Objective:
The aim of this study is to assess the hypothesis that a new biomimetic cement, GEMOSIL, has physical-biological properties comparable or superior to MTA in endodontic therapy.
Method:
The mechanical strength was evaluated by compressive and flexure strength tests; biological properties were tested through a viability test of pulp cells and antimicrobial culture. Cylindrical samples of GEMOSIL were fabricated and tested in an uniaxial compressive load. The disc samples were used to measure biaxial flexure strength with an Instron machine. Other disc samples were used to measure the response of the zone of inhibition against S. Mutan and E. Faecalis. A thin film of GEMOSIL or MTA was spin-coated to the 35 mm culture dish, which was then seeded with pulp cells. GEMOSIL and MTA were placed in pulp chambers of extracted human teeth for discoloration testing. GEMOSIL and MTA were also placed as a retro-grade filling material in rat incisors to assess biocompatibility to periapical tissue.
Result:
The compressive strength of GEMOSIL reached 28 MPa after 2 hours of immersion in water and 93 MPa after fully dried. Flexure strength reached 59 MPa after fully dried. These properties were superior to those of MTA. S. Mutan was susceptible to both GEMOSIL and MTA, but E. Faecalis was only susceptible to GEMOSIL. GEMOSIL presented no cytotoxicity and promotes proliferation when in contact with pulp cells. GEMOSIL demonstrated less discoloration when placed in pulp chambers of extracted teeth than MTA (p<0.05). GEMOSIL showed biocompatibility for in vivo retro-grade fill in rat incisors.
Conclusion:
GEMOSIL has superior physical and biological properties as compared to MTA; thus GEMOSIL may be used as a viable substitute for MTA.