[The effect of root canal filling materials on gingival fibroblast cultures]

Two calcium hydroxide-based sealers were cultured with human gingival fibroblasts for a period of three weeks. The capability of the fibroblasts to synthesize proteins as well as microscopical observations were conducted. One zinc oxide-eugenol-based sealer (Tubli Seal), two plastic-based sealers (AH-26 and Diaket) as well as gutta-percha served as controls. AH-26 was tried at room temperature (25 degrees C) and at 37 degrees C. Gutta-percha proved to have no cytotoxic reactions with Diaket and AH-26 (room temperature and 37 degrees C) proved to be so high that only slight recovery and no direct contact between the fibroblasts and these two materials was observed. Tubli seal showed a relative moderate cytotoxicity. After a cytotoxic reaction at the beginning of the trial the fibroblasts showed almost complete recovery with Sealapex and CRCS between the 5th and 9th day of culturing and remained this way during the rest of the testing period.