Evaluation and Comparative Analysis of Coronal Tooth Discoloration Induced by Four Endodontic Biomaterials Utilized in Regenerative Endodontic Procedures: An Ex-vivo Study

Aim: This study aims to compare and evaluate the changes in color caused by four different biomaterials utilized as intracanal coronal barriers in the regenerative endodontic procedure at varying intervals of time. Methods: A total of 100 extracted mandibular single -rooted premolars were taken. Samples were standardized, and access cavity preparation was done. All the canals were instrumented and irrigated thoroughly. They were divided into five groups: A, B, C, D, and E (n=20), i.e., the control group, gray mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), white MTA, Biodentine, and calcium hydroxide. Each group was further subdivided into two subgroups (n=10), where one subgroup was prepared with normal saline and the other was prepared with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Digital photographs were taken at baseline, immediately after the placement of biomaterials, after 72 hours, seven days, and six months, using a DSLR camera. The color evaluation was done using the Adobe Photoshop 2021 software using the CIE L*a*b color system. The data obtained were recorded and statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). Continuous variables were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test and post-hoc analysis. The P- value was set to be significant at <0.05. Results: Statistically significant variation was obtained in all four experimental groups regarding change in color (Delta E) over periods of 72 hours, seven days, and six months. At six months, all the experimental groups presented with a perceptible color variation (Delta E>3.3). Conclusion: The color change was significant after six months in all groups. Biodentine produced the least color alteration, whereas gray MTA produced the highest.