The purpose of this study was to compare the cytotoxicity by MTT test and genotoxicity by Ames test of new calcium phosphate-based root canal sealers (CAPSEAL I, CAPSEAL II) with commercially available resin-based sealers (AH 26, AH Plus), zinc oxide eugenol-based sealers (Tubliseal EWT, Pulp Canal Sealer EWT), calcium hydroxide-based sealer (Sealapex), and tricalcium phosphate based sealers (Sankin Apatite Root Canal Sealer I, II, III).

According to this study, the results were as follows:

The extracts of freshly mixed group showed higher toxicity than those of 24 h set group in MTT assay (p < 0.001).

The properties of ideal root canal sealers include the ability of sealing the total root canal system and no toxic effects to periradicular tissues. Cytotoxicity test using cell culture is a common screening method for evaluation of the biocompatibility of root canal sealers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effect of newly developed resin-based sealer (Adseal 1, 2, and 3) comparing with those commercial resin-based sealers (AH26 and AH Plus), ZOE-based sealers (Tubliseal EWT, Pulp Canal Sealer EWT) and calcium hydroxide based sealer (Sealapex). An indirect contact test of cytotoxicity by agar diffusion was performed according to the international standard ISO 10993-5. L929 fibroblast cells were incubated at 37℃ in humidified 5% CO₂-containing air atmosphere. The freshly mixed test materials were inserted into glass rings of internal diameter 5 mm and height 5 mm placed on the agar. After the 24 hrs incubation period, the decolorization zones around the test materials were assessed using an inverted microscope with a calibrated screen. A Decolorization Index was determined for each specimen. Adseal 1, 2, and 3 did not exert any cytotoxic effects, whereas AH26, AH Plus, Tubliseal EWT, Pulp Canal Sealer EWT, and Sealapex produced mild cytotoxicity.