The biocompatibility and mineralization potential of mineral trioxide aggregate containing calcium fluoride–An in vitro study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: MTA is used to induce hard tissue regeneration in various procedures. This study evaluated the biocompatibility and mineralization potential of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) containing calcium fluoride (CaF(2)). To verify if the change of components affected physical properties, the setting time, solubility, and surface roughness were measured. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) were treated with powder and set MTA containing CaF(2) (0, 1, 5, and 10 wt %)(.) The proliferation of HDPCs was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The mineralization potential of HDPCs was investigated with the relative gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (ColI), osteocalcin (OCN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For investigating the physical properties, setting time and solubility were tested. Surface profiles of material were analyzed by a non-contact surface profiler and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: MTA-5% CaF(2) mixtures increased the proliferation and the mineralization-related gene expression of HDPCs to a greater degree than pure MTA. The addition of CaF(2) to MTA delayed the setting, but the difference was only significant in the MTA-10% CaF(2). Solubility and surface roughness was not altered. CONCLUSION: The addition of more than 5% CaF(2) can be considered to increase the regeneration potential of pulp cells without adverse effects on physical property.