Single point gutta percha obturation using a tricalcium silicate endodontic sealer

Lateral condensation and vertical compaction of gutta percha has been in wide use in performing endodontic obturation for decades. Historically this compression of gutta percha has been necessary because the sealers were themselves inadequate. They were hydrophobic, dimensionally unstable, not biocompatible, are susceptible to degradation, and irritating to periodontal tissue if extruded beyond the apex. Accordingly, these condensation techniques (lateral, vertical compaction, and warmed carrier based) were developed in order to minimize the sealer volume. It was acknowledged that more sealer meant more shrinkage, more leakage and more irritation, so techniques were developed to minimize the thickness of the sealer.