Cytotoxicity of DP-bioglass paste used for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity

DP-bioglass mixed with 30% phosphoric acid has been suggested to treat dentin hypersensitivity because the material is able to produce homogeneous occlusion of exposed dentinal tubules and is able to provide a sealing depth of up to 60 mu m. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative cytotoxic effect of the DP-bioglass paste, intermediate restorative material (IRM; DeTrey, Dentsply, Germany), and commercial desensitizing agent (Abmindent; Abmin Technologies Ltd, Turku, Finland) on human dental pulp cells by using a transwell insert model and a dentin-disc model. Cell viability was measured by means of a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MIT) assay. The results of this study indicated that cell viability for the DP-bioglass paste did not differ significantly from those of the IRM or Abmindent in the transwell insert model. In addition, MIT results of DP-bioglass paste were similar to the control group in the dentin-disc model. The results indicated that DP-bioglass paste was a highly biocompatible material and could potentially serve as an effective material for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.