Different phases of calcium aluminate cement linked to tooth discoloration: Study

Lucas Santos de Jesus and colleagues from the Department of Dentistry, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil conducted the present study with the sole objective to assess the discoloration of teeth treated with the different phases of calcium aluminate cement (CAC), in comparison with the conventional CAC and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

The authors prepared a total sample of fifty bovine incisors. All the samples were filled. Two millimeters of the filling was removed to fabricate a cervical plug with the following cements (n=10): CA(CaO.Al₂O₃); CA₂(CaO.2Al₂O₃); C₁₂A₇(12CaO.7Al₂O₃); CAC and MTA.

The initial color measurement was performed and after 7, 15, 30, 45, 90, 180, and 365 days new color measurements were performed to determine the color (ΔE₀₀), lightness (ΔL'), chroma (ΔC'), hue differences (ΔH'), and the whiteness index (WI_D).

The following key findings were brought out-

a. ΔE₀₀ was significant for groups (p = 0.036) and periods (p < 0.05).

b. The greater ΔE₀₀ was observed after 365 days for CAC (12.8). C₁₂A₇ (7.2) had the smallest ΔE₀₀. ΔL' and ΔC' were significant for groups and periods (p < 0.05).

c. ΔH' was significant for periods (p < 0.05).

d. After 365 days, significant reduction in lightness was observed for all groups.

e. For CA, CA₂, CAC, and MTA groups, the WI_D values decreased over time (p < 0.05).

Therefore, the authors concluded that "The tested cements changed the color behavior of the samples, resulting in greater teeth darkening over time."

However, there is no long‐term study assessing the discoloration induced by the different phases of calcium aluminate cement (CAC), and further warranted research is much needed to assess the different phases of a calcium aluminate cement leading to the development of tooth discolouration.