Differential cytotoxic effects on odontoblastic cells induced by self-adhesive resin cements as a function of the activation protocol.

•We evaluated the cytotoxicity of self-adhesive cements activated with different protocols.•Volatilized compounds from polymerized cements were evaluated by headspace GC–MS.•All of the cements tested significantly reduced the cell viability, irrespective of the activation protocol.•Total cell death increased, especially when exposed to chemically activated cements.•Chromatograms revealed 28 compounds released from the cements, some with carcinogenic effects.