Tooth Color Changes Associated With Curcumin Mediated Photodynamic Therapy

Background: Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been suggested as adjunctive treatment during root canal disinfection. Curcumin was introduced as a naturally derived photosensitizer to enhance the effectiveness of aPDT and overcome antibiotic resistance. Aim: To evaluate tooth color changes associated with curcumin used as a photosensitizer for root canal disinfection. Materials and Methods: Evaluation of tooth color changes was done by dividing the teeth into 2 equal groups (n=18). Group I (curcumin modified aPDT) teeth received curcumin + LED. Group II (Conventional aPDT) teeth received methylene blue + Laser. Shade was recorded using a Vita Easy shade spectrophotometer based on the CIEDE2000 color system at baseline, immediately after treatment and after removal of photosensitizer. Analysis: All data were collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed using suitable tests. Results: There was a significant difference between curcumin and methylene blue in their induced tooth color changes (p < 0.0001) with the greatest changes induced by methylene blue (∆E00 = 6.04  1.98). Conclusion: It is better to follow the modified antibacterial photodynamic therapy than the conventional one as curcumin cause less tooth color changes in comparison with methylene blue.