title: Root canal filling using Resilon: a review.
abstract: Root canal treatment is achieved by chemo-mechanical debridement of the root canal system followed by filling. The filling material 'entombs' residual bacteria and acts as a barrier which prevents the entrance of oral microorganisms and reinfection of the root canal system through microleakage. However, filling with contemporary root filling materials such as gutta-percha offers limited long-term resistance to microorganisms; as a result other materials such as Resilon have been investigated as alternatives. The aim of this review was to analyse the literature to consider whether Resilon is a suitable root canal filling material. A MEDLINE and Cochrane library search including various keyword searches identified several papers which investigated or discussed Resilon or RealSeal/Epiphany. Analysis of the literature demonstrated that the bulk of the literature is in vitro in nature, based largely on leakage-type studies, and demonstrates a wide variety of methodologies with conflicting findings; as a result meaningful conclusions are difficult. Within the limit of these in vitro studies Resilon appears to perform adequately in comparison to gutta-percha, however, as a result of the questionable merit of such studies, it cannot presently be considered an evidence-based alternative to the current gold standard gutta-percha. It is imperative that before Resilon is considered as a replacement material, a better understanding of the physical properties of the resin sealer and the reality of the adhesive 'monoblock' are elucidated. The literature also demonstrates a paucity of quality long-term clinical outcome studies which will need to be addressed before firm conclusions can be reached.
authors.affiliation: Division of Restorative Dentistry and Periodontology, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Shanahan
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Duncan
mesh_terms: D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000517:prevention & control; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000382:microbiology; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; C486892:resilon sealer; D006171:Gutta-Percha