The endodontic sealer combines the proven advantages of MTA with an excellent canal obturation product.
When it comes to root canal sealers, the trick is to find a product that not only seals reliably, but is also user-friendly and biocompatible. Angelus has met that need with MTA-Fillapex, which incorporates MTA technology into a paste/paste sealer. Together with an ideal flow rate, the MTA in this state-of-the-art material ensures a complete seal while easily and efficiently penetrating even the smallest of lateral and accessory canals.
Dr. Albert Clark, a Utah dentist who assessed MTA-Fillapex for this Dental Product Shopper evaluation, was looking for a better endodontic sealer that provides a good seal and has been proven to be biologically compatible. He found those qualities in MTA-Fillapex, calling it a “patient-friendly sealant” that is “easy to use.” He concluded, “I love the idea of using MTA as a sealant because of its proven success in endo treatment.”
Handling and Placement
Dispensed in dual syringes with automix tips or in tubes, MTA-Fillapex can be inserted with gutta-percha points or with Lentulo drills. The paste/paste system makes handling and insertion easy, and ease of removal facilitates retreatment, especially with GP points.
“[MTA-Fillapex] is very easy to mix, place, and feel comfortable with,” noted Georgia dentist Jonathan Dubin, DMD, who rated all features as excellent. “I needed a good sealer that was easy to use,” said Dr. Anthony Gadbois, who remarked that MTA-Fillapex “makes my root canals take less time” and “made the appointment go more smoothly.” Dr. Kenneth Louie commented that it was “easy to dispense and mix” and “was simpler to use than typical powder/ liquid sealers.”
Dr. Adam Beno, who said sometimes “it seemed it would take a lot of material to extrude before mixing,” reported that MTA-Fillapex’s “automix tips provided a consistent mix.” He also noted that “its ease of placement has led to both predictable results and increased success in my cases.”
Ability to Fill and Seal Root Canals
MTA-Fillapex’s flowable consistency and paste/ paste formulation allow complete filling of the root canal, including accessory and lateral canals. Setting expansion and dimensional stability provide excellent sealing of the root canal, avoiding the penetration of tissue fluids and/or bacterial recontamination.
Anthony Rizzotti, DDS, said MTA-Fillapex “flows very well,” and Dr. Bruce Rabin noted, “[It] sealed [the] canal [and] made a time-sensitive step easy.” Dr. Clark shared, “MTA has a great record of success in repair and surgical applications,” and added, “[I have] more confidence in [the] durability of the endo seal.” When asked what they’d like to see improved, a couple of dentists suggested a thicker consistency, while one said, “It could flow a little better.” Dr. Beno plans to recommend the material to his colleagues because of the material’s “consistent results with an MTA base.”
Biocompatibility
The use of MTA and disalicylate resin in MTA-Fillapex optimizes tissue recovery and reduces inflammatory response. According to the manufacturer, the 13.2% MTA powder enables the formation of new tissue, including root cementum, and is unmatched in its biological healing properties. More stable than calcium hydroxide, MTA provides constant release of calcium ions for tissues while maintaining a pH that elicits antibacterial effects.
Dr. Dubin “wanted a more biocompatible sealer that, if it extruded out the apex, I would feel comfortable,” and told DPS, “[MTA-Fillapex is the] most biocompatible sealer available.” Endodontist Grace Chu, DMD, used the material in large lesions and resorbed apical orifices “where GP control is difficult.” She reported that it was “biologically acceptable to the periapical tissues, especially in large lesions,” and noted, “It has reduced post-operative discomfort from periapical irritation.”
Several evaluators commented on the reduction of post-operative sensitivity/ irritation, including Dr. Clark, who noted, “[MTA-Fillapex is a] patient-friendly sealant. I do not worry about extra [material] that is extruded, causing post-op pain or problems.” Dr. Chu shared, “The periapical area recovered faster and was less tender after the endodontic therapy.”
Overall Satisfaction
“I have used a resin sealer but feel this is a step up,” said Dr. Clark, who was among the evaluators who said they would recommend MTA-Fillapex to colleagues. Rating his overall satisfaction as very good, a Connecticut dentist summarized, “[MTAFillapex] is an alternative root canal cement that can be easily integrated into practice.” And Dr. Gadbois, who rated every feature and his overall satisfaction as excellent, concluded, “This worked very well and will replace my current product.”
