Investigation of zinc polycarboxylate cement used in dental treatments in terms of retrospective dosimeter

Abstract

Zinc polycarboxylate cement is one of the few dental materials that demonstrate true adhesion to tooth structure. It is suitable for use in living organisms without causing harm. Its strong adhesion to teeth and low level of irritancy are two important parameters for the dental applications. In this study, the dosimetry properties of zinc polycarboxylate cement using thermoluminescence (TL) method were investigated and determined the effectiveness of its use as a good dosimeter. According to the results of this study, the sample shows a good TL properties with three main peaks found around 140°C, 220°C and 330°C. It has a wide linear dose response between 72 Gy and 2.3 kGy and good reusability of the TL peak found at 330°C. Unfortunately, the TL peak intensity values are rapidly faded within a short waiting time interval. Zinc polycarboxylate cement, which is frequently used in dental crowns, can be used as a retrospective dosimeter for measuring the amount of radiation in space studies and nuclear accidents due to its wide linear dose–response curve in the high dose region.