Differentiate endodontic sealers into broad categories and provide an example of each.

• A. Glass ionomer sealers; calcium hydroxide sealers; epoxy resin sealers
• B. Zinc oxide eugenol–based sealers (e.g., ZOE); epoxy resin–based sealers (e.g., AH Plus); bioceramic sealers (e.g., iRoot BP).
• C. Gutta-percha sealers; resin sealers; silica sealers
• D. Calcium phosphate sealers; zinc phosphate sealers; silicone sealers

Answer: (B)

Endodontic sealers are grouped by their chemical makeup, and understanding these families helps predict how they behave in the canal, including setting, solubility, biocompatibility, and bonding to dentin. The three broad categories reflected here are zinc oxide eugenol–based sealers, epoxy resin–based sealers, and bioceramic sealers.

Zinc oxide eugenol–based sealers combine zinc oxide with eugenol, which gives antimicrobial properties but can be more soluble over time and may have weaker bonding to dentin compared with resin-based options. They are a traditional, straightforward option and serve as a clear example of a ZOE family sealer.

Epoxy resin–based sealers, such as AH Plus, are renowned for excellent sealing ability, strong bonding to canal walls, low solubility, and good dimensional stability. They adhere well to gutta-percha and dentin, producing reliable long-term seals in many cases.

Bioceramic sealers are calcium silicate–based and are hydrophilic, bioactive, and capable of forming a bond with dentin and forming hydroxyapatite at the interface. They often set in moist environments and can enhance the seal through bioactivity and micro-mechanical interlocking with the canal walls.

Other sealer types exist, but these three provide clear, widely recognized broad categories with representative examples.