Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of three different types of desensitizers on the proliferation and morphology of human gingival fibroblasts after 24 and 48-h exposure.

Methods: Human gingival tissues were obtained from individuals who have clinically healthy periodontium after extraction of teeth by orthodontic reason. Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGF) were grown at 37 °C in humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Media supplemented with glutamine, penicillin, streptomycin and 10% Fetal Bovine Serum. Cells used in the experiments were between 3-5 passages. The cells were treated with different concentration of the desensitizers (Gluma Desensitizer, Seal and Protect, and Micro Prime) (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 µl/ml). After 24 and 48 hrs exposure to the desensitizer solutions, the viable cells were counted by using a haemocytometer and dead cells were determined staining with trypan blue. The data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis and Man Whitney U tests.

Results: Following exposure to concentrations of 0.1 µl/ml of test materials for 24 h, cell survival rates for Gluma (125%) and Micro Prime (65%) were not statistically different from the control, but Seal & Protect (57%). For 48 h, all materials tested significantly inhibited growth of cells (P < 0.05) (cell survival rates 51%, 37% and 31% respectively). After exposure to SP and MP, HGF cells became retracted, rounded in appearance and loss of normal organization, leading to enlargement of intercellular space. When the exposure to G, spindle-shaped appearance were noted in most of the cells. However, the cell density decreased as observed in microscope.

Conclusion: Taking the limitations of an in vitro experiment into consideration, cytotoxicity of desensitizers tested varied depending on the chemical composition and exposure periods. Further studies are required to determine cytotoxic mechanisms of these desensitizer agents.

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