Endodontic post and obturator

Abstract

An endodontic filling material comprising a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer. A bioactive substance may also be included in the filling material. The thermoplastic polymer acts as a matrix for the bioactive substance. The composition may include other polymeric resins, fillers, plasticizers and other additives typically used in dental materials. The filling material is used for the filing of root canals.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . An endodontic post comprising: a post section; and
 a tip section, wherein the tip section comprises a filling material, wherein the filling material comprises a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer.   
     
     
         25 . The endodontic post of  claim 24  wherein the filling material further comprises a bioactive filler. 
     
     
         26 . The endodontic post of  claim 24  wherein the tip section is integral to the post section. 
     
     
         27 . The endodontic post of  claim 24  wherein the post section is fabricated of metal, plastic, composite, ceramic, glass or polymeric material. 
     
     
         28 . The endodontic post of  claim 24  wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises polylactides, polyglycolides, polycaprolactones, polyanhydrides, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesteramides, polyorthoesters, polydioxanones, polyacetals, polyketals, polycarbonates, polyorthocarbonates, polyphosphazenes, polyhydroxybutyrates, polyhydroxyvalerates, polyalkylene oxalates, polyethylene oxides, polyacrylates/methacrylates, polyalkylene succinates, poly(malic acid) polymers, polymaleic anhydrides, poly(methylvinyl) ethers, poly(amino acids), chitin, chitosan, and copolymers, terpolymers, or combinations or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         29 . The endodontic post of  claim 25  wherein the bioactive filler comprises bioglass, calcium phosphate, Portland cement, hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, a di- or polyphosphonic acid, an anti-estrogen, a sodium fluoride preparation, a substance having a phosphate to calcium ratio similar to natural bone, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         30 - 43 . (canceled)