The Biocompatibility and Cellular Response of Geristore in Comparison With Different Glass Ionomer Materials on Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells: A Comparative Study on Deep Marginal Elevation.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the biological response(s) of human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells to Geristore (GS) and compare them with those of conventional glass ionomers (GIs) to determine their impacts on performance and success in deep margin elevation techniques. METHODS: Samples of GS, GI Fuji II, and resin-modified glass ionomer (RGI) Fuji II LC were prepared as 6 × 2 mm discs under aseptic conditions and then incubated in 24-well plates. Next, cytotoxicity was investigated using MTT assay after 48 h of exposure with HGFs. In addition, cell morphology was studied via scanning electron microscopy following 48-h incubation. Furthermore, cell adhesion was analyzed using fluorescent staining with phalloidin/4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). RESULTS: The MTT assay demonstrated that all tested materials exhibited biocompatibility and nontoxicity, with significantly high cell viability after 48 h (p < 0.05). Notably, GS showed superior metabolic activity relative to GI and RGI (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, microscopic analysis revealed that GS promoted the most pronounced fibroblastic morphology and cellular processes. Fluorescent staining confirmed higher cell adhesion density on GS compared to GI and RGI, particularly after 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained findings could position GS as a promising candidate for scenarios demanding biological compatibility and reparative capabilities in dental applications, specifically in deep margin elevation.