Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers and fluoride varnish as sealer after 6 months

Objectives: This study aimed to assess tooth discoloration at 6 months following the use of 5% fluoride varnish (Duraflur), AH 26, zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE)-based sealer and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based sealer in extracted premolars. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, 75 freshly-extracted human premolars with completely formed roots underwent root canal treatment. AH 26, 5% fluoride varnish (Duraflur), Endofill and MTA Fillapex were applied in the canals along with gutta-percha in groups 1 to 4 (n=15). No sealer was used in the control group (n=15). The color parameters and color change (ΔE) of tooth crowns were assessed immediately after filling (T1) and at 3 and 6 months, postoperatively using a spectrophotometer. Results: MTA Fillapex (6.16±3.72) and Endofill (1.93±4.70) yielded the highest and the lowest ΔE, respectively at 3 months. Endofill (7.07±2.60) and MTA Fillapex (7.00±3.40) yielded the maximum and fluoride varnish (6.54±1.33) and AH 26 (5.76±2) yielded the minimum ΔE at 6 months. Conclusions: Tooth discoloration caused by the use of 5% fluoride varnish as endodontic sealer was comparable to that of MTA Fillapex and less than that of Endofill and AH 26.