Effect of time on tooth dehydration and rehydration

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the time required for teeth to dehydrate and rehydrate and its relation to the accuracy of tooth shade selection. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two participants were recruited, and color measurements were conducted using a spectrophotometer placed with a custom jig. After isolation, baseline measurements were made at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 min intervals to determine dehydration time. After mouth rinsing, measurements were made to determine rehydration time. CIEDE2000 values were obtained for color change between the baseline recordings and all intervals and compared to the 50:50% perceptibility and acceptability thresholds. Analysis of variance (anova) and Tukey test was used for multiple comparisons. Result: The tooth color changes were beyond the ΔE 00 perceptibility threshold (0.8) within the first minute of dehydration (P > 0.0001). After the first minute, 87% of the teeth were beyond the ΔE 00 perceptibility threshold (0.8), and 72% of the teeth were beyond the ΔE 00 acceptability threshold (1.8). After 15 min of rehydration, 90% of the teeth were beyond the perceptibility threshold, and 65% were beyond the acceptability threshold. Conclusions: Shade selection procedures should be carried out within the first minute and before teeth dehydrate by means of isolation. Teeth do not rehydrate within 15 min after rehydration. Clinical Significance: Teeth dehydration has a negative impact on shade selection, which can affect the final esthetic outcome. Shade selection should be performed at the beginning of any restorative procedure.