Tooth crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: a 3-year ex vivo evaluation

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the tooth crown discoloration induced by commonly used and new-generation endodontic sealers after 1 month and 1 and 3 years. Materials and methods The crowns of 60 extracted incisors were cut and the pulp chambers were cleaned. The specimens were divided randomly into four groups ( n = 15 each). Pulp chambers were filled with Pulpispad in group 1, AH26 in group 2, MTA Fillapex in group 3, and EndoREZ in group 4. Specimen color was measured with a spectrophotometer before and after sealer placement. Commission International de L’Eclairage’s (CIE’s) lighteness ( L *), red-green ( a *), yellow-blue ( b *) color system values and color difference (Δ E ) were recorded at 1 month and 1 and 3 years. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Tukey’s honestly significant difference test ( α = 0.05). Results All sealers caused discoloration. At 1 month, Δ E values were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than in groups 3 and 4 ( p