Effect of endodontic sealers on tooth color

Abstract

ObjectivesOne of the goals of endodontic treatment is the adequate filling of the root canal, which is often done using gutta-percha and sealer. It has been reported that sealer remnants in the coronary pulp chamber cause tooth color changes. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the effect of endodontic sealer remnants on tooth color, testing the hypothesis that sealers cause coronal color changes. MethodsForty single-rooted human teeth were endodontically treated leaving excess sealer material in the coronary pulp chamber. The specimens were divided into four groups (n=10) according to the endodontic sealer used (AH, AH Plus; EF, Endofill; EN, endométhasone N; and S26, Sealer 26). Teeth were stored at 37°C moist environment. Color coordinates (L*a*b*) were measured with a spectrophotometer before endodontic treatment (baseline-control), 24h and 6 months after treatment. L*a*b* values were used to calculate color changes (ΔE). Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney-U tests. ResultsColor changes were observed for all groups with S26 and EN producing the greatest mean ΔE values after 6 months. ConclusionEndodontic sealer remnants affect tooth color confirming the experimental hypothesis. Clinical significanceThis study examined the effect of endodontic sealer remnants on tooth color, and observed that after 6 months, the sealers produced unacceptable color changes.