Bovine Tooth Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth

Abstract

<i>Objective.</i> This study evaluated the discoloration potential of endodontic materials used in primary teeth. <i>Material and Methods.</i> Dentine-enamel blocks were prepared from 75 bovine teeth, assorted in five experimental groups (<i>n</i> = 15). The tested materials included an MTA-based material; zinc oxide and eugenol cement (ZOE); Vitapex; and calcium hydroxide thickened with zinc oxide (Calen + ZO). The color measurements were performed using a spectrophotometer at the following intervals: prior to (T0) and after placement of the filling (T1) and after 1 week (T2), 1 month (T3), 3 months (T4), 6 months (T5), and 9 months (T6). Data were submitted to ANOVA with repeated measures and Tukey's test. <i>Results.</i> The time had a significant effect on the color variation (Δ<i>E</i>₀₀^⁎) (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). The effect of the materials on the color variation (Δ<i>E</i>₀₀^⁎) was statistically significant (<i>p</i> = 0.004). Interactions between time and materials demonstrated a significant effect on the values (Δ<i>E</i>₀₀^⁎) (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). The ZOE cement showed the highest darkening effect (<i>p</i> = 0.018). <i>Conclusion.</i> The MTA-based material showed the smallest discoloration during the experimental time; however, it was similar to the other materials and to the control group. Zinc oxide and eugenol showed higher discoloration.