Coronal discoloration by Bromelain, Calcium hydroxide, Propolis $ MTAP Spectrophotometric evaluation of discoloration by different intracanal medicaments

Tooth discoloration is a multifactorial complication of endodontic treatment resulting from pulpal hemorrhagic products, residual pulp tissue, intracanal medicaments, obturating materials, and temporary restorations. Among these, intracanal medicaments are of particular concern because they remain in close contact with dentin and may compromise esthetic outcomes, especially in anterior teeth. This in vitro study evaluated the discoloration potential of bromelain, propolis, calcium hydroxide, and modified triple antibiotic paste (mTAP). Ninety-two extracted human permanent mandibular premolars were biomechanically prepared to size #40 and randomly allocated into four groups (n = 23). Color measurements were recorded at baseline, 1 week, and 21 days using a spectrophotometer, and ¿E values were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey's/Dunn's post hoc tests, and paired t-tests (p < 0.05). After 21 days, mTAP exhibited the highest discoloration (14.25 ± 4.193), followed by bromelain (12.81 ± 4.157), calcium hydroxide (11.53 ± 3.53), and propolis (9.06 ± 6.44). Bromelain demonstrated moderate but lower progressive discoloration than mTAP, suggesting its potential as an alternative intracanal.