Effect of fluoride application during radiotherapy on enamel demineralization

Abstract Radiation-related caries are one the most undesired reactions manifested during or after head and neck radiotherapy. Fluoride application is an important strategy to reduce demineralization and enhance remineralizaton. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the topical application of fluoride during irradiation on dental enamel demineralization. Material and Methods: Thirty molars were randomly divided into three groups: Non-irradiated (NI), Irradiated (I), Irradiated with fluoride (IF). Each group was subdivided according to the presence or absence of pH-cycling (n=5). In the irradiated groups, the teeth received 70 Gy. The enamel's chemical composition was measured using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (organic matrix/mineral ratio - M/M and relative carbonate content - RCC). Vickers microhardness (VHN) and elastic modulus (E) were evaluated at three depths (surface, middle and deep enamel). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the enamel's morphology. Results: The FTIR analysis (M/M and RCC) showed significant differences for irradiation, pH-cycling and the interaction between factors (p<0.001). Without pH-cycling, IF had the lowest organic matrix/mineral ratio and relative carbonate content. With pH-cycling, the organic matrix/mineral ratio increased and the relative carbonate content decreased, except for IF. VHN was influenced only by pH-cycling (p<0.001), which generated higher VHN values. ANOVA detected significant differences in E for irradiation (p<0.001), pH-cycling (p<0.001) and for the interaction between irradiation and pH-cycling (p<0.001). Increased E was found for group I without pH-cycling. With pH-cycling, groups I and IF were similar, and showed higher values than NI. The SEM images showed no morphological changes without pH-cycling. With pH-cycling, fluoride helped to maintain the outer enamel's morphology. Conclusions: Fluoride reduced mineral loss and maintained the outer morphology of irradiated and cycled enamel. However, it was not as effective in preserving the mechanical properties of enamel. Radiotherapy altered the enamel's elastic modulus and its chemical composition.

Pulp analysis of teeth submitted to different types of forces: a histological study in rats

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to histologically evaluate pulp and dentin under induced tooth movement (ITM) with different types of forces. Material and Methods: The maxillary right first molars of rats were submitted to movement with continuous (CF), continuous interrupted (CIF) and intermittent (IF) forces during 5, 7 and 9 days with nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed-coil springs exerting 50cN force magnitude. The groups were histologically evaluated as for cellularity pattern, presence of dystrophic, hemodynamic alterations in the pulp as well dentin alterations. The main observed alterations were related to hemodynamic pulp characteristics, such as presence of thrombosis, vascular congestion and hemorrhages. The hemodynamic alterations were statistically evaluated by Shapiro-Wilk normality test and analysis of variance by the Kruskall-Wallis test. Results: There was no significant differences observed between groups in the different types of applied forces and duration of ITM (vascular congestion, p=1.000; hemorrhage, p=0.305; thrombosis, p=1.000). Conclusions: Pulp tissue alterations resulting from ITM were limited to hemodynamic events, without progressing to irreversible degeneration, regardless of the type of force applied.