Ex Vivo Comparison of the Discoloration Potential of Two Endodontic Sealers in Human Incisors

Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials is a common finding which can impair the aesthetic outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the coronal discoloration induced by Well-Root ST and AH26 root canal sealers by using the Easyshade® colorimeter.
Forty-five intact maxillary central incisors were involved in this experimental study. The prepared specimens were randomly distributed in experimental and control groups as follows: group 1 (Well-Root ST, n=15), group 2 (AH26, n=15), positive control group (amalgam, n=5), negative control group1 (gutta-percha, n=5), and negative control group 2 (distilled water, n=5). In order to evaluate the discoloration rate (ΔE), The Easyshade® spectrophotometer was used at one and six months post-obturation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to com-pare color changes in the groups at the mentioned time intervals.
The difference between the experimental groups (Well-Root ST and AH26) and the negative control groups was not statistically significant (P=0.99) at one and six months after obturation. However, the difference between the experimental groups and the positive control group was significant (P=0.000). The difference between the positive control group and the negative control groups was also significant (P=0.000).
The results of the current study indicate that both experimental sealers (Well-Root ST and AH26) have minimal discoloration effects and can be used safely in the aesthetic zone.