This prospective observational study aims to evaluate and compare tooth discoloration following root canal treatment in vital and devital teeth. Patients with maxillary premolar teeth requiring root canal treatment are included in the study. Before treatment, the teeth are classified as vital or devital based on their pulpal status. All teeth receive root canal treatment and coronal restoration using a standardized clinical protocol. Tooth color is objectively measured with a spectrophotometer before treatment and at 3, 6, and 9 months after treatment. Changes in tooth color over time are evaluated and compared between vital and devital teeth.
This prospective, single-center observational study is designed to investigate whether the preoperative pulpal status of a tooth is associated with the degree of discoloration occurring after root canal treatment. Maxillary first and second premolar teeth requiring primary root canal treatment are evaluated clinically and radiographically. Before treatment, pulpal status is assessed using electric pulp testing and cold testing, and the teeth are classified as vital or devital according to the findings. Root canal treatment and coronal restoration are performed by the same operator using a standardized clinical protocol to minimize treatment-related variability. Tooth color is assessed objectively using a VITA Easyshade V spectrophotometer under standardized conditions. At each assessment, three consecutive measurements are obtained from the middle third of the buccal surface, and the mean values are recorded. Changes in tooth color are evaluated throughout the follow-up period to determine the extent and progression of discoloration and to compare the color changes between vital and devital teeth.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
52
Root canal treatment is performed in a single visit by the same operator using a standardized clinical protocol. Following local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation, an access cavity is prepared and the working length is determined using an electronic apex locator and confirmed with periapical radiography. Root canals are prepared using a nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation system. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is used during instrumentation, followed by a final irrigation protocol with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 2.5% NaOCl with irrigant activation. The canals are subsequently dried with sterile paper points. Root canal obturation is performed in the same visit using gutta-percha and AH Plus root canal sealer with the cold lateral condensation technique. After obturation, excess gutta-percha is removed and the coronal level of the root canal filling is standardized at approximately 2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction. Residual root canal sealer is removed fr
Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Tooth Color (ΔE00)
Tooth color is objectively assessed using a VITA Easyshade V spectrophotometer. CIELAB L\*, a\*, and b\* values are recorded from the middle third of the buccal surface of each tooth. Three consecutive measurements are obtained at each assessment, and the mean values are used for analysis. Overall tooth color change between baseline and each follow-up time point is calculated using the CIEDE2000 color difference formula (ΔE00). Higher ΔE00 values indicate a greater magnitude of color difference. Changes in ΔE00 are compared between vital and devital teeth.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months
Change in Tooth Lightness (ΔL*)
Changes in tooth lightness are assessed using the CIELAB L\* coordinate obtained with a VITA Easyshade V spectrophotometer. ΔL\* is calculated as the difference in L\* values between measurement time points. Positive ΔL\* values indicate an increase in lightness, whereas negative ΔL\* values indicate a decrease in lightness (darkening). ΔL\* is calculated for baseline to 3 months, baseline to 6 months, baseline to 9 months, 3 to 6 months, 3 to 9 months, and 6 to 9 months. ΔL\* values are compared between vital and devital teeth.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months
Change in Red-Green Color Coordinate (Δa*)
Changes in the red-green color coordinate are assessed using CIELAB a\* values obtained with a VITA Easyshade V spectrophotometer. Δa\* is calculated as the difference in a\* values between measurement time points. Positive Δa\* values indicate a shift toward red, whereas negative Δa\* values indicate a shift toward green. Δa\* is calculated for baseline to 3 months, baseline to 6 months, baseline to 9 months, 3 to 6 months, 3 to 9 months, and 6 to 9 months. Δa\* values are compared between vital and devital teeth.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months
Change in Yellow-Blue Color Coordinate (Δb*)
Changes in the yellow-blue color coordinate are assessed using CIELAB b\* values obtained with a VITA Easyshade V spectrophotometer. Δb\* is calculated as the difference in b\* values between measurement time points. Positive Δb\* values indicate a shift toward yellow, whereas negative Δb\* values indicate a shift toward blue. Δb\* is calculated for baseline to 3 months, baseline to 6 months, baseline to 9 months, 3 to 6 months, 3 to 9 months, and 6 to 9 months. Δb\* values are compared between vital and devital teeth.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.