Endodontic Sealer
A cement-like material used to fill the space between root canal filling material and dentine walls during root canal obturation.
Full Definition
An endodontic sealer is a flowable material that complements the primary filling material (commonly gutta-percha) by obliterating voids, lateral canals, and irregularities in the root canal system that cannot be filled by the core material alone. Sealers are formulated from various bases including zinc oxide–eugenol, epoxy resin, calcium silicate, and bioceramic compounds. Their physical properties — including dimensional change, solubility, and biocompatibility — are governed by ISO 6876. Editors must ensure that 'sealer' is not used synonymously with 'root canal filling material' or 'obturating material,' as these are distinct components of the obturation system.
Usage
Usage note: Do not abbreviate as 'sealer' alone in contexts where confusion with fissure sealant is possible. Specify the chemical family (e.g., epoxy resin–based, bioceramic) on first mention in technical documents.
In Context
- "Authors should clarify whether 'bioceramic sealer' refers to the calcium silicate–based formulation or the broader category of ceramic-containing endodontic sealers." — Peer-review editorial query
- "The endodontic sealer must be distinguished from the core filling material in both the methods section and the data tables." — Clinical research manuscript