Previous studies with four rapid in vitro and in vivo test systems have sho
wn that the epoxy resin-based root canal sealer AH26 may be genotoxic and c
ytotoxic (9). The purpose of this study was to determine the cytotoxic and
genotoxic effects of the new resinous root canal sealer AH Plus by means of
the growth inhibition test with primary human periodontal ligament fibrobl
asts and permanent 3T3 monolayers, the procaryotic umu test, the eucaryotic
DNA synthesis inhibition test, and the in vivo alkaline filter elution tes
t. In addition, Ames tests were performed with extracts from AH Plus. AH Pl
us caused only slight or no cellular injuries. Furthermore, no genotoxicity
and mutagenicity were revealed by AH Plus. These data should be taken into
consideration when deciding about a root canal sealer.