title: Discoloration of roots caused by residual endodontic intracanal medicaments.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the extent to which intervisit corticosteroid-based antibiotic pastes (CAP) medicaments contribute to staining of tooth structure after attempted removal by irrigation techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 140 roots were prepared and the canals were filled with Ledermix paste (demeclocycline), Odontopaste (clindamycin), and Doxypaste (doxycycline). The pastes were removed after 2 or 4 weeks of storage in the dark using EDTA and NaOCl with either a 27-gauge-slotted needle or an EndoActivator (Dentsply). The roots were then exposed to an intense light source for 30 minutes each week and photographed after a further 1, 3, or 6 months. Digital images were standardized and data for changes in luminosity were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and a post hoc test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Removal of the medicament did not prevent later discolouration. There was no significant difference between the paste removal methods. Ledermix paste caused the greatest darkening compared to the untreated controls, for both application periods and both methods of removal. Doxypaste and Odontopaste caused less darkening than Ledermix.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Medicaments that stain teeth may continue to discolour teeth despite best attempts to remove them. This study stresses the importance of material selection and minimising contact of Ledermix within the coronal aspects of teeth.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport 4215, Australia.
authors.forename: Belinda Kuan-Jung
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport 4215, Australia.
authors.forename: Roy
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-7876-1334
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: George
authors.affiliation: The School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.
authors.forename: Laurence James
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry*; D003116:Color; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry*; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants