Hot air stream reduces cytotoxicity of light-cured calcium hydroxide based cements.

BACKGROUND: The light-cured calcium hydroxide based cements have incomplete polymerization and unconverted monomers can cause pulp cell damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a warm and hot air stream on the cytotoxicity of light-cured calcium hydroxide based cements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The materials Dycal (conventional cement), Biocal, Hidrox-Cal, and Ultra-Blend Plus (light-cured calcium hydroxide cements) were submitted to cytotoxicity analysis after polymerization, without vs. with previous heat treatment with a warm (37°C) and a hot (60°C) air stream. Following polymerization, cements were maintained in culture medium for 24 hours and 7 days, and subjected to the MTT test. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post-hoc Student-Newman-Keuls (<0.05). RESULTS: The results indicated significant differences between the materials according to their composition, i.e., light-cured cements treated with a jet of warm air showed similar cytotoxicity levels to those observed for conventional cement, suggesting that they may be considered alternatives in cases requiring pulp-capping treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Application of a hot air stream reduced cytotoxicity of materials tested. Key words:Dental pulp capping, dental cements, calcium hydroxide, cell survival.