Cytotoxicity of cold ceramic compared with MTA and IRM

ABSTRACT

Biocompatibility is a desirable feature for root-end filling materials. In this study we aimed to compare a new material called cold ceramic [CC] with intermediate restorative material [IRM] and mineral trioxide aggregate [MTA] using Methyl-tetrazolium bromide [MTT] assay. The materials were tested in fresh and set states [n=108]. The cytotoxicity was compared using L929 fibroblasts as an indicator; tested materials were eluted with culture medium according to ISO 109935 standard. Distilled water and culture medium served as positive and negative controls, respectively [n=36]. The results were evaluated at 1, 24 hours and 7 days. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA for each time interval and material status and t-tests. The cytotoxicity of the tested materials were statistically different at the various time intervals [P<0.001]. IRM was the most cytotoxic root-end filling material [P<0.001], MTA demonstrated the least cytotoxicity followed by CC. Despite displaying the greatest cytotoxicity, IRM is approved by the American Food and Drug Administration [PDA]. Cold ceramic had significantly lower cytotoxicity compared to IRM, in all but one subgroup. Further investigations are required to assess the clinical applicability of this novel material: