Cellular response of human apical papilla cells to calcium hydroxide and tricalcium silicate-based cements

Background This study aimed to evaluate the biological response of human apical papilla cells to different calcium hydroxide formulations and three tricalcium silicate-based materials. Methods Primary cells were obtained from explants of young immature premolars. 20,000 cells adhered for 24 h over discs of Biodentine (TM), ProRoot (R) MTA, BioRoot (R) RCS and calcium hydroxide mixed either with sodium chloride 0.9%w/v or polyethylene glycol and UltraCal (R) were used to evaluate cell adhesion by scanning electron microscopy and cell viability by MTT assay. Results Cells adhered to ProRoot (R) MTA showed an increase of F-actin like protrusions, suggesting bioactivity. Cells adhered to UltraCal (R) show protrusion such as filopodia. On the contrary, cells adhered to BioRoot (R) RCS showed no signs of any cellular protrusion. Regarding viability between the materials, we found a higher percentage of viability in cells cultured over discs of Biodentine (TM) and ProRoot (R) MTA. Conclusion ProRoot (R) MTA and Biodentine (TM) exhibit a better cellular response of human apical papilla cells in vitro conditions compared to BioRoot (R) and calcium hydroxide diluted in sodium chloride.