Long-Term Cytocompatibility of Various Endodontic Sealers Using a New Root Canal Model

It was the purpose of our study to determine the cytotoxicity of several types of root canal sealers in vitro over the period of 1 yr by using a new test model. Roots of extracted human teeth were filled with N2, Apexit, Roekoseal, AH Plus, Ketac Endo, Endomethasone, and one gutta-percha point. In addition, roots filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha/N2. Teeth filled with one gutta-percha point only were controls. All specimens were consecutively extracted with distilled water for a total period of 1 yr. Extracts were investigated for cytotoxicity by using immortalized 3T3 fibroblasts and primary human periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Results were statistically analyzed with Dunnett’s t tests (p < 0.05). Pronounced cytotoxic effects were only caused by N2-extracts in both cell cultures (p < 0.05). Furthermore, statistically significant cytotoxic alterations were also induced by 10-week eluates of Endomethasone (p < 0.05). All other investigated materials did not significantly alter cell metabolism.