Since 1990, dentin bonding agents (DBAs) have been proposed for use as root-end filling materials in endodontic surgery. In vitro studies have shown that DBAs can seal the root end completely. When assessing the biocompatibility of materials, the first step is to determine their effect on basic cellular function. A study by Vahid, et al examined the effect of polymerized DBAs on the viability of human peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs). PBMs were isolated from peripheral blood and were exposed to a cured DBA at 36 and 72 hours, after which the viability of the PBMs was determined by assay. The study found that DBAs in polymerized form could alter the viability of monocytes. The major part of the toxic effects was observed during the first 36 hours; monomers are released in the first 24 hours after polymerization, and further leaching may occur with time. The study indicates that the clinical use of DBAs as root end filling materials must be done with caution, as the components released after polymerization can alter normal function of macrophages in inflammatory and healing processes.
(Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology, Vol. 98, No. 5, November 2004)
