Biocompatibility of a Ceramic Material with Different Surface Finishing Techniques

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of a ceramic material after various surface finishing methods. Methods: Ceramic specimens were cut to the same size from VITABLOCS Mark II (10x10x2 mm) by using a diamond attached to a cutting machine under water coolant. Specimens were divided into 3 groups (n=14) that were treated with 3 surface finishing techniques: diamond bur, polishing rubber points and glazing. These specimens were ultrasonically cleaned for 10 min and were sterilized in an autoclave for 20 min at 120 °C. Ceramics were incubated in DMEM for 24 and 72 hours according to ISO 10993-5 (surface area-to volume ratio of the specimen to cell-culture medium; 3cm²/ml) Gingival fibroblasts were plated at a cell density of 20000 cells/well in 96 well plate. MTT (4,5-dimethyl-thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay was performed for evaluation of gingival fibroblasts survival. DMEM with % 5 FBS (without ceramics) was served as control. For SEM analysis ceramics were placed into tissue culture insert and gingival fibroblasts were seeded on to ceramics at a concentration of 80,000 cells/cm². One way ANOVA was performed for statistical analysis. Results: Similar gingival fibroblasts survival percentage was noted in the test groups when compared to control group (without ceramic). There was no statistically significant difference in mitochondrial activity of gingival fibroblasts among the surface finishing methods of this ceramic at both 24 and 72 hrs. SEM images revealed that this ceramics with different surface finishing techniques are biologically suitable for the attachment of gingival fibroblasts to ceramics. Conclusions: Results demonstrated that this ceramic material and its finishing techniques have no risks for adverse in vivo cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of this ceramic may provide safe usage especially in subgingival area of ceramic crowns.