Which instrument is used with gutta percha to seal the root canal?

The correct answer is the root canal sealer, as it plays a crucial role in the endodontic procedure by providing a hermetic seal when combined with gutta percha. After a tooth's root canal has been cleaned and shaped, gutta percha is used to fill it. However, to prevent bacterial infiltration and ensure the longevity of the root canal treatment, the spaces between the gutta percha and the walls of the canal need to be sealed effectively. The root canal sealer fills these gaps and helps to secure the gutta percha in place, promoting a complete seal.

Other tools, such as the endo explorer, are primarily used for locating canal orifices or assessing the cleaning and shaping of the canal, but they do not serve the purpose of sealing. The Glick instrument has a different function, as it is often used to place and condense gutta percha but is not itself a sealing agent. The endo measuring device assists in determining the length of the canal and ensuring proper cleanup and filling but does not participate in the sealing process. Therefore, the root canal sealer is the key instrument specifically designed to work in conjunction with gutta percha to seal the root canal effectively.