Abstract
Aim This was to assess and compare the in vitro toxicity of formocresol, ferric sulphate and MTA on cultured human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts.
Study design PDL cells were obtained from sound first permanent molars and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium.
Methods PDL cells were subjected to different concentrations of formocresol, ferric sulphate, and grey MTA for 24, 48, and 72 h at 37 degrees C. Cells that were not exposed to the tested materials served as the negative control. In vitro toxicity was assessed using MTT assay.
Statistics Statistical analysis of data was accomplished using ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests (p < 0.05).
Results The overall toxicity ranking of the tested materials was as follows: formocresol > ferric sulphate > grey MTA. Only grey MTA had comparable cell viability to the negative control, the other tested materials were significantly inferior at the three exposure periods (p < 0.05).
Conclusion Regarding the viability of PDL fibroblasts, MTA stands as the most promising substitute to formocresol. However, considering MTA's unavailability and high price in Jordan, ferric sulphate may be the best alternative to formocresol in pulpotomy of primary teeth.