Product Evaluation

As an endodontist, Dr. Orapin Horst knows a thing or two about root canals. And she also knows that all root canal sealers are not created equal. In her eyes, it’s important to have “a sealer that is easy to use and is not moisture sensitive, [one that] flows well, has excellent seal-ability, and has antimicrobial action.” While that may seem like a lot to expect of one material, Dr. Horst was excited to discover that the new BC Sealer ION+ from Brasseler USA “possesses all of the good properties of bioceramic/MTA/calcium silicate-based sealers, including antibacterial, biocompatibility, and hydrophilic properties.”

While “looking for an endodontic sealer that was more biocompatible than my current sealer,” Dr. Joshua Conway tried the BC Sealer ION+ root canal sealer for this DPS evaluation and was delighted that the material is not only biocompatible but is also “su­per easy to use, easy to handle and deliver, and I’ve had fewer reports of postoperative discomfort.”

Premixed and Ready to Use

To save time for the clinician and patient, BC Sealer ION+ is dispensed in a premixed, ready-to-use syringe, which was the favorite feature of Dr. Anthony Pan and Dr. Tony Hsu because of the reduced chair time. “I like that I do not have to mix, so it is easier to use than other MTA-based sealers,” shared Dr. Horst, and Dr. Russ Jensen found that “it sped up the obturation process and made it more predictable.” Dr. David Thurman liked the “quick and consistent mixing of the material” and said it was “faster and foolproof,” while providing a “more consistent mix.”

Dr. Conway appreciated that there is a “smaller tip than other bioceramics I’ve tried, which means less waste,” and Dr. Bruce Schulman said it took a “short time to apply the sealer.” Because “the premixed syringes meant that not much force was needed to dispense the sealer,” Dr. Craig Ratner said, “it was easier to dispense and control placement.” According to Dr. Kenneth Lutsch, the premixed formulation not only saves preparation time, but it also decreases the amount of time spent cleaning up after a procedure, a feature that was appreciated by many of the dentists.

Ease of Delivery and Application

Another advantage to BC Sealer ION+ is that the premixed presentation makes it easier to apply and reduces time by simplifying obturation. “This product was easy to dispense and apply,” comment­ed Dr. Jensen, and Dr. Horst agreed that it is “easy to use” with a “good price” but suggested “better radiopacity and flowability.” When asked if he would recommend the product to colleagues, Dr. Schulman eagerly said “yes” because of the ease of use and great handling properties and added, “I feel that bio­ceramic sealers are the gold standard at this time.” Dr. Gary Johnson also enjoyed the “good handling properties” and ease of use of the sealer, and Dr. Ratner said he would recommend BC Sealer ION+ because of the “ease of use and great dispensing system.” Dr. Pan also would suggest that colleagues use this material because it made root canals “more efficient and easier.” Dr. Hsu would like to see a lon­ger working time, reporting that “it seems to start setting while I’m obturating and became a gritty consistency.”

Viscosity & Ability to Seal Canal

After using BC Sealer ION+, Dr. Brad Barker found that the “viscosity was nice,” and Dr. Schulman said it was a little too flowable, which he appreciated in a specific case where “the sealer was able to flow around a sharp apical curve.” Dr. Horst determined that the “flowability is very similar to other MTA-based root canal sealers” but thought the “dispensing tips left too much unused sealer.” Dr. Aaron Knop said “the flow and application” are his favorite features, and he liked the fine tip on the syringe that reaches deep into the canal. Dr. Ratner also liked the “dis­pensing tips [that] worked very well and gave great access.”

Hoping that BC Sealer ION+ would result in “easier, more predictable obturation,” Dr. Jensen noted, “This product allows me to obturate using a single cone technique.” Reporting on a specific case, he was pleased that “using this sealer with the single cone technique allowed me to bypass the backfill step I normally do and allowed for a more uniform and predictable fill.” Knowing that “safe, effective sealing of the root canal” is essential, endodontist Dr. Nathaniel Behrents said that BC Sealer ION+ “appeared to perform as good as or better than other products.” Always striving to “improve the apical seal of my filling material,” Dr. Schulman determined, after using BC Sealer ION+, that “it appears that bioceramics are better materials to seal a root canal system.”

Overall Satisfaction

All but one of the dentists said they would recommend BC Sealer ION+ to colleagues, with Dr. Knop reporting that he “felt more confident in using a master cone with this sealer and getting a great outcome.” Dr. Jensen concluded, “This product was easy to use, predictable, and provided a great outcome.” And Dr. Conway said the product’s “easy delivery and reduced postop sensitivity” improved his chairside experience and added, “What’s not to love?”