Comparative Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Root Canal Sealers on Cultured Human Periodontal Fibroblasts: In vitro Study.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of different types of root canal.
Materials and Methods: The sealers were eluted with culture medium for 1 hour, 7 days, and 14 days. Cell viability was estimated by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and trypan blue exclusion method on human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblast cells. Sealers used are mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based sealer (MTA Fillapex, Angelus), calcium hydroxide-based sealer (Apexit Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent), resin-based sealer (AH Plus, Dentsply), and zinc oxide eugenol-based sealer (Tubli Seal, SybronEndo).
Results: The order of cytotoxicity through MTT assay, at the end of the second week, was observed as MTA Fillapex> Tubli Seal> Apexit Plus > AH Plus. The percentage cell viability obtained after trypan blue exclusion method decreased in the order of Apexit Plus> Tubli Seal> AH Plus> MTA Fillapex, which was similar to the reported cytotoxicity from the MTT assay after 1 hour.
Conclusion: Each type of sealer showed moderate-to-severe cytotoxic response when compared with the control. The MTA Fillapex was found to be the most cytotoxic sealer. Use of resin-based material as a root canal sealer may result in a more favorable response to PDL fibroblasts.
Clinical Significance: Having knowledge of the cytotoxicity of various sealers will help in increasing patient's comfort.