Critical review on methacrylate resin-based root canal sealers

Introduction: Four generations of methacrylate resin based sealers have been available commercially. Three of these were introduced during the last 5 years when the concept of simultaneous bonding of root canal sealers to root filling materials and dentin was popularized. Methods: This article presents an overview of methacrylate resin based sealers, with the objectives of clarifying the behavior of these materials and delineating their limitations in clinical application. Results: The first generation sealer was introduced in the mid-1970s. The initial enthusiasm associated with its use eventually diminished as a result of its suboptimal physical, biologic, and clinical properties. With advances in self-etching adhesive technology acquired from adhesive dentistry, methacrylate resin based sealers were reintroduced in the beginning of the 21st century to support the introduction of bondable root canal filling materials. Three different generations of these sealers have since been available commercially. Although some in vitro studies on the sealing ability, self-etching potential, biocompatibility, and removability of the sealers showed better potential over conventional nonbonding sealers, accomplishing the ideal goal of a monoblock in the root canal space with these materials is still regarded as a major challenge. Conclusions: On the basis of the in vitro and in vivo data available to date, there appears to be no clear benefit with the use of methacrylate resin based sealers in conjunction with adhesive root filling materials at this point in their development. (J Ended 2010;36:383-399)