Effects of gamma radiation on hard dental tissues of albino rats using scanning electron microscope – Part 1

Abstract

In the present study, 40 adult male albino rats were used to study the effect of gamma radiation on the hard dental tissues (enamel surface, dentinal tubules and the cementum surface). The rats were irradiated at 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 Gy gamma doses. The effects of irradiated hard dental tissues samples were investigated using a scanning electron microscope. For doses up to 0.5 Gy, there was no evidence of the existence of cracks on the enamel surface. With 1 Gy irradiation dose, cracks were clearly observed with localized erosive areas. At 2 Gy irradiation dose, the enamel showed morphological alterations as disturbed prismatic and interprismatic areas. An increase in dentinal tubules diameter and a contemporary inter-tubular dentine volume decrease were observed with higher irradiation dose. Concerning cementum, low doses, <0.5 Gy, showed surface irregularities and with increase in the irradiation dose to ≥1 Gy, noticeable surface irregularities and erosive areas with decrease in Sharpey's fiber sites were observed. These observations could shed light on the hazardous effects of irradiation fields to the functioning of the human teeth.

Microhardness and Ultrastructure of Demineralized Gamma-Irradiated Human Enamel after Diode Laser (980 nm) and Fluoride Surface Treatment

“…In accordance with our results, El-Faramawy et al found total loss of the prismatic structure with porous areas of enamel irradiated with 6Gy gamma radiation [35]. Enamel irradiated with Nd:YAG laser (1.2 W power) developed glazed areas, cracks and craters Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology.…”

EFFECT OF GAMMA-RADIATION ON DE- AND RE-MINERALIZATION OF ENAMEL AND DENTIN (An IN-VITRO STUDY)

“…In the dose, range of 0.2-6.0 Gy, the impact of gamma radiation on the hard dental tissues (enamel surface, dentinal tubules, and cementum surface) was assessed using scanning electron microscopy for doses up 0.5 Gy. No signs of cracks on the enamel surface were observed, with a 1.0 Gy dose of irradiation, cracks were easily seen in specific locations, whereas with a 2.0 Gy dose, the enamel displayed morphological changes as disturbed prismatic and interprismatic areas (32) . Impact on the mechanical properties of dentin or enamel was observed for the radiation doses used in the present study.…”

The effectiveness of Moringa oleifera in the preservation of periodontium after radiation therapy: An experimental animal study

“…After radiation, osteoclasts may be more radioresistant than osteoblasts, potentially explaining why they predominate in cementum-related resorption sites and cells. Consequently, proportional increases in lytic activity and resorption sites have been previously observed [ 39 , 40 ].…”