An assessment of root canal-sealing cements

Abstract

A comparative assessment of ten root-canal sealers has been made. Their qualities of sealing, tissue irritation, strength, and setting properties were investigated. 1. 1. The setting times of the cements were determined. Zinc phosphate cement, zinc oxide and eugenol (quick-set) cement, zinc oxide and eugenol (fortified) cement, and Tubliseal all set too quickly to permit final adjustments to a root-filling point. All materials except zinc phosphate cement set faster when contaminated with moisture. 2. 2. The seal was investigated by a dye-penetration method, and the following materials were found to be satisfactory: zinc oxide and eugenol cement, zinc oxide and eugenol (quick-set) cement, zinc oxide and eugenol (fortified) cement, Grossman's (new) sealer, Rickert's root-canal sealer, Diaket, Tubliseal, and AH-26. 3. 3. The retentive strength of the root-sealer cements was assessed. Although zinc phosphate was the strongest cement tested, its strength declined with time. This also happened with zinc oxide and eugenol (fortified) cement, Diaket, and AH-26. Of those that maintained their strength, zinc oxide and eugenol cement was the best. 4. 4. The tissue reactions were tested by inserting implants in rat muscle. All materials were irritating, to some extent, but only zinc phosphate cement and Bioxol produced severe reactions. 5. 5. All zinc oxide and eugenol cements and the epoxy resin, AH-26, are suitable root-canal sealers. In fact, zinc oxide and eugenol cement in the unmodified form is a very satisfactory root-canal cement.