Clinical and radiographic evaluation of a resin-based root canal sealer

PURPOSE: To conduct a preliminary clinical and radiographic evaluation of a resin-based root canal sealer used in conjunction with gutta percha. METHODS: In a retrospective study on 180 patients who were seen for root canal therapy, a total of 295 root canals were treated with laterally condensed gutta-percha cones in conjunction with a methacrylate-based endodontic sealer (EndoRez). Root canal therapy had been carried out in one visit using standardized techniques. The results were assessed clinically and radiographically 14-24 months postoperatively and a comparison to baseline radiographs was made. 145 patient records were available for a follow-up examination. Success of root canal treatment was based on absence of clinical symptoms, a normal or slightly widened periodontal ligament and reduction of periapical radiolucencies with an absence of pain in patients that had pre-existing lesions associated with pain. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 913%. Root canals had been adequately filled to the working length in 110 teeth (75.7%), short from the working length in six cases (4.1%) and flush in 19 teeth (13.1%). Extruded sealer occurred in 10 (6.9%) instances. 49 teeth out of 55 (89.1%) that had preoperative apical radiolucencies revealed partial or total healing at the 14-24 months recall evaluation. 83 teeth out of 90 (92.2%), without preoperative radiolucencies, showed no radiographic changes. At the 14-24 months recall all patients reported being comfortable. 13 (9.0%) cases were judged failures.