(PO47) Relative Cytotoxicity of Brands of Tricalcium Silicate-Based Endodontic Sealers

Abstract: Tricalcium silicate-based (TSB) sealers have gained recent popularity because of their availability, ease of use, and unique biological properties that facilitate tissue healing, regeneration, and antimicrobial activity. Many studies have tested the physical and biological properties of TSB sealers against other classes, but few studies have compared various brands of TSB sealers to each other—and considering the cost difference alone between brands, such information is beneficial for clinicians choosing which sealer most meets their needs. In this study, we compare the cytotoxicity of seven commercially available TSB sealers. Human gingival epithelial cells (hECs) were treated with 9.375, 18.75, 37.5, 75, 150, or 300 mg/mL of the respective TSB sealer in media. After 4 hours of exposure, cytotoxicity was assessed utilizing the MTT assay. Data were expressed as percentages of control (media alone). Dose-response curves, including IC₅₀ values, were analyzed statistically using GraphPad Prism 7. Data showed a consistent trend of decreased cell viability with increased concentration for all TSB sealers. IC₅₀ values differentiated the seven TSB sealers into three statistically different groups. This study revealed that brands of TSB sealers show statistically significant variability in their cytotoxicity. When extrapolated to cost, there was a weak correlation between cytotoxicity and price, indicating that cost may not necessarily reflect sealer quality when it comes to biocompatibility. This study lays a foundation for future studies that wish to differentiate between brands of endodontic sealers to better guide clinicians’ choices of available biomaterials.