CYTOTOXICITY OF 4 ROOT-CANAL SEALERS IN PERMANENT 3T3 CELLS AND PRIMARY HUMAN PERIODONTAL-LIGAMENT FIBROBLAST-CULTURES

Objectives. The purposes of this study were to determine the cytocompa tibility oi lour endodontic sealers and gutta-percha using various ext racts and to compare the cellular injuries resulting from these materi als in permanent 3T3 monolayers and primary human periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Study design. Set specimens from four sealers (AH26, Ape xit, Sealapex, N2) as well as gutta-percha were eluted with cell cultu re medium for 24 hours, 5 days, 5 days, and 24 hours, respectively Cyt otoxic effects due to these extracts were evaluated by determining pro liferation of permanent 3T3 cells and primary human periodontal ligame nt fibroblasts by means of the fluorochrome propidiumiodide. Results. No statistically significant cellular alterations were induced by gutt a-percha and Apexit, whereas various extracts of AH26 and Sealapex cau sed significant moderate or severe growth inhibition. Severe cellular damage was documented for all extracts of N2, which was statistically significantly different from the other materials in both cell lines (p < 0.05). Conclusions, Our results confirm that various root canal sea lers constantly segregate substances after being exposed to an aqueous environment for extended periods, possibly causing moderate or severe cytotoxic reactions and possibly contributing to failure.