Color Change in Tooth Induced by Various Calcium Silicate-Based Pulp-Capping Materials

Abstract

Color stability of pulp-capping material is considered vital to the final aesthetic result since the material is placed in the coronal area. The purpose of this study was to compare the color stability of various pulp-capping materials by analyzing color change of tooth over time. A cavity was formed in the crown of the extracted premolar, and 4 types of pulp-capping materials were filled. Color assessment was performed with a spectrophotometer at different intervals: before placement; immediately after material placement; 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks after placement. Proroot white MTA® and TheraCal LC® showed a significant decrease in the L* value and an increase in the ΔE* value over time. In contrast, Biodentine® and Well-Root™ PT showed no significant change in the L* value and maintained a steady ΔE* value. The application of pulp-capping materials containing bismuth oxide as a radiopacifier may result in a color change of teeth. Long-term color stability of pulp-capping materials should be considered when treating teeth with thin enamel thickness or in aesthetically important area.