In vitro cytotoxicity of medicated and nonmedicated gutta-percha points in cultures of gingival fibroblasts.

This investigation was designed to test the cellular toxicity of two medicated (Roeko activ point and Roeko Calcium Hydroxide) and four nonmedicated brands of gutta-percha (GP) points (Antaeos, DeTrey White, Roeko color, and Roeko Top color). The test points were transferred into a culture medium including the GP-point material with a concentration of 6 mg/ml, and eluates were obtained after 72 h. Five milliliters of each eluate were pipetted onto fibroblast cultures, incubated, and subsequently stained. Mitotic rates, cell densities, and the distribution of normal cells, pathologically altered and dead cells were determined and correlated with control cell cultures. Roeko activ point (containing chlorhexidine) resulted in the highest number of dead cells. The difference was statistically significant in comparison with all other materials. Concerning all parameters mentioned, the cytotoxicity of the points containing calcium hydroxide (Roeko Calcium Hydroxide) was not significantly different from all other points tested, with the exception of those containing chlorhexidine. All tested gutta-percha materials caused cytotoxic reactions in varying extents. Taking into consideration the limitations of an in vitro experiment, points containing calcium hydroxide and nonmedicated points seem to be the most recommendable products for clinical use.