic sealers are made from a mixture of ceramics and a bonding agent, such as resin. These sealers provide a good seal of the canals and also have a bioactive property which means that they can help to remineralize the tooth and promote healing. They are considered to have good biocompatibility and low solubility in oral fluids.
Obturation material refers to the substance used to fill the canals after they have been cleaned and shaped. The most common obturation material is gutta-percha. It is a thermoplastic substance that can be shaped to conform to the irregular shape of the canals. It can be used with a variety of sealers to provide an effective seal of the canals.
Gutta-percha can be used with different techniques of filling like the traditional lateral condensation, warm gutta-percha, single cone, and other newer techniques like the thermafil and the vertical compaction. The choice of technique and materials used should be based on the clinician’s preference and the condition of the tooth.
The choice of sealer or obturation materials should be based on the condition of the tooth and the clinician’s preference. With the new developments and advancements in technology, there are a variety of sealers and obturation materials available in the market, each with its own benefits and potential drawbacks. It’s important to use the materials that have been tested, proven and accepted by the scientific community for their effectiveness, biocompatibility and safety. It’s important to note that new techniques and materials are continuously being developed and studied in order to improve the success of the root canal treatment and to achieve a better prognosis for the tooth.