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Assessment of tooth discoloration induced by root canal filling materials in pediatric dentistry

Abstract

This study investigated the potential for tooth discoloration of root canal filling pastes used in pediatric dentistry. Sixty bovine incisors were sectioned 2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction and allocated into 6 groups (n = 10) according to the type of filling material used: G1- Zinc oxide-eugenol sealer; G2- Zinc oxide-eugenol and iodoform paste; G3- Calcium hydroxide (CH) and zinc oxide paste; G4- CH, zinc oxide, and iodoform paste; G5- CH and iodoform paste; and G6- Control. Polyethylene glycol 400 was used as a vehicle for CH-containing pastes. Color measurements were taken at specific intervals: preceding endodontic treatment (T0) and at successive points of 1 month (T1), 2 months (T2), 3 months (T3), and 1 year (T4) after the placement of the filling material. The color change (∆E) was calculated using the CIELab formula. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post hoc test (α = 5%). Significant differences were observed among the filling materials and time intervals (p <0.001). All groups exhibited color changes over time, except G1 and G5, which showed color changes only after 1 year. G1 and G2 demonstrated the highest ∆E values, with a statistically significant difference observed only at T2 when compared to G3 (p = 0.008). Root canal filling materials used in primary teeth have the potential to induce tooth discoloration.

Key Words:
Primary tooth; tooth discoloration; root canal filling material; pediatric dentistry

Resumo

Este estudo investigou o potencial de descoloração dentária de pastas de obturação de canal radicular utilizadas em Odontopediatria. Sessenta incisivos bovinos foram seccionados 2 mm apicais à junção amelocementária e distribuídos em 6 grupos (n = 10) de acordo com o tipo de material obturador utilizado: G1 - Pasta de óxido de zinco e eugenol; G2 - Pasta de óxido de zinco e eugenol e iodofórmio; G3 - Pasta de hidróxido de cálcio (HC) e óxido de zinco; G4 - de HC, óxido de zinco e iodofórmio; G5 - Pasta de HC e iodofórmio; e G6 - Controle. O polietileno glicol 400 foi utilizado como veículo nas pastas contendo HC. A mensuração da cor foi realizada em intervalos específicos: antes do tratamento endodôntico (T0) e nos pontos sucessivos de 1 mês (T1), 2 meses (T2), 3 meses (T3) e 1 ano (T4) após a inserção do material obturador. A alteração de cor (∆E) foi calculada utilizando a fórmula CIELab. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando ANOVA, seguida pelo teste post hoc de Tukey (α = 5%). Diferenças significativas foram observadas entre os materiais de obturação e os intervalos de tempo (p < 0,001). Todos os grupos apresentaram alteração de cor ao longo do tempo, exceto G1 e G5, que mostraram mudanças de cor somente após 1 ano. G1 e G2 demostraram os maiores valores de ∆E, com diferença estatisticamente significativa observada apenas em T2 em comparação com G3 (p = 0,008). Materiais de obturação de canal radicular utilizados em dentes decíduos têm o potencial de induzir o manchamento dentário.

Introduction

Tooth discoloration after endodontic treatment is an unpleasant complication 11. Ekici MA, Ekici A, Kaskati T, Helvacioglu Kivanc B. Tooth crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: a 3-year ex vivo evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2019;23:2097-2102.,22. El Sayed MA, Etemadi H. Coronal discoloration effect of three endodontic sealers: An in vitro spectrophotometric analysis. J Conserv Dent 2013;16:347-351.,33. Ioannidis K, Mistakidis I, Beltes P, Karagiannis V. Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers. J Appl Oral Sci 2013;21:138-144.,44. Partovi M, Al-Havvaz AH, Soleimani B. In vitro computer analysis of crown discolouration from commonly used endodontic sealers. Aust Endod J 2006; 32:116-119., attributed to the composition of the material used 44. Partovi M, Al-Havvaz AH, Soleimani B. In vitro computer analysis of crown discolouration from commonly used endodontic sealers. Aust Endod J 2006; 32:116-119., the cervical limit of the obturation (i.e., the presence of remnants of filling material in the pulp chamber) 22. El Sayed MA, Etemadi H. Coronal discoloration effect of three endodontic sealers: An in vitro spectrophotometric analysis. J Conserv Dent 2013;16:347-351.,33. Ioannidis K, Mistakidis I, Beltes P, Karagiannis V. Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers. J Appl Oral Sci 2013;21:138-144.,55. Bosenbecker J, Barbon FJ, de Souza Ferreira N, Morgental RD, Boscato N. Tooth discoloration caused by endodontic treatment: A cross-sectional study. J Esthet Restor Dent 2020;32:569-574.,66. Davis MC, Walton RE, Rivera EM. Sealer distribution in coronal dentin. J Endod 2002;28:464-466., and the time of interaction between the material and tooth tissue 11. Ekici MA, Ekici A, Kaskati T, Helvacioglu Kivanc B. Tooth crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: a 3-year ex vivo evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2019;23:2097-2102.,44. Partovi M, Al-Havvaz AH, Soleimani B. In vitro computer analysis of crown discolouration from commonly used endodontic sealers. Aust Endod J 2006; 32:116-119.,77. Parsons JR, Walton RE, Ricks-Williamson L. In vitro longitudinal assessment of coronal discoloration from endodontic sealers. J Endod 2001;27:699-702.,88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962..

Several criteria should be considered during the selection of a material for endodontic treatment of primary teeth 99. Amorim Lde F, Toledo OA, Estrela CR, Decurcio Dde A, Estrela C. Antimicrobial analysis of different root canal filling pastes used in pediatric dentistry by two experimental methods. Braz Dent J 2006;17:317-322.,1010. Najjar RS, Alamoudi NM, El-Housseiny AA, Al Tuwirqi AA, Sabbagh HJ. A comparison of calcium hydroxide/iodoform paste and zinc oxide eugenol as root filling materials for pulpectomy in primary teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Dent Res 2019;5:294-310.. Solubility, biocompatibility, radiopacity, antimicrobial potential, osteoinductive capacity, ability to provide a hermetic seal, and ease of manipulation and placement are some of the characteristics considered ideal for a filling material 99. Amorim Lde F, Toledo OA, Estrela CR, Decurcio Dde A, Estrela C. Antimicrobial analysis of different root canal filling pastes used in pediatric dentistry by two experimental methods. Braz Dent J 2006;17:317-322.,1111. Lenherr P, Allgayer N, Weiger R, Filippi A, Attin T, Krastl G. Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials: a laboratory study. Int Endod J2012;45:942-949.. In addition, great attention has been paid to the aesthetic factor 88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962.,1111. Lenherr P, Allgayer N, Weiger R, Filippi A, Attin T, Krastl G. Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials: a laboratory study. Int Endod J2012;45:942-949., which is of great importance in dental treatment, particularly concerning the appearance of a smile 1212. Johnston WM, Kao EC. Assessment of appearance match by visual observation and clinical colorimetry. J Dent Res 1989;68:819-822..

Alteration in tooth color and consequently in smile harmony can negatively impact self-image, which may lead to emotional, social, and quality-of-life challenges in the pediatric population 1313. Scheffel DLS, Jeremias F, Fragelli CMB, Dos Santos-Pinto LAM, Hebling J, de Oliveira OB, Jr. Esthetic dental anomalies as motive for bullying in schoolchildren. Eur J Dent 2014;8:124-128.. The desire for improved smile aesthetics has become a decisive factor in seeking dental treatment 1313. Scheffel DLS, Jeremias F, Fragelli CMB, Dos Santos-Pinto LAM, Hebling J, de Oliveira OB, Jr. Esthetic dental anomalies as motive for bullying in schoolchildren. Eur J Dent 2014;8:124-128..

The establishment of a consensus on the ideal filling material for primary teeth has been hampered by the limited amount of information available 1010. Najjar RS, Alamoudi NM, El-Housseiny AA, Al Tuwirqi AA, Sabbagh HJ. A comparison of calcium hydroxide/iodoform paste and zinc oxide eugenol as root filling materials for pulpectomy in primary teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Dent Res 2019;5:294-310.. Even so, four classes of filling materials have been commonly recommended: zinc oxide and eugenol paste (ZOE), iodoform pastes (IP), calcium hydroxide-based pastes (CH), and the combinations of these materials 99. Amorim Lde F, Toledo OA, Estrela CR, Decurcio Dde A, Estrela C. Antimicrobial analysis of different root canal filling pastes used in pediatric dentistry by two experimental methods. Braz Dent J 2006;17:317-322.. Despite the numerous investigations on the discoloration of permanent teeth promoted by endodontic sealers 11. Ekici MA, Ekici A, Kaskati T, Helvacioglu Kivanc B. Tooth crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: a 3-year ex vivo evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2019;23:2097-2102.,22. El Sayed MA, Etemadi H. Coronal discoloration effect of three endodontic sealers: An in vitro spectrophotometric analysis. J Conserv Dent 2013;16:347-351.,55. Bosenbecker J, Barbon FJ, de Souza Ferreira N, Morgental RD, Boscato N. Tooth discoloration caused by endodontic treatment: A cross-sectional study. J Esthet Restor Dent 2020;32:569-574.,1111. Lenherr P, Allgayer N, Weiger R, Filippi A, Attin T, Krastl G. Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials: a laboratory study. Int Endod J2012;45:942-949., there is a noticeable scarcity of studies regarding tooth discoloration in primary teeth 88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962.. Understanding the behavior of different filling materials used in endodontic therapy of primary teeth is decisive for an aesthetically satisfactory dental treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential for tooth discoloration of root canal filling pastes commonly used in pediatric dentistry. The null hypothesis tested was that tooth discoloration does not vary based on (i) the type of filling paste and (ii) the duration of contact with the tooth structure.

Material and methods

Specimen preparation

Sixty bovine incisors with standardized features, complete root development, and crowns without enamel defects were selected. All teeth were cleaned, and their roots were sectioned 2 mm below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) using a precision saw (Isomet 1000; Buehler Ltd, Lake Bluff, IL, USA). The apical access was widened using #2135F bur (KG Sorensen, Barueri, SP, Brazil). Next, the pulp chambers were emptied using K #40 files (Maillefer Dentsply Sirona, York, PA, USA) and abundant irrigation with 0.9% saline solution. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C 33. Ioannidis K, Mistakidis I, Beltes P, Karagiannis V. Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers. J Appl Oral Sci 2013;21:138-144.,1414. Ioannidis K, Beltes P, Lambrianidis T, Kapagiannidis D, Karagiannis V. Crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: spectrophotometric measurement of Commission International de I'Eclairage's L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters. Oper Dent2013;38:E1-12..

Root filling pastes

The specimens were randomly divided into 1 control group (no filling; n = 10) and 5 experimental groups (n = 10) via a random number sequence generator. In Box 1, the filling materials, their respective manufacturers, and handling formulas 1515. Chen X, Liu X, Zhong J. Clinical and radiographic evaluation of pulpectomy in primary teeth: a 18-months clinical randomized controlled trial. Head Face Med 2017;13:12.,1616. Ochoa Rodríguez VM, Tanomaru-Filho M, Rodrigues EM, Bugança EO, Guerreiro-Tanomaru JM, Faria G. Physicochemical properties and effect of bioceramic root canal filling for primary teeth on osteoblast biology. J Appl Oral Sci 2021; 3:29:e20200870. are presented. For each evaluated filling material, an attempt was made to achieve a consistency similar to that of a dentifrice, recommended to facilitate the insertion and sealing of the root canal 88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962.,1515. Chen X, Liu X, Zhong J. Clinical and radiographic evaluation of pulpectomy in primary teeth: a 18-months clinical randomized controlled trial. Head Face Med 2017;13:12..

Box 1
Distribution of experimental groups according to root filling pastes: composition, manufacturer, and handling proportion.

Pulp chamber filling

The pulp chambers were dried, and the tested filling materials were inserted until the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) using a 3 mL plastic syringe (BD SoloMed, Curitiba, PR, Brazil), Precision #4 tips (Maquira, Maringá, PR, Brazil), and Lentulo drill #4 (Maillefer Dentsply Sirona). Excess material was removed, and the cavities were sealed with Filtek Z350 composite resin (3M ESPE do Brasil Ltda, Sumaré, SP, Brazil), following a two-step adhesive protocol - Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE).

Spectrophotometric analysis

The spectrophotometric analysis was conducted at the following evaluation period: T0 - after emptying the pulp chambers (baseline); T1 - 1 month after obturation; T2 - 2 months after obturation; T3 - 3 months after obturation; and T4 - 1 year after obturation.

Tooth color assessment was performed using a VITA Easyshade® spectrophotometer (VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany), previously calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. using the inbuilt calibration block (white color). The spectrophotometer was recalibrated after measuring five specimens. All measurements were performed by the same operator. The equipment provides color data based on three dimensions, as recommended by the International Commission on Illumination 1717. Gomez-Polo C, Portillo Munoz M, Lorenzo Luengo MC, Vicente P, Galindo P, Martin Casado AM. Comparison of the CIELab and CIEDE2000 color difference formulas. J Prosthet Dent 2016;115:65-70., represented by the parameters L*, a*, and b*. The L* parameter (luminosity) ranges from 0 to 100, encompassing from absolute black to absolute white. On the other hand, the a* and b* parameters represent chromatic directions ranging from red (+a) to green (-a) and from yellow (+b) to blue (-b), respectively.

For each specimen, the color variation (ΔE) was calculated about the initial color (T0), using the CIELab formula,2 33. Ioannidis K, Mistakidis I, Beltes P, Karagiannis V. Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers. J Appl Oral Sci 2013;21:138-144.:

E * a b = L * 2 + a * 2 + b * 2 1 / 2

L * = L 1 * - L o * ; a * = a 1 * - a 0 * ; b * = b 1 * - b 0 *

The parameter ΔEab represents the color variation, where ΔL is the difference in luminosity (L1 - L0), Δa is the difference along the a axis (a1 - a0), and Δb is the difference along the b axis (b1 - b0). The data L0, a0, and b0 correspond to the initial readings (baseline), while L1, a1, and b1 represent the data from the readings at each evaluation period.

For evaluation, the specimens were positioned in a standardized mode. The crowns were individually fixed onto wax support (7 cm x 3 cm x 2 cm) (Lyzanda, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) within a prefabricated wooden box (4 cm x 4 cm x 2.5 cm) with equidistant holes to accommodate the tip of the spectrophotometer 33. Ioannidis K, Mistakidis I, Beltes P, Karagiannis V. Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers. J Appl Oral Sci 2013;21:138-144.,1111. Lenherr P, Allgayer N, Weiger R, Filippi A, Attin T, Krastl G. Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials: a laboratory study. Int Endod J2012;45:942-949.,1414. Ioannidis K, Beltes P, Lambrianidis T, Kapagiannidis D, Karagiannis V. Crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: spectrophotometric measurement of Commission International de I'Eclairage's L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters. Oper Dent2013;38:E1-12.. During the evaluation, readings were taken in three equidistant areas of the crown of each specimen. For each area, two readings were taken, totaling six readings per specimen. The mean ΔE was then calculated for each specimen at each evaluation period. During the spectrophotometric analysis, the crowns remained moist to prevent any chromatic alterations due to drying 1818. Forghani M, Gharechahi M, Karimpour S. In vitro evaluation of tooth discolouration induced by mineral trioxide aggregate Fillapex and iRoot SP endodontic sealers. Aust Endod J 2016;42:99-103..

Statistical analysis

To determine the sample power, four premises were considered: a relevant difference in color variation (∆E > 3.7) 1414. Ioannidis K, Beltes P, Lambrianidis T, Kapagiannidis D, Karagiannis V. Crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: spectrophotometric measurement of Commission International de I'Eclairage's L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters. Oper Dent2013;38:E1-12., a 5% α error, a standard deviation of 2, and a test power of 80%. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed (p < 0.05).

The mean ΔE values in the different groups and investigated evaluation periods were subjected to repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test, with a significance level of 5%, using the statistical software Minitab® 19 (Minitab, State College, PA, USA).

Results

The statistical analysis indicated a significant influence of both the type of root-filling paste (p <0.001) and the evaluation period (p <0.001) on tooth discoloration. However, when examining the relationship between the filling material and evaluation period (p = 0.981), no significant effect was observed (Table 1).

Table 2 presents the L*, a*, and b* values for the tested filling pastes at various time intervals. All groups demonstrated color comparability as no statistically significant difference was observed in the three parameters at the baseline. L* and a* values differed between the groups only at the 1-year observation time, while the b* values varied after 2 and 3 months. Assessing each group individually, it was found that the a* values changed significantly over time in G1 and G2, whereas the b* values demonstrated this trend in all tested groups except for G5.

The ΔE values are presented in Table 3. All groups exhibited a change in tooth color over time, except G1 and G5, both demonstrated increased darkening only after 1 year. When comparing the groups within each evaluation period, a significant difference between G1 and G2 compared to G3 was observed, indicating a more pronounced tooth color change.

Table 1
Effect of time interval and filling material and their association on tooth discoloration.
Table 2
L*, a*, b* values (CIE) for the tested filling pastes at different time intervals.
Table 3
Mean and standard deviation (SD) for color change (∆E) for tested filling pastes at different time intervals.

Discussion

The current study assessed the potential for tooth discoloration of root canal filling materials used in pediatric dentistry. The results indicated that both the type of filling material and the evaluation period had a significant impact on tooth color change. Thus, the tested null hypothesis was rejected.

This study opted for a bovine teeth model due to the challenges in accessing human teeth for dental research. Bovine teeth offer advantages in handling owing to their size, enabling standardization of age and internal space, and mitigating the risk of disease transmission 1919. Galhano G, de Melo RM, Valandro LF, Bottino MA. Comparison of resin push-out strength to root dentin of bovine- and human-teeth. Indian J Dent Res 2009;20:332-336.. Moreover, the use of bovine teeth allowed the consolidation of various features, reducing potential confounding factors associated with dentin. Despite minor micro and macrostructural differences between human and bovine teeth 2020. Schilke R, Lisson JA, Bauss O, Geurtsen W. Comparison of the number and diameter of dentinal tubules in human and bovine dentine by scanning electron microscopic investigation. Arch Oral Biol 2000;45:355-361., previous studies consider bovine teeth a suitable model for tooth discoloration research 88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962.,1111. Lenherr P, Allgayer N, Weiger R, Filippi A, Attin T, Krastl G. Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials: a laboratory study. Int Endod J2012;45:942-949..

Tooth color variation (∆E) was assessed using spectrophotometry due to its reliability, precision, and reproducibility 11. Ekici MA, Ekici A, Kaskati T, Helvacioglu Kivanc B. Tooth crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: a 3-year ex vivo evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2019;23:2097-2102.,22. El Sayed MA, Etemadi H. Coronal discoloration effect of three endodontic sealers: An in vitro spectrophotometric analysis. J Conserv Dent 2013;16:347-351.,33. Ioannidis K, Mistakidis I, Beltes P, Karagiannis V. Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers. J Appl Oral Sci 2013;21:138-144.,55. Bosenbecker J, Barbon FJ, de Souza Ferreira N, Morgental RD, Boscato N. Tooth discoloration caused by endodontic treatment: A cross-sectional study. J Esthet Restor Dent 2020;32:569-574.,88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962.,1111. Lenherr P, Allgayer N, Weiger R, Filippi A, Attin T, Krastl G. Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials: a laboratory study. Int Endod J2012;45:942-949.,1414. Ioannidis K, Beltes P, Lambrianidis T, Kapagiannidis D, Karagiannis V. Crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: spectrophotometric measurement of Commission International de I'Eclairage's L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters. Oper Dent2013;38:E1-12.,1818. Forghani M, Gharechahi M, Karimpour S. In vitro evaluation of tooth discolouration induced by mineral trioxide aggregate Fillapex and iRoot SP endodontic sealers. Aust Endod J 2016;42:99-103.. This method minimizes the impact of subjective variables, such as lighting conditions, examiner experience, age, gender, and visual fatigue. Consequently, it ensures a more objective and consistent evaluation of the color of the studied tooth tissue 1717. Gomez-Polo C, Portillo Munoz M, Lorenzo Luengo MC, Vicente P, Galindo P, Martin Casado AM. Comparison of the CIELab and CIEDE2000 color difference formulas. J Prosthet Dent 2016;115:65-70.,2121. Alghazali N, Burnside G, Moallem M, Smith P, Preston A, Jarad FD. Assessment of perceptibility and acceptability of color difference of denture teeth. J Dent2012;40 Suppl 1:e10-17.

One possible limitation of the current study was the use of the CIELab formula (∆Eab) for tooth color evaluation. This formula relies solely on the parameters of luminosity (L) and chroma (a* and b*), as specified by the CIE in 1978. In contrast, the CIEDE 2000 system, which incorporates parametric weighting of hue and integrates the visual assessment of the object (∆E00) 55. Bosenbecker J, Barbon FJ, de Souza Ferreira N, Morgental RD, Boscato N. Tooth discoloration caused by endodontic treatment: A cross-sectional study. J Esthet Restor Dent 2020;32:569-574.,88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962.,2222. Paravina RD, Ghinea R, Herrera LJ, Bona AD, Igiel C, Linninger M, et al. Color difference thresholds in dentistry. J Esthet Restor Dent2015;27 Suppl 1:S1-9., provides a more comprehensive approach 1717. Gomez-Polo C, Portillo Munoz M, Lorenzo Luengo MC, Vicente P, Galindo P, Martin Casado AM. Comparison of the CIELab and CIEDE2000 color difference formulas. J Prosthet Dent 2016;115:65-70., making it particularly well-suited for clinical applications 1717. Gomez-Polo C, Portillo Munoz M, Lorenzo Luengo MC, Vicente P, Galindo P, Martin Casado AM. Comparison of the CIELab and CIEDE2000 color difference formulas. J Prosthet Dent 2016;115:65-70.. Including this system in future research would offer a more holistic understanding of color variation, enhancing the study’s applicability and relevance, especially in clinical contexts.

The analysis of tooth color variation (∆E) combines the thresholds of perceptibility and acceptability 2222. Paravina RD, Ghinea R, Herrera LJ, Bona AD, Igiel C, Linninger M, et al. Color difference thresholds in dentistry. J Esthet Restor Dent2015;27 Suppl 1:S1-9.. The perceptibility threshold (LP) represents the color difference perceived by the human eye, with the CIELab system ranging from ∆Eab = 1.1 to 3.7 33. Ioannidis K, Mistakidis I, Beltes P, Karagiannis V. Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers. J Appl Oral Sci 2013;21:138-144.,1212. Johnston WM, Kao EC. Assessment of appearance match by visual observation and clinical colorimetry. J Dent Res 1989;68:819-822.,1818. Forghani M, Gharechahi M, Karimpour S. In vitro evaluation of tooth discolouration induced by mineral trioxide aggregate Fillapex and iRoot SP endodontic sealers. Aust Endod J 2016;42:99-103.,2121. Alghazali N, Burnside G, Moallem M, Smith P, Preston A, Jarad FD. Assessment of perceptibility and acceptability of color difference of denture teeth. J Dent2012;40 Suppl 1:e10-17.,2222. Paravina RD, Ghinea R, Herrera LJ, Bona AD, Igiel C, Linninger M, et al. Color difference thresholds in dentistry. J Esthet Restor Dent2015;27 Suppl 1:S1-9.. On the other hand, the acceptability threshold (LA) represents the color difference considered clinically acceptable, which in Dentistry holds greater significance than the perceptibility threshold, ranging from ∆Eab = 2.7 to 6.8 1212. Johnston WM, Kao EC. Assessment of appearance match by visual observation and clinical colorimetry. J Dent Res 1989;68:819-822.,2121. Alghazali N, Burnside G, Moallem M, Smith P, Preston A, Jarad FD. Assessment of perceptibility and acceptability of color difference of denture teeth. J Dent2012;40 Suppl 1:e10-17.,2222. Paravina RD, Ghinea R, Herrera LJ, Bona AD, Igiel C, Linninger M, et al. Color difference thresholds in dentistry. J Esthet Restor Dent2015;27 Suppl 1:S1-9..

All the root-filling pastes investigated in the present study exhibited ∆Eab values exceeding 3.7, except G3 at T2, which is consistent with findings from previous studies 33. Ioannidis K, Mistakidis I, Beltes P, Karagiannis V. Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers. J Appl Oral Sci 2013;21:138-144.,1212. Johnston WM, Kao EC. Assessment of appearance match by visual observation and clinical colorimetry. J Dent Res 1989;68:819-822.,1818. Forghani M, Gharechahi M, Karimpour S. In vitro evaluation of tooth discolouration induced by mineral trioxide aggregate Fillapex and iRoot SP endodontic sealers. Aust Endod J 2016;42:99-103.. This indicates a clinically perceptible tooth color alteration, surpassing the ∆Eab value of 1.8, as suggested by Paravina et al. 2222. Paravina RD, Ghinea R, Herrera LJ, Bona AD, Igiel C, Linninger M, et al. Color difference thresholds in dentistry. J Esthet Restor Dent2015;27 Suppl 1:S1-9.. It's important to note that this study didn't specifically assess the clinical aspect of the crown.

Thirty days after the placement of filling materials, a change in tooth coloration (∆E) was observed. This finding is consistent with the results reported in previous studies 11. Ekici MA, Ekici A, Kaskati T, Helvacioglu Kivanc B. Tooth crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: a 3-year ex vivo evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2019;23:2097-2102.,22. El Sayed MA, Etemadi H. Coronal discoloration effect of three endodontic sealers: An in vitro spectrophotometric analysis. J Conserv Dent 2013;16:347-351.,33. Ioannidis K, Mistakidis I, Beltes P, Karagiannis V. Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers. J Appl Oral Sci 2013;21:138-144.,1414. Ioannidis K, Beltes P, Lambrianidis T, Kapagiannidis D, Karagiannis V. Crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: spectrophotometric measurement of Commission International de I'Eclairage's L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters. Oper Dent2013;38:E1-12.,1818. Forghani M, Gharechahi M, Karimpour S. In vitro evaluation of tooth discolouration induced by mineral trioxide aggregate Fillapex and iRoot SP endodontic sealers. Aust Endod J 2016;42:99-103.. It's important to mention that the observed tooth color change occurred despite existing evidence suggesting that the presence of a smear layer might hinder the diffusion of chromogenic components of filling materials through dentinal tubules 66. Davis MC, Walton RE, Rivera EM. Sealer distribution in coronal dentin. J Endod 2002;28:464-466.,77. Parsons JR, Walton RE, Ricks-Williamson L. In vitro longitudinal assessment of coronal discoloration from endodontic sealers. J Endod 2001;27:699-702.,1414. Ioannidis K, Beltes P, Lambrianidis T, Kapagiannidis D, Karagiannis V. Crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: spectrophotometric measurement of Commission International de I'Eclairage's L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters. Oper Dent2013;38:E1-12..

The ∆E values obtained in this study were notably higher compared to those reported by Xavier et al. 88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962., who evaluated the effects of filling materials for pulpotomies and pulpectomies in primary teeth. Factors such as the type of filling material, methodological design, and smear layer management may have contributed to these divergent outcomes.

Although not conclusive, the presence of eugenol in the composition of root canal filling pastes seems to contribute to the darkening of the tooth structure. In Group 3, the combination of calcium hydroxide, zinc oxide, and the PEG400 showed the lowest ∆E values across all evaluated periods. However, these values were not statistically different from the other pastes, except for G1 and G2 after 3 months. It's worth highlighting that both G1 and G2 contained eugenol in their composition.

G1 demonstrated noticeable changes in the L*, a*, and b* parameters, indicating a decrease in luminosity (L*) and a significant increase in chromatic values (a* and b*). These findings are in accordance with those of previous studies that observed a similar effect induced by zinc oxide eugenol-based endodontic sealer 11. Ekici MA, Ekici A, Kaskati T, Helvacioglu Kivanc B. Tooth crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: a 3-year ex vivo evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2019;23:2097-2102.,33. Ioannidis K, Mistakidis I, Beltes P, Karagiannis V. Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers. J Appl Oral Sci 2013;21:138-144.,1414. Ioannidis K, Beltes P, Lambrianidis T, Kapagiannidis D, Karagiannis V. Crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: spectrophotometric measurement of Commission International de I'Eclairage's L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters. Oper Dent2013;38:E1-12.. From a clinical perspective, these findings suggested the likelihood of crown darkening and a discernible shift in color towards shades of orange-red and yellow 11. Ekici MA, Ekici A, Kaskati T, Helvacioglu Kivanc B. Tooth crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: a 3-year ex vivo evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2019;23:2097-2102.,33. Ioannidis K, Mistakidis I, Beltes P, Karagiannis V. Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers. J Appl Oral Sci 2013;21:138-144.,66. Davis MC, Walton RE, Rivera EM. Sealer distribution in coronal dentin. J Endod 2002;28:464-466.,1414. Ioannidis K, Beltes P, Lambrianidis T, Kapagiannidis D, Karagiannis V. Crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: spectrophotometric measurement of Commission International de I'Eclairage's L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters. Oper Dent2013;38:E1-12.. This phenomenon could be attributed to the chemical reaction of eugenol with fluids present in the dentin tissue, especially in a moist environment after setting, leading to the continuous release of eugenol and subsequent deposition of zinc hydroxide 2323. Wilson AD, Batchelor RF. Zinc oxide-eugenol cements: II. Study of erosion and disintegration. J Dent Res 1970;49:593-598.. This process, in turn, results in the gradual darkening of the dental structure over time 11. Ekici MA, Ekici A, Kaskati T, Helvacioglu Kivanc B. Tooth crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: a 3-year ex vivo evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2019;23:2097-2102.. Further research and a deeper understanding of these chemical processes are warranted to validate this mechanism.

Although tooth discoloration caused by calcium hydroxide (CH) is minimal or even absent 1111. Lenherr P, Allgayer N, Weiger R, Filippi A, Attin T, Krastl G. Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials: a laboratory study. Int Endod J2012;45:942-949., a change in tooth structure coloration becomes evident when CH is associated with other components, such as iodoform 88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962. and zinc oxide 22. El Sayed MA, Etemadi H. Coronal discoloration effect of three endodontic sealers: An in vitro spectrophotometric analysis. J Conserv Dent 2013;16:347-351.,66. Davis MC, Walton RE, Rivera EM. Sealer distribution in coronal dentin. J Endod 2002;28:464-466.,77. Parsons JR, Walton RE, Ricks-Williamson L. In vitro longitudinal assessment of coronal discoloration from endodontic sealers. J Endod 2001;27:699-702.,88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962.,1111. Lenherr P, Allgayer N, Weiger R, Filippi A, Attin T, Krastl G. Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials: a laboratory study. Int Endod J2012;45:942-949.. This phenomenon was also observed in the current study.

In a study conducted by Xavier et al. 88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962., an increase in the ∆E values of teeth filled with Vitapex paste, composed of CH and IOD, was observed after a 6-month evaluation period. This observation aligns with the findings of the current investigation for G2, G4, and G5, where iodoform was present in the filling pastes. It is plausible that the tooth discoloration occurred due to the decomposition of iodoform, a yellow crystalline solid 2424. Singh V, Das S, Sharma NK. Iodoform: a boon in disguise. Open J Stomatol2012;2:322-325.. This decomposition can release small particles of iodine and other byproducts that, upon contact with dentin, have the potential to penetrate dentinal tubules, causing staining in the dentin structure 2525. Franco ABG, Machado MEdL, Nabeshima CK. Qualitative evaluation of iodoform diffusability through dentin and cement. Res J Biol Sci 2010;5:264-268..

It is noteworthy that the lowest ∆E values were consistently observed in G3 (CH and ZO) across all assessed periods. This contrasts with the findings in G1 and G2 after 2 months, which contradicts a previous study 88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962., where Calen paste thickened with ZO showed higher ∆E values at the 3-month mark. However, Xavier et al. 88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962. reported a decrease in ∆E at 6 and 9 months of evaluation, while our current study observed a significant increase in ∆E starting from the 3-month mark.

Also, in G3, the parameter L* exhibited statistically lower values compared to the other groups, resulting in a tendency towards a lighter gray appearance, consistent with previous reports 66. Davis MC, Walton RE, Rivera EM. Sealer distribution in coronal dentin. J Endod 2002;28:464-466.. This occurrence can potentially be attributed to the presence of zinc oxide, which undergoes chemical interactions with oxygen molecules 2626. Weinberg JE, Rabinowitz JL, Zanger M, Gennaro AR. 14C-eugenol: I. Synthesis, polymerization, and use. J Dent Res 1972;51:1055-1061.. These interactions occur within the dentin composition and lead to modifications in tooth coloration, although to a lesser degree when compared to substances like eugenol, bismuth oxide, silver powder, barium sulfate, and iodoform, which are prevalent in endodontic sealer 22. El Sayed MA, Etemadi H. Coronal discoloration effect of three endodontic sealers: An in vitro spectrophotometric analysis. J Conserv Dent 2013;16:347-351.,66. Davis MC, Walton RE, Rivera EM. Sealer distribution in coronal dentin. J Endod 2002;28:464-466.,77. Parsons JR, Walton RE, Ricks-Williamson L. In vitro longitudinal assessment of coronal discoloration from endodontic sealers. J Endod 2001;27:699-702.,88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962.,1111. Lenherr P, Allgayer N, Weiger R, Filippi A, Attin T, Krastl G. Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials: a laboratory study. Int Endod J2012;45:942-949..

It’s important to recognize that the present methodological model involved the filling of the pulp chambers instead of the root canals. This decision was based on the scarcity of research evaluating materials for pulpectomy of primary teeth, with only one study conducted by Xavier et al. 88. Xavier SR, Pilownic KJ, Gastmann AH, Echeverria MS, Romano AR, Geraldo Pappen F. Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth. Int J Dent 2017:7401962.. It is important to highlight that this study used a similar methodology, which may facilitate the result comparisons. However, it is essential to highlight that a more clinically relevant approach would involve evaluating the crown color changes induced by these materials during root canal filling. Thus, additional studies are needed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the color changes induced by different filling materials in pediatric dentistry. These studies would contribute significantly to guiding clinical practices in pediatric endodontics. In conclusion, root filling pastes used in pediatric dentistry induce dental color change.

Acknowledgment

Part of the funding for this study was provided by the Postgraduate Program in Integrated Dental Sciences at the University of Cuiabá.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    16 Sept 2024
  • Date of issue
    2024

History

  • Received
    23 Nov 2023
  • Accepted
    27 May 2024
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