Release Profile and Cytotoxicity of a novel amalgam replacement dental resin composite

Abstract

Introduction: Dental restoration replaces and restore caries lesion in the oral cavity providing biological, functional and aesthetic properties to the tooth structure. Cention a new restorative material replaces silver amalgam providing similar mechanical properties and dual-cure option. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxicity of Cention, evaluate water sorption and ion release profile. Methods: Cention and Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill were stored in Tris buffer solution to evaluate water sorption and solubility at various time points (1, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days). The ion release in Tris buffer solution was measured using Ion selective electrode (ISE) and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). For cell culture, Cention and Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill ion conditioned medium were prepared in cell culture medium. The cytotoxicity effect on cell metabolic activity and cell proliferation of human gingival fibroblast cells was assessed using the LIVE/DEAD, Alamar Blue and PicoGreen assays respectively. Results: Cention showed higher water sorption and solubility values than Tetric EvoCeram. ISE and ICP-OES results revealed the presence of fluoride, calcium and silicon ions. Conditioned medium from both materials showed no reduction in cell viability and no toxic effects were present. Conclusion: Both materials varied in water sorption and solubility, but Cention considered relatively unstable in long-term water storage. The use of in vivo studies could give an accurate assessment of material cytotoxicity.