Influence of a bioceramic root end material and mineral trioxide aggregates on fibroblasts and osteoblasts

ObjectiveThe biocompatibility of materials used in endodontic treatment is of high importance, because they can come in contact with periradicular tissues and there is a risk of possible systemic toxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro reaction to a bioceramic based root end material in comparison to mineral trioxide aggregates (MTA) as the established gold standard.DesignThe root end materials grey MTA Angelus (GMTA), white MTA Angelus (WMTA), ProRoot MTA, and EndoSequence Root Repair Material (ERRM) were incubated with human periodontal ligament fibroblasts and osteoblasts (104 cells/ml) for up to 96 h. Cell proliferation (RFU) was determined by means of the Alamar Blue assay. In addition, fluorescence staining was carried out to visually monitor cell growth and morphology.ResultsFor most of the observational time period of up to 96 h, there was no statistically significant difference between the proliferation rates of the control cells and those in contact with ERRM. In contrast, the mineral trioxide based materials caused from 24 to 96 h significantly lower proliferation rates in comparison to the controls (p < 0.001). For proliferation rates of cells in contact with MTAs and ERRM significant differences were observed throughout the whole observation time for the osteoblasts, but only up to 24 h for the human periodontal ligament fibroblasts.ConclusionWithin the limits of this study the results suggest that the bioceramic root end material is biocompatible, but needs to be investigated in clinical studies before it can be recommended as retrograde sealer in endodontic practice.