Physical Properties Comparison of Four Bioceramic Vs. Epoxy Resin–Based Root Canal Sealers: An in Vitro Study Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Can sealer choice affect root canal therapy outcomes? Research shows bioceramic sealers like EndoSeal MTA may outperform epoxy in solubility and setting time. What material suits your needs? #Endodontics #DentalResearch

Moghadam AA ; Aminsobhani M ; Afzali Z ; Sarraf P
Source: BMC Oral Health Published:2026

Abstract

Background: The choice of endodontic sealer plays a crucial role in preventing microleakage, maintaining apical integrity, and ensuring durable clinical performance. Among available materials, bioceramic sealers offer bioactivity and chemical bonding potential, whereas epoxy resin–based sealers provide proven stability and low solubility. This study aimed to compare the physicochemical properties of four bioceramic root canal sealers with an epoxy resin–based reference material (AH Plus), focusing on setting time, solubility (with and without thermal cycling), and dimensional change. Materials and methods: Five sealers were tested: EndoSeal MTA, CeraSeal, Nano-MTA, NeoSealer Flo (bioceramic), and AH Plus (epoxy resin-based). Setting time was determined according to ISO 6876:2012 using Gilmore needles. Solubility was evaluated under thermocycled (1000 cycles, 5–55 °C) and non-thermocycled conditions. Dimensional change was assessed via pre- and post-immersion micro-CT imaging after 7 days in distilled water. Results: EndoSeal MTA had the shortest setting time, and NeoSealer Flo the longest (p < 0.0001). AH Plus showed the lowest solubility; NeoSealer Flo had the highest. Thermal cycling did not significantly affect solubility (p > 0.05), but a strong correlation was found between thermocycled and non-thermocycled values (r² = 0.8084, p < 0.0001). AH Plus demonstrated significant volumetric increase, while bioceramic sealers showed varying degrees of shrinkage (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Bioceramic sealers demonstrated comparable or superior solubility and adaptation compared with the epoxy resin–based control, although differences in setting time and dimensional change were material-dependent. These findings suggest that selecting sealers according to their physicochemical performance, such as faster setting in single-visit treatments or higher dimensional change in retreatments, may improve the long-term prognosis and clinical success of root canal therapy. Clinical relevance: This study identifies material-specific strengths and weaknesses that can guide evidence-based selection. Matching the sealer’s physicochemical profile to the clinical scenario can optimize treatment longevity and reduce failure risk. © The Author(s) 2026.