Cytotoxic Study of Three Cements in Gingival Fibroblasts

Objective: It is known that all materials and devices used in the oral cavity can trigger adverse effects. Dental cements, essential for the success of oral rehabilitation, may be responsible for the release of substances that can induce negative effects on cells, including their death. Dental cements are present in the transition between restoration and tooth and, although in small areas, remain in contact with the oral tissues of patients for long periods of time. The aim of this study is to compare the cytotoxic effect of three luting cements, namely resin cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cement and glass ionomer cement, on the cells from gingival fibroblast cell line.

Method: We used 3T3 fibroblast cells exposed to different dilutions of medium previously incubated for 24 hours with the 3 different cements. The cements were prepared according to the manufacturer and the resin cement was prepared in 2 different ways: light cured and non-light cured. After an incubation-period of 24 hours, cell viability was measured by MTT assay.

Result: Results showed a decrease of cell viability and functional activity of mitochondria in all cements, which is directly related with the amount of extract added. Decrease in viability is most pronounced for the resin cement, especially when it is not cured.

Conclusion: Cell viability is highest in presence of glass ionomer cements as compared to resin cements. Light cure of resin cements is important to reduce fibroblastic cytotoxicity. Maximum cytotoxicity was observed in the presence of resin cements, correlating positively with the amount of monomers released (based on the literature).