Bioceramic materials in endodontics

During the past two decades, a number of major advances have been made in the field of bioactive ceramics used for endodontic treatment. This article reviews the physico‐chemical and biological properties of bioceramic materials and the application of bioceramic technology to endodontics. Bioceramic materials, with their biocompatible nature and excellent physico‐chemical properties, are widely used in endodontic applications. They can function as cements, root repair materials, root canal sealers and filling materials, which have the advantages of enhanced biocompatibility, potential increased root strength following obturation, antibacterial properties and sealing ability. New bioceramic materials have demonstrated the ability to overcome some of the significant limitations of earlier generations of endodontic materials. Most bioceramic materials have been shown to be biocompatible and have good physico‐chemical characteristics, therefore having a potential use in clinical endodontics. Although in vitro studies on the use of bioceramic materials in endodontics have given encouraging results, randomized and double‐blind clinical studies of sufficient length with these materials are needed to confirm long‐term success following their use.