Discoloration Potential Research Articles

Effect of Biostimulants and Storage on Discoloration Potential of Carrot

The application of biostimulants to prevent stress-related losses and increase productivity is becoming an increasingly common practice. A study was carried out to determine the effect of the type and methods of biostimulant application and long-term storage on the content of antioxidant compounds determining the processes of the enzymatic browning of carrot roots. The natural seaweed biostimulant Kelpak and synthetic Asahi were applied as part of the study. A quality assessment of carrot roots was carried out directly after harvest and after six months of storage in air at a temperature of 1 °C and a relative humidity of 95%. A single application of Kelpak seaweed extract in the four-leaf phase (2 or 3 dm3 ha−1) proved to be the most effective for reducing oxidative darkening processes (by 33.5%). The oxidative potential was most strongly dependent on the anthocyanin (r = −0.477) and chlorogenic acid (r = −0.474) contents. The concentration of polyphenols (r = 0.836; r = 0.719) and flavonoids (r = 0.671; r = 0.729) had the greatest effect on the antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS respectively). It was observed that pectin, polyphenol, chlorogenic acid, flavonoid and anthocyanin concentrations tended to increase after a single application of Kelpak in a dose of 2 dm3 ha−1. A long-term storage period had a stronger effect on the increase in the oxidation potential than on the antioxidant capacity FRAP value.

Bond strength and marginal adaptation of a novel root-end filling material

BackgroundApicoectomy with retrograde filling is considered as a tooth saver. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is mostly recommended as a root-end filling material as it is proved to have excellent sealing ability and hard tissue repair. Aside from these advantages, MTA has some disadvantages, such as weak handling properties, long setting time, and discoloration potential. Nanotechnology is now undergoing rapid development. Recently, experimental nano-white mineral trioxide aggregate (nano-WMTA) was prepared and introduced by NanoTech Egypt (Al Giza, Egypt) as a root-end filling material. The manufacturers claim that it has similar composition to white MTA, but with the reduction of its particle size to obtain a high specific powder surface area that may lead to a better and faster hydration process. It seems worthy to study the bond strength and marginal adaptation of the newly introduced nano root-end filling materials and compare it with the conventionally used MTA in root-end cavities.ResultsIn push-out test, no statistically significant difference was found between nano-WMTA and MTA Angelus groups where p = 0.459. The nano-WMTA group recorded the highest mean value. For scanning electron microscope evaluation, there was a statistically significant difference between the nano-WMTA and MTA Angelus groups where p < 0.001. The MTA Angelus group recorded the highest mean value of gap distance.ConclusionsNano-WMTA recorded a similar bond strength to MTA Angelus. The nano-WMTA showed significantly higher marginal adaptation to root-end cavity than MTA Angelus.

Tooth Discoloration after Regenerative Endodontic Procedures with Calcium Silicate-Based Cements—An Ex Vivo Study

The aim of the present ex vivo study was to assess and compare coronal discoloration induced by four endodontic biomaterials used in regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs). Root resection was executed horizontally, 2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction, in all fifty-four teeth. After accessing the pulp chamber, specimens were randomly divided in groups and filled with either saline solution or blood, followed by calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs) placement: ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Dentsply Sirona), Biodentine (Septodont), TotalFill BC (FKG), or pulp capping material (PCM) (Coltène). Color change (ΔE) was assessed using the L* a* b* system at five different timepoints (before and immediately after biomaterial application, 72 h, 7 days, and 6 months). The significance level for statistical analysis was set at p &lt; 0.05. There are statistically significant differences regarding ΔE over time (p &lt; 0.001). Statistical differences are found considering material (p &lt; 0.001), treatment (p = 0.007), or both (p = 0.002). If solely the material or treatment is considered, regardless of time, statistically significant differences are detected (p &lt; 0.001). After a six-month period of evaluation, blood exposure might be a critical factor in biomaterials’ color variation. Biodentine presents the lowest discoloration potential, followed by TotalFill and PCM, albeit without statistically significant differences. MTA exhibited the greatest color variation. The selection of biomaterial should consider the material’s discoloration potential.

Evaluation of indirect pulp capping using pozzolan-based cement (ENDOCEM-Zr®) and mineral trioxide aggregate - A randomized controlled trial.

Background:Pulp capping should always be considered as the primary treatment of choice for teeth without irreversible pulpitis in lesions approaching dental pulp. The predictability of vital pulp therapy has improved with the introduction of newer bioceramic materials.Aim:The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the outcomes of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) and a pozzolan-based cement (ENDOCEM-Zr® [Maruchi, Wonju, Korea]) as an indirect pulp capping (IPC) material.Materials and Methods:IPC was performed in forty patients who were randomly divided into ENDOCEM-Zr® and MTA groups. The outcome was assessed using clinical and radiographic tests at different time intervals. The prognostic factors on the outcome of IPC were also evaluated.Results and Conclusions:The success rate of ENDOCEM-Zr® and MTA groups was 94.7% and 89.4%, respectively. The results were not statistically significant. Binary logical regression showed that the age of the patient and the status of the pulp before treatment were deciding variables for the outcome of the study. Therefore, it was concluded from the study that the evaluated pozzolan-based cement could be used as an alternative to MTA because of its faster setting time and lower discoloration potential. In addition, pulp capping should be performed with caution in individuals above 40 years and in teeth with reversible pulpitis.

Comparative analysis of tooth discoloration induced by conventional and modified triple antibiotic pastes used in regenerative endodontics.

Success of the regenerative endodontic treatment depends upon the disinfection of the root canal system. Because almost no instrumentation is carried out, the disinfection protocol relies only on the medicaments used. The most commonly used medicament is triple antibiotic paste (TAP) composed of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline. The major drawback associated with the minocycline is tooth discoloration. Several antibiotics have been suggested as an alternative to minocycline. However, the tooth discoloration potential of these alternative formulations has not been documented. The present study is designed to evaluate the crown discoloration produced by different modifications of TAP. Freshly extracted human anterior teeth (n = 40) were sectioned 3 mm above and 5 mm below the cementoenamel junction. After access cavity preparation and canal enlargement, specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 for each group), and each group received the following antibiotic paste fillings: TAP with minocycline, TAP with amoxyclav, and TAP with clindamycin. Samples in control group were left empty. Images were taken with DSLR on day 0, 1, and at weeks 1, 2, and 3 at a fixed resolution. The analysis of slices was performed using the ImageJ software and mean values of pixel intensity were calculated. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. TAP with minocycline and amoxyclav induced more coronal discoloration compared with the clindamycin group (P <.001). Modified TAP with clindamycin did not induce clinically visible discoloration up to 3 weeks after placement.

Antibacterial Efficacy and Discoloration Potential of Endodontic Topical Antibiotics

IntroductionThe optimal concentration for the use of endodontic topical antibiotics is not known. The aims of this study were to determine the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, minocycline, Augmentin (GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC), and tigecycline against common endodontic pathogens and to evaluate ex vivo the antibacterial efficacy and discoloration effect of triple antibiotic paste (TAP), Augmentin, and tigecycline at different concentrations using a slow-release hydrogel scaffold. MethodsUsing the Epsilometer test method (Etest; bioMérieux USA, St Louis, MO), MICs and MBCs of selected antibiotics were determined against Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus intermedius, and Enterococcus faecalis. Biofilms of these bacterial species were then grown in extracted single-rooted teeth anaerobically for 3 weeks. Root canals were filled with TAP, Augmentin, and tigecycline at concentrations of 1 or 0.1 mg/mL in a degradable hydrogel scaffold or pure TAP at 1 g/mL for 7 days. Coronal discoloration was evaluated spectrophotometrically at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after dressing. ResultsMIC/MBC data showed significant efficacy of tigecycline, Augmentin, and minocycline compared with the other antibiotics (P < .05). Significant differences were found when comparing the log10 colony-forming units of all experimental groups (P < .05). TAP at 1 g/mL had no bacterial growth but caused the greatest discoloration. Hydrogel mixtures with TAP, Augmentin, or tigecycline at 1 mg/mL significantly reduced bacterial growth and the number of positive samples compared with those at 0.1 mg/mL (P < .05) with minimal discoloration. ConclusionsTAP, Augmentin, and tigecycline in a hydrogel at 1 mg/mL reduced bacterial growth significantly with minimal color change.

Ex Vivo Comparison of the Discoloration Potential of Two Endodontic Sealers in Human Incisors

Ex Vivo Comparison of the Discoloration Potential of Two Endodontic Sealers in Human Incisors

In situ evaluation of color stability and hardness' decrease of resin-based composites.

To determine the color stability (CS) and hardness' decrease (HD) of two commercial resin-based composites (RBCs), after in situ staining conditions (SC). Six disc-shaped specimens (6 × 2 mm) of two RBCs-Filtek Z350 XT (FZX) and IPS Empress Direct (IED)-were randomly distributed into palatal devices. Eight volunteers (aged 20-30 years) participated in this study. The in situ SC consisted of 400 mL consumption (2 × 200 mL/day) of water, orange juice, cola soda, and coffee and 140mL consumption of red wine, 10 days each. CS was obtained by CIELAB color difference (ΔE*) and HD (in %) by the Knoop method (50 g for 15 s), after curing (baseline) and after the in situ SC. Data were statistically analyzed at α = 0.05 significance level. For both RBCs, the coffee (5.7 ± 0.5 for FZX; 5.9 ± 1.3 for IED) and red wine (6.1 ± 1.1 for FZX; 6.2 ± 1.6 for IED) groups showed the highest ΔE* while water the lowest (1.6 ± 0.6 for FZX; 1.8 ± 0.2 for IED). The highest HD was induced by red wine group for FZX (40.7 ± 5.4) and by cola soda for IED (40.6 ± 3.2) while the water groups (8.3 ± 1.7 for FZX; 7.8 ± 2.1 for IED) presented the lowest values for both RBCs. Both RBCs were affected by the in situ SC, but no significant differences for CS and HD were observed between them. Red wine and coffee showed higher discoloration potential. This in situ study suggests that color stability and hardness' decrease of resin-based composites were dependent on the type of consumed beverage and materials' composition. Patients with esthetic direct restorations should be aware of the degradative potential of them.

Evaluation of Tendency to Blackspot Bruising and Enzymatic Discoloration of Potato Tubers

Abstract Enzymatic discoloration of potato tubers initiated by mechanical impact bruising and the discoloration which appears after tuber cutting are crucial quality traits of the cultivated potato. The presented determination of blackspot bruise susceptibility includes evaluation of the trait with two impact methods - the rotating drum and the falling bolt. These two methods affect both the physical and the biochemical properties of tubers. Evaluation of the discoloration potential after tuber cutting (ED) is also discussed. Evaluating the discoloration potential of tubers is one of the most important points in determining potato quality.

Tooth Discoloration Resulting from a Nano Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Sealer.

Introduction:A desirable quality of any endodontic sealer is its ability to be tooth color friendly. Therefore the aim of the present study was to evaluate the tooth discoloration potential of a nano zinc oxide-eugenol (NZOE) sealer. Methods and Materials:In order to evaluate tooth discoloration, the pulp chamber of 60 human maxillary central and lateral incisors were filled with one of the sealers, naming AH-26 (resin-based sealer), Pulpdent sealer (ZOE-based) and a NZOE experimental sealer. Color measurements was assessed at the baseline (before placement of sealers) (T0), 24 h (T1) and 72 h (T2) h, 1-week (T3), and 1-month (T4) after the placement of sealers using the Easy Shade spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed in SPSS software using one-way ANOVA, and repeated measured ANOVA.Results:No significant differences were observed when the paired comparison test was performed (P>0.05). Conclusion:The tested NZOE sealer had similar tooth discoloration potential in comparison with AH-26 and ZOE sealer.

Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth.

Objective. This study evaluated the discoloration potential of endodontic materials used in primary teeth. Material and Methods. Dentine-enamel blocks were prepared from 75 bovine teeth, assorted in five experimental groups (n = 15). The tested materials included an MTA-based material; zinc oxide and eugenol cement (ZOE); Vitapex; and calcium hydroxide thickened with zinc oxide (Calen + ZO). The color measurements were performed using a spectrophotometer at the following intervals: prior to (T0) and after placement of the filling (T1) and after 1 week (T2), 1 month (T3), 3 months (T4), 6 months (T5), and 9 months (T6). Data were submitted to ANOVA with repeated measures and Tukey's test. Results. The time had a significant effect on the color variation (ΔE00⁎) (p < 0.0001). The effect of the materials on the color variation (ΔE00⁎) was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Interactions between time and materials demonstrated a significant effect on the values (ΔE00⁎) (p < 0.0001). The ZOE cement showed the highest darkening effect (p = 0.018). Conclusion. The MTA-based material showed the smallest discoloration during the experimental time; however, it was similar to the other materials and to the control group. Zinc oxide and eugenol showed higher discoloration.

Comparison of the Potential Discoloration Effect of Bioaggregate, Biodentine, and White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate on Bovine Teeth: In Vitro Research

IntroductionTricalcium silicate cements can be used for pulp capping, pulpotomies, apical barrier formation in teeth with open apices, repair of root perforations, regenerative endodontics, and root canal filling. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the discoloration potential of 3 different tricalcium cements using a bovine tooth model. MethodsForty bovine anterior teeth have been used for the study. Crowns separated from the roots were randomly divided into 4 groups: the BioAggregate (IBC, Vancouver, Canada) group, the Biodentine (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fosses, France) group, the mineral trioxide aggregate Angelus (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil) group, and the only blood group. Materials have been placed to the standardized cavities on the lingual surfaces of the crowns, and their contact with blood has been provided. The color values of the samples were measured with a digital tooth shade determinator (VITA Easyshade; VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Sackingen, Germany) before the placement of the materials, after the placement of the materials, in the 24th hour, in the first week, in the first month, in the third month, and in the first year. The mean value of all groups was compared using the Tukey multiple comparison test (α = 0.05). ResultsAll groups displayed increasing discoloration during a period of the first year. The “only blood group” showed the highest color change values, and it was followed as BioAggregate, mineral trioxide aggregate Angelus, and Biodentine, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found for Biodentine when compared with the only blood and BioAggregate groups (P < .05). ConclusionsConsidering the results of the study, Biodentine is found to have the least discoloration potential among the tested materials.

Discoloration of PMMA, composite, and PEEK.

To assess the discoloration and stain removal potential of different cleaning methods relevant to individual/professional prophylaxis and laboratory cleaning on polyetheretherketone (PEEK), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based, and composite (COMP) materials after storage in different media for 7days. One thousand three hundred twenty specimens of PEEK, PMMA, and COMP (N=440 of each group) were prepared and stored in four different media for 7days to cause stain. Samples were divided into three cleaning groups (n=10): (i) individual prophylaxis, (ii) laboratory protocols, and (iii) professional prophylaxis. Color was determined by a portable spectrophotometer and calculated between different time points (∆E). The data was statistically evaluated using univariate analyses, Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests (p<0.05). The significantly (p<0.001) lowest discoloration was found when specimens were stored in distilled water and chlorhexidine (CHX), followed by red wine. Curry solution caused the highest discoloration. PEEK showed the significantly (p<0.001) lowest color changes, while COMP showed the highest changes. Ultrasonic bath and Air Flow Plus (AFP) were the significantly (p<0.001) most effective methods to remove staining. The least cleaning effect was found using a soft toothbrush (ST), a medium-hard toothbrush (MT), and SunSparkle (SS) cleaning system. PEEK seems more stable against discolorations than other denture resin materials. Regarding the cleaning potential, individual prophylaxis can be conducted with toothbrushes. For professional prophylaxis, air-abrasion devices using gentle powders are effective. Laboratory protocols should include gentle cleaning methods like ultrasonic bath. Clinicians and dental technicians should inform their patients about the discoloration potential of certain foods/beverages and recommend the most efficient cleaning, but preventive methods.

In vitro assessment of the tooth staining potential of endodontic materials in a bovine tooth model.

Traumatized teeth requiring endodontic intervention may discolor as a result of the treatment performed. Thus, the aim was to investigate the discoloration potential of different endodontic cements, dressings, and irrigants used in dental traumatology. Cylindrical cavities were prepared in 330 bovine enamel-dentine blocks (10×10×3.5mm), leaving 2mm of enamel and dentine on the labial side. The specimens were randomly assigned to 22 groups (n=15). The cavities were filled with a range of endodontic materials, sealed with composite and stored in physiological saline. The color of the labial enamel surface was measured with a spectrophotometer at 7 time intervals: before (T0) and after the placement of the test material (T1=baseline), after 1week (T2), 1month (T3), 3months (T4), 6months (T5), and 12months (T6). The color difference values (ΔE) were calculated and further analyzed by anova and the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test (α=0.05). After 12months, significant staining was observed among the endodontic cements only in the Portland cement group with additional bismuth oxide (H-MED PC BiOx; ΔE 22.2). Specimens with other commercially available calcium silicate cements containing bismuth oxide were not significantly discolored. All specimens with endodontic dressings and irrigants were color stable except the tested triple antibiotic paste (M-TreVitaMix; ΔE 14.9) and the double antibiotic paste (N-BiMix; ΔE 14.9). Both mixtures did not contain tetracycline derivatives. The presence of bismuth oxide in calcium silicate cements was not shown to be a reliable predictor for tooth discoloration. Antibiotic pastes without tetracycline derivatives do not guarantee the color stability of teeth.

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Use in Pediatric Dentistry: A Literature Review

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), is unique endodontic cement that was initially introduced as a material for root perforation repair. Over the years its use has expanded to include versatile applications in the field of pediatric dentistry. The purpose of this article was to conduct an updated review on mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and on its applications in the practice of pediatric dentistry. Sources and data: Electronic databases, “PUBMED”, “Cochrane Database” and “Google Scholar”, were used to identify relevant English-language studies and literature published in the period from 1993 to 2016. The scientific papers were then screened for their relevance to the intended objectives. A combination of the key search terms mineral trioxide aggregate, MTA, pulp therapy, clinical applications, and pediatric dentistry were used. Study Selection: Abstracts and full text articles were used to identify studies describing the composition, manipulation, properties, types, and clinical features. In addition, controlled clinical trials of clinical applications and relevant laboratory research on its properties and safety were also included. Conclusions: MTA is a unique material with various advantages. It has been used successfully by pediatric dentists in a variety of clinical applications. However, its drawbacks especially its high cost, discoloration potential, difficulty in handling, and long setting time cannot be overlooked. With the emergence of other novel tricalcium silicate based materials that overcome MTA’s key limitations, they are competing to be the next potential dentin substitutes for the various clinical application in which MTA has been used. Nevertheless, with the recent introduction of new improved MTA products, MTA-based materials are likely to yet remain at the heart of good pediatric dental practice for many years to come.

Coronal Discoloration Induced by Calcium-Enriched Mixture, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Calcium Hydroxide: A Spectrophotometric Analysis.

Introduction:The aim of this study was to compare the discoloration potential of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and calcium hydroxide (CH), after placement in pulp chamber. Methods and Materials:Access cavities were prepared in 40 intact maxillary central incisors. Then, a 2×2 mm box was prepared on the middle third of the inner surface on the buccal wall of the access cavity. The specimens were randomly assigned into four groups; the boxes in the control group were left empty, in groups 1 to 3, the boxes were filled with CH, WMTA and CEM cement, respectively. The access cavities and the apical openings were sealed using resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI). The color measurement was performed with a spectrophotometer at the following intervals: before (T0), immediately after placement of the filling material (T1), one week (T2), 1 month (T3), 3 months (T4) and 5 months (T5) after filling of the box and finally immediately after removing the material from the boxes (T6). Color change (ΔE) values were calculated using the sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to determine the normal distribution of data, followed by ANOVA, repeated measured ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey’s tests. Results:All materials led to clinically perceptible crown discoloration after 1 week. The highest ΔE value belonged to WMTA group. Discoloration induced by CEM cement was not significantly different from CH or the control group (P>0.05). Conclusion:CEM cement may be the material of choice in the esthetic region, specifically pertaining to its lower color changing potential compared to WMTA.

Medication-related tooth discoloration: a review.

Tooth discoloration is a common problem for which patients seek dental care. Various medications can directly or indirectly result in tooth discoloration. As clinicians, it is our responsibility to know these therapeutic drugs which can cause tooth discoloration and educate our fellow colleagues to take necessary precautions when prescribing these medications. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to give an overview of the various medications that can be linked to tooth discoloration and to suggest the precautionary measures that can be taken to avoid or minimize it. Clinical Relevance: Dental discoloration potential of medications always needs to be considered before prescribing them.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2-methoxypyridylamino-substituted riminophenazine derivatives as antituberculosis agents.

Clofazimine, a member of the riminophenazine class, is one of the few antibiotics that are still active against multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). However, the clinical utility of this agent is limited by its undesirable physicochemical properties and skin pigmentation potential. With the goal of maintaining potent antituberculosis activity while improving physicochemical properties and lowering skin pigmentation potential, a series of novel riminophenazine derivatives containing a 2-methoxypyridylamino substituent at the C-2 position of the phenazine nucleus were designed and synthesized. These compounds were evaluated for antituberculosis activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv and screened for cytotoxicity. Riminophenazines bearing a 3-halogen- or 3,4-dihalogen-substituted phenyl group at the N-5 position exhibited potent antituberculosis activity, with MICs ranging from 0.25~0.01 μg/mL. The 3,4-dihalogen- substituted compounds displayed low cytotoxicity, with IC50 values greater than 64 μg/mL. Among these riminophenazines, compound 15 exhibited equivalent in vivo efficacy against M. tuberculosis infection and reduced skin discoloration potential in an experimental mouse infection model as compared to clofazimine. Compound 15, as compared to clofazimine, also demonstrated improved physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic profiles with a short half-life and less drug tissue accumulation. This compound is being evaluated as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis.

Identification of Less Lipophilic Riminophenazine Derivatives for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

Clofazimine (CFZ), a member of the riminophenazine class, has been studied in clinical trials for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). CFZ has several side effects which can be attributed to its extremely high lipophilicity. A series of novel riminophenazine analogues bearing a C-2 pyridyl substituent was designed and synthesized with the goal of maintaining potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) while improving upon its safety profile by lowering the lipophilicity. All compounds were evaluated for their in vitro activity and cytotoxicity. The results demonstrated that many new compounds had potent activity against M. tuberculosis with MICs of less than 0.03 μg/mL and low cytotoxicity with IC(50) values greater than 64 μg/mL. Some compounds were tested for in vivo efficacy against MDR-TB in an experimental mouse infection model. Two compounds demonstrated equivalent or better efficacy than CFZ in this model with significantly reduced skin discoloration potential.

Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials: a literature review

It is common knowledge that materials used in endodontics may cause discoloration and thus impair the aesthetic outcome of the treated tooth. The purpose of this review is to summarise the existing knowledge on the discoloration potential of materials used for endodontic procedures. A comprehensive literature search covering the period from 1966 to 2011 was conducted on Pubmed and the Cochrane Library using different keyword combinations including 'tooth', 'colour', 'discoloration', 'staining', 'endodontic''root canal''sealer', 'dressing', 'medicament', 'obturation', 'filling', 'treatment', 'portland cement', 'MTA' and 'antibiotic paste'. Any relevant work published in the English language in peer-reviewed journals and presenting pertinent information related to the purpose of this overview was considered for inclusion. In addition, bibliographies of all relevant papers and previous review articles were hand searched and the reference lists from endodontic textbooks were also reviewed. Articles were excluded if an English abstract was unavailable, if only single clinical reports or conference reports were included, or if the topic was unrelated to the subject. Ten in-vitro studies, one randomized controlled trial and one multicenter randomized controlled trial met the inclusion criteria. There were not any recently used endodontic materials that would not induce at least measurable colour changes. For a wide range of materials currently available on the market there is only scarce or no evidence available on their staining ability. Endodontic therapy should not focus solely on biological and functional aspects, but take aesthetic considerations into account as well. To reduce the risk of material-induced tooth discoloration all materials should be applied carefully in areas of aesthetic concern. The need for further research in this field and for the development of non-staining endodontic materials is evident.