Sealing and filling compositions for use in filling and/or sealing a root
canal. The sealer and filler compositions include a polymerizable
material that shrinks when polymerized. The composition also includes a
gas releasing component that at least partially offsets the shrinkage
caused by polymerization of the polymerizable material. The gas releasing
component offsets polymerization shrinkage by creating tiny gas bubbles
in the polymeric material, which causes expansion. The gas releasing
component can be an acid and a base such as citric acid and sodium
bicarbonate, which when mixed give off carbon dioxide. The composition
can also include a dispersing agent to disperse the gas bubbles
throughout the composition.