Biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of new generation endodontic materials using primary osteoblasts

Generex A, Generex B, Capasio and Ceramicrete are being introduced as new generation endodontic materials able to facilitate bone healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of these materials. Primary osteoblasts were exposed to these materials and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Trypan blue staining was used to evaluate cell viability from 1-6 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize mineralized nodules and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDXA) to calculate the relative amounts of phosphorous and calcium. Data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney-U tests. Only Generex A and MTA allowed cell growth and proliferation throughout the experiment. Generex A was the only new generation endodontic material that supported primary osteoblast growth; no material tested facilitated mineralization.