Obturation materials play a vital yet often overlooked role in root canal therapy. Beyond cleaning and shaping, long-term success depends on precise filling and a tight seal.

This article introduces a range of filling materials, from classic gutta-percha and ZOE-based sealers to today’s bioceramic innovations, giving insight into their clinical performance.

Common Types of Obturation Materials

Root canal obturation relies on two essential components working in tandem: the sealer and the core material.

1. Endodontic sealers

Endodontic sealers flow into fine anatomical spaces, ensuring a fluid-tight seal that the core alone cannot achieve.

• ZOE sealers

The Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) sealer is among the earliest materials adopted for root canal obturation. Composed primarily of zinc oxide and eugenol, it forms a workable paste upon mixing, offering enough flow and adhesion to fill the microscopic spaces between gutta-percha and the canal walls^[1].

ZOE sealers offer antimicrobial and resorbable benefits but tend to shrink and become porous after setting, which may compromise long-term sealing performance.

• Calcium Hydroxide Sealers

Calcium hydroxide-based sealers are commonly used in root canal treatments for their ability to kill bacteria and support tissue healing^[2]. Their high pH (around 12) creates a healing-friendly environment around the root tip.

They’re gentler on tissues compared to many other sealers, but their tendency to dissolve over time may reduce sealing stability^[1].

•  Glass Ionomer Sealers

Glass ionomer sealers stick to dentin by a natural chemical reaction, creating a strong seal that protects the tooth and strengthens the root. They release fluoride and fight bacteria. But they’re tricky to apply deep inside the canal and can be hard to remove if retreatment is needed^[1].

2. Core obturation materials

Core obturation materials, like gutta-percha, provide the bulk fill and structural foundation within the cleaned canal.

• Gutta-Percha

Gutta-percha is the most commonly used core obturation material to fill root canals. It consists mainly of natural gutta-percha resin, zinc oxide, plasticizers, and radiopacifiers^[3].

This thermoplastic material softens when heated, allowing easy adaptation inside the canal. It’s favored for its low toxicity, radiopacity, and flexibility, but it doesn’t bond to dentin and shrinks slightly upon cooling^[1].

• Resilon

Resilon obturation is a thermoplastic synthetic polymer-based root canal filling material introduced in 2004^[4]. Designed as a potential alternative to gutta-percha, it bonds with epoxy resin sealers to form a “monoblock” aiming to reduce microleakage^[5].

However, its clinical benefits compared to traditional materials are still under discussion.

• Bioceramic-based materials

Bioceramic materials, like mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), are innovative root canal-filling options. Known for being biocompatible and promoting tissue regeneration, they offer dimensional stability and strong bonding with dentin.

Despite their biological advantages, they are more technique-sensitive, costlier, and don’t last as long on the shelf as traditional materials^[1].

• Silver cones

Silver cone obturation, also known as silver points, was once used in root canal treatments for their supposed antibacterial effects^[1]. However, they’ve been phased out due to poor sealing ability and corrosion in the presence of fluids, which can release harmful byproducts. Today, they are considered obsolete in modern endodontics.

Comparison of Different Obturation Materials

Different obturation materials vary in sealing ability, biocompatibility, handling, and cost.

• Gutta-percha remains the standard, while bioceramics offer stronger sealing and healing.
• ZOE and calcium hydroxide are affordable but less durable.
• Glass ionomer bonds well to dentin but needs careful handling.
• Resilon shows promise, though its long-term benefits are uncertain.

Choose the Right Material for Clinical Success

With a clear comparison established, we can now explore how to select the most suitable material for various clinical situations. For simple canals with predictable anatomy, traditional gutta-percha with a reliable sealer offers a practical and easy-to-use solution. In contrast, more complex root systems or cases requiring enhanced healing may benefit from bioceramic-based options for their superior sealing and biocompatibility.

When retreatment is expected, avoid materials that are difficult to remove, such as glass ionomers. For most general practices, however, gutta-percha obturation remains the most versatile and cost-effective core material, striking a balance between ease of use, availability, and reliable clinical outcomes.

Partner with NIC® for Gutta-Percha Points

If you want to maximize treatment success with versatile and cost-effective gutta-percha points, NIC® can be your trusted partner. Recognized as a Well-Known Brand in the Greater Bay Area in China, NIC® delivers proven quality and innovation across a full range of endodontic instruments, including Gutta Percha Points.

Gutta Percha Points by NIC® is a machine-made endodontic obturation product designed for superior root apex filling. They follow strict quality standards to ensure consistent shape and size identical to corresponding reamers and files.

Key features of NIC® Gutta Percha Points include:

For dependable, high-quality gutta-percha points that make a real difference, look no further than NIC®. Check out our full product lineup today.

Reference

[1]. Endodontic Materials Used To Fill Root Canals. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK587367/ (Accessed on June 4, 2025)

[2]. Comparative Analysis of Different Types of Root Canal Sealers. https://denpedia.com/comparative-analysis-of-different-types-of-root-canal-sealers/ (Accessed on June 4, 2025)

[3]. Gutta-percha in endodontics - A comprehensive review of material science. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6632621/ (Accessed on June 4, 2025)

[4]. Root canal filling using Resilon: a review. https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2011.573 (Accessed on June 4, 2025)

[5]. Resilon: A Comprehensive Literature Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3779370/ (Accessed on June 4, 2025)