Effect of Dental Pigmentation Intensity on the Transenamel and Transdentinal Penetration of Hydrogen Peroxide

Abastract

This study aimed to evaluate the transenamel and transdentinal penetration of hydrogen peroxide (H₂0₂) applied to bovine teeth pigmented with black tea at different intensities. The following groups were formed DW: immersion in distilled water; BT100: immersion in an infusion of 1.6 g of black tea per 100 mL distilled water; BT10: immersion in an infusion of 1.6 g black tea per 10 mL distilled water. All groups were immersed for 6 days. To quantify the penetration of H₂0₂, the specimens were placed in artificial pulp chambers (APCs) and subjected to bleaching treatment with 38% H₂O₂ once per week for 3 weeks. After bleaching treatment, the acetate buffer solution of APCs with peroxidase enzyme was evaluated in a reflection spectrophotometer. The transenamel and transdentinal penetration of H₂O₂ and the L* values obtained at T1, T2 and T3 were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman statistical tests. At T1, the H₂O₂ diffusion in DW was higher than that in BT100 and BT10. At the other evaluation times, the penetration values in BT100 and BT10 increased and remained similar. The L* values increased significantly in all groups at T1. At T2, the L* values were higher in DW, while the values in BT100 and BT10 were similar to each other. At the end of the experiment, BT10 showed the lowest L* values. The pigmentation level did not affect the penetration of H₂O₂ through the enamel and dentin and the bleaching agent effectively changed the color of the teeth.

Key Words:
pigmentation; dental bleaching; hydrogen peroxide

Resumo

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a penetração trans-amelodentinária do peróxido de hidrogênio (H₂O₂) aplicados em dentes bovinos pigmentados com chá preto em diferentes intensidades. Divisão dos grupos: AD em água destilada; CP100 em uma infusão de 1,6 g de chá preto para 100 mL de água destilada; CP10 em uma infusão de 1,6 g de chá preto para 10 mL de água destilada. Todos os grupos foram imersos por 6 dias. Para quantificar a penetração de H₂O₂, as amostras foram colocadas em câmaras pulpares artificiais (CPAs) e submetidas a um tratamento clareador com PH a 38%, uma vez por semana durante 3 semanas. Após o tratamento clareador, a solução tampão de acetato das CPAs com a enzima da peroxidase, foi avaliada num espectrofotômetro de reflexão. A penetração trans-amelodentinária de PH e os valores de L* obtidos em T1, T2 e T3 foram submetidos ao teste estatístico de Kruskal-Wallis e Friedman. Em T1, a difusão de H₂O₂ no AD foi mais elevada do que em CP100 e CP10. Nos outros tempos de avaliação, os valores de penetração no CP100 e CP10 aumentaram e permaneceram semelhantes. Os valores L* aumentaram significativamente em todos os grupos no T1. No T2, os valores L* foram maiores no AD e os valores em CP100 e CP10 foram semelhantes entre si. No último tempo, o CP10 apresentou os menores valores de L*. Diferentes níveis de pigmentação não afetaram a penetração de H₂O₂ através do esmalte e dentina e o agente de clareador foi eficaz na alteração cromática.

Introduction

Body and facial aesthetics are becominDWncreasingly important for social acceptance and personal and professional success in modern society. Therefore, there is a strong demand for products and procedures that can improve personal appearance ¹. Oral aesthetic standards are well defined and, for most people, an appealing smile is related to the presence of aligned, well-shaped and lighter teeth. For this reason, one of the most common complaints in dental offices are related to the color of the teeth, which may be naturally dark and can undergo changes in color over time ^2,3,4.

These color alterations may be classified as extrinsic, intrinsic or internalized discoloration. The latter can occur when pigments from food dyes or beverages such as black tea permeate the tooth through structural defects in the enamel and cause intrinsic discoloration ^5,6.

Among the various aesthetic treatments available for correction of chromatic alterations, dental bleaching has proven to be a popular option and considered as technically easier, less invasive and relatively inexpensive compared to other options, and it provides excellent results ^7,8,9. The change in color that occurs during bleaching treatment is predominantly due to the increased brightness of the teeth and this factor has been widely studied to analyze the effectiveness of various bleaching techniques ^5,10.

The most accepted theory regarding the mechanism of action of dental whiteninDWs based on the formation and penetration of extremely reactive oxygen free radicals that break down the pigment molecules present within the tooth structure, resultinDWn lighter teeth ^11,12. Dental tissues that have different levels of pigment saturation are expected to absorb different amounts of peroxide from bleaching products. The confirmation of this supposition would result in great improvements in the development of individualized and safe therapies, avoiding the unwanted penetration of reactive oxygen species into the pulp tissue ^{13,14,15,16,17}, which has been related to cell damage ^11,12 and clinical symptoms ^2,18.

In such context, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of dental pigmentation on the transenamel and transdentinal penetration of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) during bleaching treatment. Therefore, the null hypothesis is that pigmentation intensity does not influence the transenamel and transdentinal penetration of hydrogen peroxide during the bleaching treatment.

Material and Methods

Experimental Design

This investigation included the following study factors: 1. Pigmentation intensity at 3 levels (no pigmentation, moderate pigmentation and severe pigmentation); 2. Evaluation times at 3 levels (after the first, second and third bleaching sessions).

The response variables were the transenamel and transdentinal penetration of hydrogen peroxide as well as the L* values.

Collection and Preparation of Specimens

One hundred healthy incisors from young cattle were obtained from a local abattoir. The teeth were cleaned and stored in 0.1% thymol solution. Later, 5.7 mm-diameter experimental units (enamel/dentin discs) were obtained from the middle third of the buccal surface of these teeth.

The dentin surface of each disc was manually tapered using sandpaper (#400 and #600) (T469-SF-Norton, Saint-Gobain Abrasivos Ltda, Jundiaí, SP, Brazil) until the final thickness reached 3.5 mm, or approximately 1.3 mm and 2.2 mm for the enamel and dentin, respectively.

Sample Selection

One hundred dental discs were obtained and subjected to an initial reading of L* using an ultraviolet/visible reflection spectrophotometer (UV-2450, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) at a wavelength of 596 nm. After obtaining the L* (between 93.39 and 57.30), the median of the whole sample was calculated. Then, 60 dental specimens presenting L* values closer to the median with a tolerance level of 5% were selected.

Pigmentation of Samples and Study Groups

The specimens were randomly divided into three experimental groups depending on the used pigmentation protocol: DW - The specimens remained immersed in distilled water at 37 °C throughout the experiment. BT100 - The specimens were immersed for 6 days in a black tea infusion (Matte Leão, Curitiba, PR, Brazil) at 37 °C, prepared with 100 mL of distilled water per 1.6 g of tea. BT10 - The specimens were immersed for 6 days in a black tea infusion (Matte Leão) at 37 °C, prepared with 10 mL of distilled water per 1.6 g of tea. In order to remove the extrinsic pigmentation after the treatments, the enamel surface was carefully treated with pumice and water using a Robinson brush (KG Sorensen Ind e Com. Ltda, Barueri, SP, Brazil) at low speed. Next, the specimens were thoroughly washed under running water for 3 min. After completing the pigmentation process, a second sample selection was performed according to the method described above. Specimens that showed no chromatic stratification were excluded, and 15 dental specimens remained in each study group (n=15) Thus, the L* values for the three groups were distributed as follows: DW > BT100 > BT10 (Fig. 1)

Figure 1
Experimental flowchart showing the sample selection and pigmentation process.

Preparation of the Artificial Pulp Chamber (APC)

The dentin surface of all blocks was treated with ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid solution for 1 min to remove the smear layer and next the discs were washed with deionized water for 20 s.

Next, the blocks were placed into artificial pulp chambers ^19,20 (APCs), which were composed of two compartments. The upper compartment had an 8-mm aperture diameter at the bottom and another portion with a 6-mm aperture, allowing adaptation to the specimen. The lower compartment had lateral perforations that allowed circulation of the solution used to quantify the H₂O₂ that penetrated the specimen. To assist in the setting of the dental blocks, were used two silicone rings with a 4.47 mm internal diameter and 1.78 mm thick (OR 008; Rolemag - Rolamentos e Peças Ltda, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil) and pink molten wax.

Transenamel and Transdentinal H₂ O₂ Penetration

The properly constructed APCs were placed in cell culture plates (CorninDWncorporated, Corning, NY, USA) containing 1 mL of an acetate solution that permeated and stabilized the H₂O₂ during the bleaching procedure. For the bleaching procedure, the dentin surface of each specimen remained in contact with this solution. H₂O₂ diffused through the tooth structure and incorporated into it. A violet dye solution (0.5 mg/mL; Sigma Chemical Co, St Louis, MO, USA) was added together with a solution of Leuco Crystal peroxidase enzyme, (1mg/mL; Sigma) and the resulting solution changed the color according to the amount of H₂O₂ in the sample (32-34). Measurements were performed after each bleaching session using an ultraviolet/visible reflection spectrophotometer (Ultraviolet Visible Model UV-2450; Shimadzu) and a graph plotting absorbance against concentration was prepared (Fig. 2).

Figure 2
Experimental flowchart showing the transenamel and transdentinal penetration of H₂O₂.

Analysis of the L* Values

Immediately before the bleaching procedure and 24 h after each session, the specimens were cleaned, dried and placed in an ultraviolet/visible light reflection spectrophotometer (Ultraviolet Visible Model UV-2450; Shimadzu). Three readings were performed on the labial surface of each specimen and the median L* value was recorded at each evaluation time. The axial L* represents the luminosity and extends from 0 (black) to 100 (perfect white).

Bleaching Procedure

The bleaching treatment was performed using a 38% hydrogen peroxide product (Opalescence Xtra Boost, Ultradent Products Inc., South Jordan, UT, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Afterwards, the product was inserted into a disposable graduated syringe and 0.04 mL of the gel was applied to each specimen. Three 15-min applications were conducted for each sample and the tooth surface was cleaned with cotton and absorbent paper before each application. The procedure was performed in three different sessions, once weekly.

Statistical Analysis

The L* values and transenamel and transdentinal penetration of H₂O₂ were tabulated and submitted to a normality test. Then, the data were submitted to the Friedman and the Kruskal Wallis tests at a 5% significance level.

Results

Transenamel and Transdentinal Penetration of H₂ O₂

Table 1 shows that in the first bleaching session, the control group showed greater transenamel and transdentinal penetration of H₂O₂ than the pigmented groups (BT100 and BT10), which were similar to each other. However, in the second and third bleaching sessions, all groups showed similar results.

Table 1
Mean H₂O₂ concentration (μg/mL) that permeated through the dental tissues during the bleaching treatment according to the different evaluation times and pigmentation levels of the teeth

• Different letters (uppercase in columns and lowercase in rows) indicate statistically significant differences (p<0.05).

Analyzing the behavior of each group separately, DW maintained the same level of penetration in all three bleaching sessions. Conversely, the penetration of H₂O₂ tended to increase in the pigmented groups during the bleaching treatment.

L* Values

Table 2 shows that the chromatic stratification resulted in decreasing values of L* before the bleaching treatment (baseline) and the stratification remained the same even after the first bleaching session (T1). The pigmented groups (BT100 and BT10) presented similar L* values at T2 and T3 and the values remained lower than those of the control group did. At T3, the control group and the moderate pigmentation groups (DW and BT100) showed similar L* values, statistically different from the severe pigmentation group (BT10) (Fig. 3).

Table 2
Mean values of L* in bleached teeth presenting different levels of pigmentation

• Different letters (uppercase in columns and lowercase in rows) indicate statistically significant differences (p<0.05).

Figure 3
Mean L* values according to the different study groups.

All groups presented an increase in the L* values after bleaching.

Discussion

The low molecular weight of H₂O₂ allows it to spread rapidly through the tooth structure and reach the dentin tissue shortly after the application of a bleaching agent to the enamel ^14,17. It is assumed that H₂O₂ and products derived from its decomposition react with chromophores, breaking them down into smaller compounds and resultinDWn lighter teeth ²¹.

Unfortunately, this oxidation reaction is not limited to chromophores and may cause a number of undesirable side effects ^13,14. For this reason, studies evaluating the penetration of H₂O₂ into the pulp chamber are required to establish a safe and effective bleaching therapy.

In the present investigation, bovine teeth were used due to their uniform composition and similarity to human teeth as to morphology and histology, beyond the facility to obtain them and standardize the samples, and have few variations of experimental responses in laboratory research ²².

The methodology used for quantifying the transenamel and transdentinal penetration of H₂O₂ in this study was based on the method previously reported by Mottola et al. (1970) ²³, which is extremely sensitive for detecting small amounts of H₂O₂. In this study, the contact between the dentin surface and the buffer solution allowed for stabilization in the APC and posterior quantification of the H₂O₂ from the bleaching product and diffused through the dental tissues by spectrophotometry.

Color alterations before and during the bleaching therapy were evaluated based on the luminosity due to its high correlation with the effectiveness of bleaching treatment ¹⁰.

Exposure of the dental fragments to the different infusions of black tea allowed the diffusion of the chromophores through the system of dentinal tubules and through the inter-tubular dentine, producing effectively different levels of pigmentation ⁶.

The analysis performed after the first bleaching session showed that initially the pigmentation influenced negatively the permeation of H₂O₂ through tooth structure, therefore the null hypothesis of this study was rejected. One possibility is that catechin, a phenolic ultra-antioxidant found in large amount in black tea, consumed the H₂O₂ released by the bleaching product, reducing the amount available to react with the buffer solution. This would explain the different penetration levels between the study groups ²⁴.

After the bleaching sessions, although the L* values were considerably closer, the more pigmented teeth did not reach the values of the control group and this observation was visually confirmed. On the other hand, the penetration of H₂O₂ was similar in all study groups after the second session.

A plausible explanation for this finding may be the possible association between the catechin hydroxyl radical and the calcium in the tooth structure. This may result in formation of more complex chains and links that are less able to propagate oxidative reactions, impairing the ability of H₂O₂ to transform high-molecular-weight compounds into low molecular weight compounds.

Besides, the catechin molecule contains many alcohol ⁽²⁴ groups and may react with oxygen from the bleaching agent. This would result in a compound that is rich in acetone, which may inhibit the oxidative effects of H₂O₂, without interfering with its penetration in the tooth structure ²⁴.

Even considering the reduced penetration of H₂O₂ at the beginning of the bleaching therapy in the most pigmented teeth, this reduction was generally not significant enough to indicate a need for more intensive therapies in teeth with more severe color alterations. It has been reported that aggressive H₂O₂ exposure can be damaging to the pulp cells, even when the amount of H₂O₂ that reaches the pulp tissue is considerably lower than the one found in the present study ²⁵.

This study presents some limitation since only one kind of extrinsic pigmentation was evaluated. Further studies should be conducted with other kinds of extrinsic and intrinsic pigmentations. Other analyses should also be evaluated, like the formation of molecular compounds, to elucidate the mechanisms of bleaching treatment involving substrates with varying degrees of darkened teeth. Based on the results obtained in this study, it may be concluded that pigmentation may reduce the transenamel and transdentinal penetration of H₂O₂ at the beginning of bleaching treatment.

Acknowledgements

This investigation was supported by FAPESP (The São Paulo State Research Foundation Grants #2015/01366-4 and #2014/11748-9).

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Jul-Aug 2016

History

• Received
  22 Feb 2016
• Accepted
  03 May 2016