In vitro cytotoxic effects of different endodontic pastes used in pediatric dentistry

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of three different endodontic filling materials on human osteoblast cell cultures. Material and Methods: The endodontic pastes Calen PMCC (SSWhite Dental Articles LTDA, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Feapex (Formula and Action, São Paulo, Brazil) and CTZ (Lenzafarm, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) were eluted in cell culture medium during 24 hours in an oven at 37°C and 5% CO2. Four distinct dilutions of these media were performed at the concentrations 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 and 1:8. Cell cultures of Saos-2 Human Osteoblast-like were exposed to these dilutions for 24 hours. The negative control group was performed by exposing the cells to culture medium without contact with any endodontic paste. The cytotoxic potential of these media was evaluated using the MTT assay and the results were transformed into viable cell percentages in relation to the negative control group. Statistical analysis was submitted with a significance level of 5%, using univariate Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s test. Results: Cell viability was significantly altered according to the material tested (p<0.05) and its concentration (p<0.05). Feapex samples presented higher cell viability than the other materials in all concentrations tested (p<0.05). Although no statistically significant difference was observed between Calen PMCC paste and CTZ paste at concentrations of 1: 1 and 1: 2 (p>0.05), CTZ paste showed a higher cytotoxicity at concentrations of 1: 4 and 1: 8 (p<0.05). In general, cytotoxicity decreases with increasing material dilution. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, Feapex endodontic paste seems to be the better option for use among the analyzed pastes, since it presented lower cytotoxicity than Calen PMCC and CTZ pastes