Assessment and comparison of coronal discoloration induced by natural derivatives as intracanal medicament: An in vitro observational study.

BACKGROUND: Tooth discoloration is a multifactorial condition that may result from pulpal hemorrhagic products, residual pulpal tissue, intracanal medicaments, obturating, and temporary filling materials. The discoloration potential of intracanal medicaments is of particular concern, especially in anterior teeth where esthetic outcomes are critical. Various intracanal medicaments are used in endodontics, with calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2) being the most common. In recent era, various new intracanal medicaments (propolis, bromelain, etc.) have been introduced. Thus, assessment of the discoloration potential due to these medicaments is essential for achieving optimal esthetic outcomes. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the discoloration potential of bromelain, propolis, Ca(OH)2, and modified triple antibiotic paste (mTAP). The objectives were to assess and compare discoloration at baseline (T0), 1 week (T1), and 21 days (T2) using a spectrophotometer. METHODOLOGY: Ninety-two extracted human permanent mandibular premolars were biomechanically prepared up to size #40. The samples were randomly divided into four experimental groups ( n = 23). Bromelain, mTAP, propolis, and Ca(OH)2. ΔE values were calculated and compared with baseline readings. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance, Tukey's/Dunn's post hoc tests, and paired t -tests, with P < 0.05 considered significant. At 21 days, mTAP (14.25 ± 4.193) demonstrated significantly higher ∆ i values, followed by bromelain (12.81 ± 4.157), Ca(OH)2 (11.53 ± 3.53), and propolis (9.06 ± 6.44). CONCLUSION: Bromelain showed visible but less progressive discoloration, indicating its potential as an alternative intracanal medicament.