RealSeal™ is a synthetic polyester endodontic obturation material that contains bioactive and radiopaque fillers. RealSeal™ reportedly demonstrates all the advantages of gutta-percha (e.g., radiopacity, biocompatibility, retrievability, insolubility, thermoplasticity) plus the potential added advantages of reduced microleakage and increased strength. The sealer is a dual-cured resin-based composite with fillers of calcium hydroxide, barium sulfate, barium glass, and silica. The obturation material purportedly forms a “mono-block” or continuous bond between the canal wall, sealer, and cones, providing a reported improvement in sealing and root strengthening. Because RealSeal™ is designed like gutta-percha systems (e.g., master and accessory cones), it reportedly has a minimal learning curve.
RealSeal is designed to mimic gutta percha, for ease of use and a reduced learning curve. It has the potential to reduce microleakage and improve fracture resistance. It is retrievable, eugenol free, and highly radiopaque. RealSeal forms an immediate coronal seal when light cured.
RealSeal is a bit more time consuming, because of the additional steps required for its use. It is relatively sticky when heated, making placement a bit trickier. Similar to gutta percha, master and accessory cones are available in ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sizes, but clinical evaluators noted a lack of larger cone sizes for systems of greater taper (i.e., 0.04, 0.06). Some evaluators also felt the microbrushes were too large and the sealer syringe was small and wasteful. Basic kits lack pellets for warm gutta-percha backfill. Also, the price of RealSeal sealer, primer, and thinner resin may be more expensive than traditional zinc oxide and eugenol sealers.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
