Journal of Endodontics
Volume 36, Issue 2 , Pages 334-337, February 2010

Colorimeter and Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of Teeth Submitted to Internal Bleaching

  • Benjamin Martin-Biedma, DDS, MSc, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress requests for reprints to Dr Benjamin Martin-Biedma, School of Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Department of Stomatology, Division of Pathology and Dental Therapeutics, Entrerrios s/n, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.
    • ,
  • Teresa Gonzalez-Gonzalez, MSc

      Affiliations

    • Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
    • ,
  • Manuela Lopes, BS, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Biomaterials, School of Dentistry, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
    • ,
  • Luis Lopes, DMD, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Biomaterials, School of Dentistry, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
    • ,
  • Rui Vilar, BEng, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Materials Science, IST - Instituto Superior Tecnico, Lisbon, Portugal
    • ,
  • José Bahillo, MSc

      Affiliations

    • Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
    • ,
  • Purificación Varela-Patiño, DDS, MSc, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain

published online 23 December 2009.

Abstract 

Introduction

This in vitro study compared the tooth color and the ultrastructure of internal dental tissues before and after internal bleaching.

Methods

Sodium perborate was placed in the pulp chamber of endodontically treated molars and sealed with intermediate restorative material. The test samples were stored in a physiologic solution, and the bleaching agent was replaced every 7 days. A control group was used. After 1 month, the colors of the test and control samples were measured with a colorimeter, and the internal surfaces were observed under field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).

Results

Statistically significant differences were found between the test and control sample colors. The FESEM ultrastructure analysis of the internal enamel and dentin surfaces did not show any changes after the internal bleaching.

Conclusions

The results of the present study show that sodium perborate is effective in bleaching nonvital teeth and does not produce ultrastructural changes in the dental tissues.

Key Words: Colorimeter, electron microscopy, internal bleaching

 

PII: S0099-2399(09)00891-7

doi:10.1016/j.joen.2009.10.017

Journal of Endodontics
Volume 36, Issue 2 , Pages 334-337, February 2010