Cytotoxic Effects of Halogen- and Light-Emitting Diode-Cured Compomers on Human Pulp Fibroblasts

Abstract

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2009; 19: 55-60 Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic effects of three different compomers (Dyract AP, Compoglass, and Hytac) cured using a halogen light-curing unit (LCU) and a light-emitting diode (LED) LCU on human pulp fibroblasts. Methods. Specimens of three compomers were added to human pulp fibroblast cultures. Cytotoxicity was evaluated over 96 h using the agar overlay method. Results. All three compomers tested were found to be moderately cytotoxic to human pulp fibroblasts, regardless of whether they were cured using halogen or LED LCUs. The decolorization zone of Hytac was significantly larger than those of the other compomers tested (P < 0.05). Dyract AP and Compoglass specimens showed greater decolorization when cured with LED than with halogen LCUs (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Compomers are potentially toxic to human pulp fibroblasts, and the type of curing unit may affect compomer toxicity. © 2008 BSPD, IAPD and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.