Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of four dental materials in vitro assessed by cell viability and enzyme cytochemistry

The cytotoxic effects of zinc phosphate and silicate cements, Concise composite and zinc oxide/eugenol were evaluated after 24 h in an in vitro system which simulates the clinical usage of the material, and the results compared with those using phenol. Data of gross changes affecting cell viability placed these materials in ranking order of increasing severity: Concise less than zinc phosphate less than Silicap much less than zinc oxide/eugenol. More discrete changes involving alterations in enzyme cytochemistry were assessed and the significance of the results discussed. The presence of dentine powder in the system reduced the cytotoxic effects on these materials.