1-year In Vitro Evaluation of Tooth Discoloration Induced by 2 Calcium Silicate–based Cements

• The study presents a long-term evaluation of calcium silicate–based cements.
• Calcium silicate–based cements present color stability up to 6 weeks.
• At 1 year, all samples present perceptible darkening of the tooth structure.

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to compare tooth discoloration that occurs in teeth filled with ProRoot MTA (DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK) or Biodentine (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fossés, France) over the course of 1 year.MethodsTwenty-eight intact premolars were resected 2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction and the pulp tissues extirpated via the cervical cut. After the preparation of occlusal access to the pulp chamber, specimens were assigned into 4 groups according to a stratified randomization sampling process: group 1, negative control (dry sterile cotton pellet); group 2, positive control (blood-moistened cotton pellet); group 3, ProRoot WMTA (DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties); and group 4, Biodentine. The experimental materials were condensed into the crowns and the access sealed with glass ionomer restorative cement. Color was assessed at baseline (before placement of the materials), immediately after material filling, after 6 weeks of storage, and after 1 year using the Commission International de I'Eclairage L*a*b* system. Change in color, ΔE, was compared among groups and over time using analysis of variance.ResultsThe 4 groups showed a significant decrease in L* values over time. Differences between Biodentine and WMTA were detected after 1 year, with the greater variation associated with WMTA (P = .001). The 4 groups presented a significant increase in ΔE from baseline to 1 year. All groups revealed perceptible color changes (ΔE > 2.3) between immediately after material filling and after 6 weeks and after 6 weeks and 1 year. After 1 year, no differences could be detected between Biodentine and WMTA.ConclusionsDelayed tooth discoloration was detected for the 2 materials at the 1-year evaluation, but it was more evident for ProRoot MTA than Biodentine. Luminance was the most affected parameter, with a higher decrease for ProRoot MTA.