The Impact of Radiotherapy in the in Vitro Remineralization of Demineralized Enamel

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the impact of radiotherapy on enamel around restorations of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and fluoride tooth paste (FTP). Material and Methods: Eighty enamel blocks were made and randomly distributed into two groups, according to the fluoride therapy, non-fluoride tooth paste (NFTP) and FTP (n=40) and in subgroups in conformity with radiation dose (0, 10, 30 and 60 Gy). Roughness and microhardness enamel analyses were conducted before radiotherapy. Enamel cavities were made and restored with two GIC (Ketac Molar Easy Mix or Vitremer). Enamel blocks were submitted to 10, 30 and 60 Gy. Then, artificial enamel caries lesions were created by a pH-cycling procedure and FTP or NFTP were used as treatment. The restored enamel blocks were submitted to final roughness and microhardness analyses. Roughness increase (ΔR) and hardness loss (ΔH) values of enamel were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test (p=0.05). Results: The irradiated enamel group showed statistically higher ΔR (0.44 ±0.2) and ΔH (99.26±7.0) values compared to non-irradiated group (ΔR = 0.051±0.02; ΔH=66.16±12.7) when a resin-modified GIC and NFTP were used. Conclusion: Higher radiation dose increased dissolution of bovine enamel. The use of GIC associated with FTP decreased roughness and increased enamel hardness after radiotherapy.