Biological effects and washout resistance of a newly developed fast-setting pozzolan cement.

Introduction: Mineral trioxide aggregate has been widely used as a retrograde filling material. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of a newly developed fast-setting, mineral trioxide aggregate-derived pozzolan cement (Endocem). Furthermore, we explored whether this cement is resistant to washout in comparison with ProRoot.

Methods: Biocompatibility was evaluated on the basis of cell morphology and a viability test. The expression of osteogenic genes was evaluated by performing real-time polymerase chain reaction, and calcified nodule formation was assessed by alizarin red S staining. The setting time was measured, and washout testing was performed by placing the material into fetal bovine serum.

Results: The biocompatibility and osteogenicity of Endocem were similar to those of ProRoot. Moreover, Endocem showed a higher resistance to washout than ProRoot did.

Conclusions: These results suggest that Endocem can be used as an available retrograde filling material because it sets faster and shows similar biological effects when compared with ProRoot.