Cytotoxic evaluation of a new ceramic-based root canal sealer on human fibroblasts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of a new bioceramic-based root canal sealer (BioMM) by direct and indirect contact with human fibroblasts and to compare it with a zinc oxide-eugenol sealer, the Pulp Canal Sealer-extended working time (PCS-EWT).

Cell viability was assessed through direct and indirect contact between human fibroblasts and sealer. Direct contact was performed at 24 h, whereas the indirect contact was performed at 24 and 48 h at different concentrations: 100%, 50%, and 25%. After direct contact, 3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used and the optical density was measured by a spectrophotometer. Giemsa stain was also performed for a qualitative evaluation of the cells.

Shapiro-Wilk test was used to verify the normality of distribution of the variable. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey tests using SPSS for Windows software 18.0. The significance level used was P < 0.05.

Direct contact showed a significantly higher cell viability with BioMM as compared to PCS-EWT (P = 0.002). Cell viability at 24 h was significantly higher with BioMM compared to PCS-EWT for the concentrations of 50% (P = 0.004) and 25% (P = 0.003), whereas no significant difference was noted at 100% (P = 0.141). Cell viability at 48 h was significantly higher with BioMM as compared to PCS-EWT at 25% (P = 0.007). No significant difference was observed at 100% (P = 0.484) and 50% (P = 0.185).

BioMM may be considered minimally cytotoxic if accidentally extruded into the periapical tissues.