The efficacy of different laser applications on dentin sealing in preventing discoloration induced by mineral trioxide aggregate

Abstract

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of the pre-application of a dentin-bonding agent and the application of different lasers on the prevention of tooth discoloration caused by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in the presence of blood. Sixty extracted human anterior teeth were selected, with root lengths standardized to 10 mm and root canals shaped using Gates-Glidden drills #3 to #5. The samples were divided into six groups (n = 10): Group 1 with no surface treatment and Groups 2 to 6 with Optibond universal adhesive and Neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), Erbium yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG), Erbium-chromium-yttrium-scandium gallium-garnet (Er:Cr:YSGG), and diode laser applications, respectively. Root canals were filled with fresh human blood, and ProRoot MTA and a collagen barrier were then placed. Color changes were measured with a spectrophotometer at 0, 7, 30, 90, and 180 days post MTA placement. Color differences (∆E) were analyzed using a two-factor mixed-design ANOVA with the Sidak method (p = 0.05). All treatment groups exhibited discoloration above the acceptability threshold. Although all treatment approaches exhibited less color change compared to the control group (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference among them in terms of preventing color change (p > 0.05). It was determined that none of the methods could guarantee 100% prevention of discoloration caused by MTA–blood contact.