Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers

Crown discoloration can be induced by root canal sealer remnants following root canal treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate chromatic alterations in human tooth crowns induced by a Mineral Trioxide Aggregate-based sealer (MTA Fillapex®) and a commonly used ZnOE-based sealer (Roth-811). The tested null hypothesis was that the application of the materials did not induce clinically perceptible crown discoloration (Ho: CIE color difference Δ

Spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by MTA- and ZnOE-based sealers

Crown discoloration can be induced by root canal sealer remnants following root canal treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate chromatic alterations in human tooth crowns induced by a Mineral Trioxide Aggregate-based sealer (MTA Fillapex(®) and a commonly used ZnOE-based sealer (Roth-811). The tested null hypothesis was that the application of the materials did not induce clinically perceptible crown discoloration (Ho: CIE color difference ΔE<3.7). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty five fully developed, intact, mandibular third molars were sectioned 1 mm below the cemento-enamel junction. The pulp chambers were chemomechanically debrided via the cervical access. The specimens were randomly assigned into three groups Group 1: MTA Fillapex, Group 2: Roth 811, Group 3: Negative control (unfilled) and immersed in individually marked vials containing distilled water up to the cervix (37±1º C). The spectral reflectance lines were recorded by utilizing a UV-VIS spectrophotometer equipped with integration sphere in the visual spectrum at baseline, 1 week, 1 and 3 months after material placement. Data were transformed into values of the CIE L*a*b* color system and the corresponding ΔE values were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way mixed ANOVA models, at p=0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in a* and b* chromatic parameters of the MTA Fillapex Group was measured. However, ΔE values did not exceed the human eye perceptibility threshold (set at ΔE<3.7) during the experimental period (ΔEt3=2.88). In Roth-811 Group, a statistically significant decrease in L* and a statistically significant increase in a* and b* chromatic parameters was measured, during all observation periods. Resultant ΔE values exceeded the human eye perceptibility threshold after 1 week (ΔEt1=5.65). CONCLUSIONS: Application of MTA Fillapex in tooth crowns resulted in minimal color alterations, while Roth 811 induced severe discoloration, in vitro. It could be suggested that, in terms of aesthetics, the use of MTA Fillapex appears to be favorable

Study of Internal Morphology of Root-Canal Treated Single-Rooted Mandibular Second Molars in a Greek Population

Background/Aim: To determine the prevalence of single-rooted mandibular second molars in a Greek population and examine their internal morphology with the aid of intraoral periapical radiography

Second Root Canal in Mandibular Incisors: an Ex Vivo Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Study

Background/Aim: To analyze the internal morphology of mandibular incisors with two root canals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: 289 (143 central and 146 lateral) extracted intact mandibular incisors were radiographed for detection of a second root canal. The teeth presenting a second root canal were imaged with CBCT and evaluated regarding: root canal type, the distance of the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the bifurcation of the canals and the distance of the canal fusion to the apical foramen (in teeth in which canals rejoined). Results: Out of 143 central and 146 lateral mandibular incisors, 41 (28.7%) and 44 (30.1%) teeth respectively showed a second root canal. Types II, III, V and an additional type to Vertucci’s classification were identified. Type III was the most prevalent and presented in 30 (73.2%) central and 34 (77.3%) lateral mandibular incisors with two root canals. The mean values of the distance of the CEJ to the canal bifurcation were 4.2 mm and 4.0 mm for central and lateral mandibular incisors respectively. The mean values of the distance of the canal fusion to the apical foramen 5.5 mm and 5.1 mm for central and lateral mandibular incisors respectively. Conclusions: Mandibular incisors with two root canals mainly present with Vertucci’s Type 3 canal configuration. The canal bifurcation was identified mostly at the coronal and middle thirds of the root, while the canal fusion occurred in the middle third of the root