Cytotoxicity evaluation of gutta-percha solvents: Chloroform and GP-Solvent (limonene)

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the cytotoxicity of 2 gutta-percha solvents, chloroform and GP-Solvent, on cell line L929. Study design 2 gutta-percha solvents were diluted into the concentrations of 1:100, 1:400, and 1:800. The experiment was done in a 96-well tissue-culture plate. Cell viability of L929 was determined after each gutta-percha solvent was left in contact with MTT solution for 3 hours. Results Both solvents proved toxic at the same levels of concentrations of 1:100 and 1:400 (P>.05). At the dilution of 1:800 the GP-Solvent seems to be more toxic than the chloroform (P < .05). Conclusions Within the limitation of this experiment, GP-Solvent was not less cytotoxic than chloroform to the target cells. Because in clinical procedures we use a higher concentration of solvent to dissolve gutta-percha for retreatment than that used in this study, the overflowing of liquefied gutta-percha, or solvent out of apical foramen, should be a cause for concern.