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Published on: November 9, 2014
Impact of Polishing and Finishing Techniques on Resin-based Restorative Materials Cytotoxicity Using Real-time Cell
1Department of Conservative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Buraydah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Introduction:
Resin-based restorative materials (RBRMs) are extensively used in contemporary dentistry; however, their biocompatibility remains a concern due to the release of residual monomers. Finishing-polishing procedures may significantly influence surface characteristics and subsequent cytotoxic behavior, yet dynamic evidence using the real-time cell analysis (RTCA) is limited. This research was done to evaluate the outcome of different finishing-polishing procedures on the cytotoxicity of RBRMs using RTCA.
Materials And Methods:
This in vitro experimental study included 200 disc-shaped specimens fabricated from nanohybrid, bulk-fill, and microhybrid composite resins. Specimens were categorized into four groups depending upon surface treatment: Mylar strip (control), diamond bur finishing, disc polishing and multi-step polishing. Human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to material extracts and cellular responses were used with the xCELLigence RTCA system to monitor them constantly for 72 h. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (P < 0.05) were used for the statistical analysis.
Results:
RTCA demonstrated a significant time-dependent and surface-treatment dependent cellular response. Multi-step polishing exhibited the highest cell viability, followed by disc polishing and diamond bur finishing. While the control group showed the lowest cell index values (P < 0.05). Nanohybrid composites demonstrated significantly higher biocompatibility compared to bulk-fill and microhybrid materials.
Conclusion:
Finishing-polishing procedures and material composition significantly influence the cytotoxic behavior of RBRMs. Optimized polishing protocols enhance cellular viability and improve biological safety.

