Tooth crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: a 3-year ex vivo evaluation.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the tooth crown discoloration induced by commonly used and new-generation endodontic sealers after 1 month and 1 and 3 years.

Materials And Methods: The crowns of 60 extracted incisors were cut and the pulp chambers were cleaned. The specimens were divided randomly into four groups (n = 15 each). Pulp chambers were filled with Pulpispad in group 1, AH26 in group 2, MTA Fillapex in group 3, and EndoREZ in group 4. Specimen color was measured with a spectrophotometer before and after sealer placement. Commission International de L'Eclairage's (CIE's) lighteness (L*), red-green (a*), yellow-blue (b*) color system values and color difference (ΔE) were recorded at 1 month and 1 and 3 years. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Tukey's honestly significant difference test (α = 0.05).

Results: All sealers caused discoloration. At 1 month, ΔE values were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than in groups 3 and 4 (p < 0.05). At 1 year, ΔE values were significantly lower in group 3 than in the other groups (p < 0.05). At 3 years, ΔE values were significantly higher in group 1 than in the other groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: All tested sealers induced varying chromatic alterations. After root canal obturation, thorough debridement of sealers from the pulp chamber is essential for the prevention of sealer-induced discoloration.

Clinical Relevance: Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials is a problem for clinicians and patients and may impair the esthetic of endodontically treated teeth. Therefore, evaluation of long-term discoloration effects commonly used, and new-generation endodontic sealers were purposed in this study.