Abstract: | Several physical properties of nine commercial root canal sealers were evaluated in vitro and were compared with those of two experimental endodontic materials based on polycarboxylate formulations. Flow, setting time, compressive strength, radiopacity, adhesion to root dentin, and solubility were evaluated. The zinc oxideeugenol root canal sealers were typically of low strength and high solubility. These sealers and the Diaket polyvinyl resin sealer showed no adhesion to dentin. The epoxy resin AH26 showed superior properties with respect to strength, flow, radiopacity, and adhesion; solubility of this material was high. The polycarboxylate formulation showed significantly higher values over the commercial sealers in properties of strength, adhesion, and reduced solubility. The tensile adhesive bond strength of the polycarboxylate to root dentin was twice that of AH26. A wide variation in properties of the commercial materials tested showed the empirical nature of these "sealers." Further testing of polycarboxylate endodontic sealers is indicated. |