Prevention efficacy of dentin tubule sealing with Nd:YAG laser against tooth discoloration induced by vital pulp treatment

Abstract

Background: The discoloration potential of dental materials and applications such as vital pulp therapy also cause discoloration due to the presence of blood. Dentin tubule sealing methods could be used for the prevention of discoloration. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sealing pulp chamber walls with Nd:YAG laser against discoloration caused by tricalcium silicate-based materials in the presence and absence of blood contamination. Design: Eighty-one extracted human maxillary incisors were prepared and randomly divided into nine groups according to the Nd:YAG laser application, the cement to be used (NeoMTA Plus/Biodentine), and the presence or absence of blood. The color measurements were obtained with a spectrophotometer at baseline and then at the sixth (T1) and 12th (T2) months thereafter. Results: Sealing with Nd:YAG laser and placing NeoMTA Plus or Biodentine on human blood significantly increased discoloration at T1 and T2 (p