Cytotoxicity of Two Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers and AH Plus Resin-Based Sealer for Human Gingival Fibroblasts

The main goal of root canal treatment is to three-dimensionally seal the root canal system. Since sealer may contact the periapical tissue, it should be biocompatible and safe for the body. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity of MTA Fillapex and Endoseal MTA calcium silicate-based sealers and AH Plus resin-based sealer for human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).   

 In this in vitro study, extracts of AH Plus, Endoseal MTA, and MTA Fillapex were obtained, serially diluted 1:2, 1:4, and 1:8, and were exposed to HGFs. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test (alpha=0.05).

No significant difference existed between AH Plus 1:2 and MTA Fillapex 1:2 concentrations regarding the cell viability percentage (P>0.05). However, the difference between these two sealers in other concentrations was significant (P<0.05). No significant difference existed in AH Pus 1:4, Endoseal MTA 1:2, and MTA Fillapex 1:2 in cell viability (P>0.05); however, the difference among other concentrations of the three sealers was significant (P<0.05). The difference among AH Plus 1:8, Endoseal MTA 1:4, and MTA Fillapex 1:4 and 1:8 concentrations was not significant (P>0.05) but the difference among other concentrations was significant (P<0.05). Endoseal MTA 1:8 showed the highest and AH Plus 1:2 showed the lowest cell viability.

Endoseal MTA in all concentrations had lower cytotoxicity than MTA Fillapex and AH Plus and resulted in higher viability of HGFs.