Biocompatibility Studies: Their Importance and What Can Be Done

Glass Ionomer Cement (GICs) have been used in dentistry since a few decades ago. They are commonly used as restorative materials in pediatric dentistry, as lining and base, fissure sealants and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) materials. Meanwhile, White Portland Cement has undergone many investigations to determine if it can be a desirable endodontic material as an alternative to the established White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). Biocompatibility is one of an ideal properties’ criteria for dental materials. It is an important properties to have because they come into contact with dental tissues and may affect the tissue response following the placement of the material into the oral cavity. Hence, the testing on the biocompatibility of any dental material is necessary to ensure that the material is safe for use. Cytotoxicity is one of the methods to investigate a material’s biocompatibility. A broad range of in vitro cytotoxicity assays have been developed to evaluate the biocompatibility of various biomaterials. Among these are (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, agar diffusion test, filter diffusion, and pulp and dentine usage tests [13]. Since there are a few methods available for use, it should be borne in mind that the most appropriate method must be selected based on the type and intended use of the sample being evaluated. Apart from that, the availability of equipment in laboratories is another factor to be considered.