Abstract:
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 3weeks. The color was measured by spectrophotometry at two time-points: initially and after 3weeks of TAP placement. Color differences (E) were calculated and analyzed. Discoloration was visually noticed in all teeth after 3weeks. 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).