A Comparative Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effects of Two Different Self-adhesive Luting Resin Cements: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: Resin cements are commonly used for luting porcelain inlays, porcelain laminate veneers, resin-bonded metallic prostheses, and ceramic restorations. However, the monomers found in these cements- such as Bisphenol-A-Glycidyl Methacrylate (Bis-GMA), Urethane Dimethacrylate (UDMA), Diethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate (DEGDMA), Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), and 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) has demonstrated cytotoxic effects. When these monomers come into direct contact with fibroblasts, they can lead to pulp tissue damage and induce cell death. Aim: To evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of two self-adhesive luting resin cements SoloCem (Coltene) and SmartCem 2 (Dentsply). Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro cytotoxic study was conducted in SDM Institute of Dental Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. for two years from October 2016 to October 2018. Two luting resin cements SoloCem and SmartCem were tested in this study. Ten samples for each group (SoloCem, SmartCem and control) were taken. The specimens were immersed in a culture medium. Mouse fibroblasts were cultured. The culture medium, containing material extracts was evaluated. The cell viability was assisted using MTT assay. Colony formation assay was done to evaluate morphological changes. The statistical analysis was done by using Graph pad prism version 3.02. A p value of <0.05) was considered significant. Statistical analysis done by the One-way ANOVA analysis and post-hoc test of variance among the groups. Results: There was a significant difference in Optical Density (OD) values between the three groups when the three groups were compared p<0.001**. According to post-hoc analysis it was seen that Smart CEM significantly promotes higher cell survival compared to Solo CEM 2 p<0.001**. Both SoloCem and SmartCem 2 significantly reduced cell viability when compared to the control group p<0.001** and p=0.027, respectively. These results indicate that Smart cem resin cement promoted better cell viability while Solo Cem 2 led to increased fibroblast cell death. Conclusion: Based on the study findings, SmartCem was found to be the more biocompatible luting resin cement to the pulp and fibroblasts than Solo which Cem which has shown less cell survival rate. So, in general smart cem 2 cement can be considered as a safe resin cement to be used for cementation of all fixed prosthesis.