Spectrophotometric analysis of coronal discoloration induced by white mineral trioxide aggregate and Biodentine: An in vitro study

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the specific chromatic alterations in tooth crowns induced by two different endodontic restorative materials. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This in vitro study was conducted at the Department of Conservative Dentistry, KMCT Dental College, Kozhikode, Kerala. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-five freshly extracted, fully developed, single-rooted teeth were prepared and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (n = 15 each) and one negative control group (n = 15). Group 1 consists of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA), Biodentine formed Group 2, and controls formed Group 3. Double-beam ultraviolet spectrophotometer equipment was used to assess the coronal discoloration as determined by CIE L*, a*, and b* and their corresponding total values. RESULTS: At baseline, no significant difference was detected for CIE values between the groups. Group 1 showed a significant decrease in L*, a*, and b* values over time. The color change with WMTA led to clinically perceptible crown discoloration after 6 weeks which exceeded the perceptible threshold for the human eye, i.e., ΔE > 3.3. No changes were observed with Biodentine. CONCLUSIONS: Materials used in endodontics may stain teeth. WMTA induced clinically perceptible crown discoloration, whereas Biodentine demonstrated color stability.