Mutagenic potential of root canal sealers: evaluation through Ames testing

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Toxicology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Dental cements are widely used in endodontic procedures.
• Assessing the safety and potential mutagenicity of these materials is crucial for patient health.
• Previous research has not comprehensively evaluated the mutagenic potential of various commercial dental cements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mutagenic potential of 12 commercial dental cements and two pure substances (zinc oxide, eugenol).
• To evaluate the mutagenicity of dental cements using the Ames test.
• To determine if bactericidal activity influences mutagenicity over time.

Main Methods:

• Dental cements and pure substances were prepared and set according to manufacturer instructions.
• Extracts from the prepared materials were tested for mutagenicity using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 98 and TA 100 (Ames test).
• Bactericidal activity of the cements was assessed over time.

Main Results:

• Most dental cements exhibited strong initial bactericidal activity, which decreased significantly over time.
• One dental cement demonstrated mutagenicity in both Salmonella typhimurium strains.
• Two cements produced equivocal results, while the remaining cements and pure substances showed no mutagenic potential.

Conclusions:

• The Ames test is a valuable tool for assessing the mutagenicity of endodontic cements.
• Dental materials exhibiting mutagenicity should be identified and potentially eliminated from clinical use.
• Regular mutagenicity testing of endodontic cements is recommended to ensure patient safety.