Evaluation of the preventive efficacy of three dentin tubule occlusion methods against discoloration caused by triple-antibiotic paste.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the preventive efficacy of three dentin tubule occlusion methods against discoloration caused by triple-antibiotic paste (TAP). Sixty extracted human incisors were sectioned, and the access was opened. The specimens were randomly allocated to the following four groups (n = 15): bonding application (BD), teethmate desensitizer (TM), Nd:YAG laser application (LS), and no surface treatment (control, C). Specimens were discolored with TAP over a period of 3 weeks. The color was measured by spectrophotometry at two time-points: initially and after 3 weeks of TAP placement. Color differences (∆E) were calculated and analyzed. Discoloration was visually noticed in all teeth after 3 weeks. The differences between the control group and the three dentin tubule occlusion methods were statistically significant (p < 0.05); however, there were no statistically significant differences among the BD, TM, and LS groups (p > 0.05).