Bioceramic Sealers in Endodontics: Why They Are Changing Root Canal Treatment

Understanding the Evolution of Endodontic Sealers

The success of root canal treatment depends heavily on the choice of endodontic sealer. Over the decades, sealers have evolved in response to clinical challenges such as microleakage, cytotoxicity, dimensional instability, and technique sensitivity.

Understanding the progression from traditional materials to modern bioceramic sealers helps explain why they are now considered the preferred option for contemporary endodontic practice.

Zinc Oxide Eugenol Sealers: The Traditional Approach

Historically, zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE)–based sealers were widely used in endodontics. While effective in achieving basic canal sealing, these materials were associated with several limitations:

• Poor long-term dimensional stability

• Solubility over time

• Inferior mechanical properties

These drawbacks increased the risk of leakage and reinfection, leading clinicians to seek more predictable alternatives.

Epoxy Resin Sealers: Improved Performance, Persistent Limitations

Advantages of Epoxy Resin Sealers

The introduction of epoxy resin sealers represented a step forward. Compared with ZOE-based materials, they offered:

• Improved physical and mechanical properties

• Greater dimensional stability after setting

• Reduced washout from the root canal

These properties contributed to improved obturation outcomes and became widely adopted in clinical practice.

Limitations of Epoxy Resin Sealers

Despite their advantages, epoxy resin sealers present important limitations:

• Potential cytotoxicity, particularly prior to full polymerisation

• Polymerisation shrinkage, increasing the risk of gap formation

• Reliance on mechanical retention rather than true chemical bonding

These issues highlighted the need for a biologically active and more forgiving material.

The Introduction of Bioceramic Sealers

A Major Shift in Endodontic Materials

The development of bioceramic (calcium silicate–based) sealers marked a fundamental change in endodontic obturation philosophy. Introduced in the late 2000s, these materials were designed to combine biological compatibility with reliable sealing performance.

Key Benefits of Bioceramic Sealers

High Biocompatibility

Bioceramic sealers are non-cytotoxic and highly biocompatible, supporting periapical healing and reducing the risk of adverse tissue reactions.

Chemical Bonding to Dentin

Unlike resin-based sealers, bioceramic sealers chemically bond to dentin through hydroxyapatite formation. This creates a stable, long-lasting seal and reduces microleakage.

Antimicrobial Properties

Their naturally high pH provides intrinsic antimicrobial activity, helping to disinfect the root canal system and lower the risk of reinfection.

Hydrophilic Setting Reaction

Bioceramic sealers are hydrophilic, meaning they perform reliably even in the presence of residual moisture—an advantage in real-world clinical conditions.

Dimensional Stability

Minimal or no shrinkage during setting ensures a stable seal and reduces the likelihood of bacterial penetration over time.

Reduced Technique Sensitivity

Bioceramic sealers support passive or hydraulic condensation techniques, reducing reliance on forceful compaction and simplifying obturation protocols.

Lower Risk of Root Fracture

By minimising condensation pressure and promoting bonded obturation, bioceramic sealers help reduce the risk of vertical root fracture, a known cause of endodontic failure.

Clinical Impact of Bioceramic Sealers

The widespread adoption of bioceramic sealers has transformed daily endodontic practice by offering:

• Greater procedural efficiency

• More predictable obturation outcomes

• Reduced technique sensitivity

• Improved long-term success of root canal treatment

For patients, this translates into fewer complications and more durable treatment outcomes.

Why Bioceramic Sealers Are the Future of Endodontics

The combination of biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, chemical bonding, hydrophilicity, and dimensional stability makes bioceramic sealers uniquely suited to modern endodontics. These properties directly address many of the causes of endodontic failure associated with traditional sealers.

One-Fil Sealer: A Modern Bioceramic Solution

One-Fil Sealer has been developed to deliver the core advantages of bioceramic technology in a clinically practical, user-friendly formulation.

Designed to support passive obturation techniques, One-Fil Sealer offers:

• Excellent biocompatibility

• Reliable chemical bonding to dentin

• High dimensional stability

• Simplified handling with reduced technique sensitivity

For clinicians seeking a predictable and biologically sound obturation material, One-Fil Sealer represents a modern solution aligned with the latest advances in endodontic materials.

👉 Explore One-Fil Sealer and learn how bioceramic technology can enhance your root canal outcomes.