Research Article Discoloration of Roots Caused by Residual Endodontic

Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Aims. This study examined the extent to which intervisit corticosteroid-based antibiotic pastes (CAP) medicaments contribute to staining of tooth structure after attempted removal by irrigation techniques. Methods. A total of 140 roots were prepared and the canalswere filledwith Ledermix paste (demeclocycline),Odontopaste (clindamycin), andDoxypaste (doxycycline).Thepasteswere removed after 2 or 4 weeks of storage in the dark using EDTA andNaOCl with either a 27-gauge-slotted needle or an EndoActivator (Dentsply).The roots were then exposed to an intense light source for 30minutes eachweek and photographed after a further 1, 3, or 6months. Digital images were standardized and data for changes in luminosity were analysed using repeatedmeasures ANOVAand a post hoc test.Results. Removal of themedicament did not prevent later discolouration.Therewas no significant difference between the paste removal methods. Ledermix paste caused the greatest darkening compared to the untreated controls, for both application periods and bothmethods of removal. Doxypaste andOdontopaste caused less darkening than Ledermix.Conclusion.Medicaments that stain teethmay continue to discolour teeth despite best attempts to remove them.This study stresses the importance ofmaterial selection and minimising contact of Ledermix within the coronal aspects of teeth. 1