Cell and tissue reactions to mineral trioxide aggregate and Portland cement

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is being widely used for root-end fillings, pulp capping, perforation repairs, and other endodontic procedures. MTA and Portland cement (PC) have many similar physical, chemical, and biologic properties. PC cement has shown promising potential as an endodontic material in several studies in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this study was to compare the cytotoxic effect in vitro and the tissue reaction of MTA and Portland cement in bone implantation in the mandibles of guinea pigs.

Millipore culture plate inserts with freshly mixed or set material were placed into the culture plates with already attached L929 cells. After an incubation period of 3 days, the cell morphology and cell counts were studied. Adult male guinea pigs under strict asepsis were anesthetized, during which a submandibular incision was made to expose the symphysis of the mandible. Bilateral bone cavities were prepared and Teflon applicators with freshly mixed materials were inserted into the bone cavities. Each animal received 2 implants, one filled with ProRoot and 1 with PC. The animals were killed after 2 or 12 weeks, and the tissues were processed for histologic evaluation by means of light microscopy.

There was no difference in cell reactions in vitro. Bone healing and minimal inflammatory response adjacent to ProRoot and PC implants were observed in both experimental periods, suggesting that both materials are well tolerated.

MTA and PC show comparative biocompatibility when evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The results suggest that PC has the potential to be used as a less expensive root-end filling material.