Effect of endodontic sealers on tooth color

Objectives: One 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. Methods: Forty 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, endomethasone N; and S26, Sealer 26). Teeth were stored at 37 degrees C moist environment. Color coordinates (L*a*b*) were measured with a spectrophotometer before endodontic treatment (baseline -control), 24 h and 6 months after treatment. L*a*b* values were used to calculate color changes (SE). Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney-U tests. Results: Color changes were observed for all groups with S26 and EN producing the greatest mean SE values after 6 months. Conclusion: Endodontic sealer remnants affect tooth color confirming the experimental hypothesis. Clinical significance: This study examined the effect of endodontic sealer remnants on tooth color, and observed that after 6 months, the sealers produced unacceptable color changes. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.