Physical and adhesive properties of dental enamel after radiotherapy and bonding of metal and ceramic brackets

Effect of different approaches of direct radiation on the surface structure and caries susceptibility of enamel

It is not clear whether different radiation methods have different effects on enamel. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of single and fractionated radiation on enamel and caries susceptibility and to provide an experimental basis for further study of radiation‑related caries. Thirty-six caries-free human third molars were collected and randomly divided into three groups (n = 12). Group1 (control group) was not exposed to radiation. Group 2 received single radiation with a cumulative dose of 70 Gy. Group 3 underwent fractionated radiation, receiving 2 Gy/day for 5 days followed by a 2-day rest period, for a total of 7 weeks with a cumulative dose of 70 Gy. Changes in microhardness, roughness, surface morphology, bacterial adhesion and ability of acid resistance of each group were tested. Scanning electron microscope revealed that the enamel surface in both radiation groups exhibited unevenness and cracks. Compared with the control group, microhardness and acid resistance of enamel decreased, while roughness and bacterial adhesion increased in both the single radiation and fractionated radiation groups. Compared with the single radiation group, the enamel surface microhardness and acid resistance decreased in the fractionated radiation group, while roughness and bacterial adhesion increased. Both single radiation and fractionated radiation resulting in changes in the physical and biological properties of enamel, with these changes being more pronounced in the fractionated radiation group. Therefore, fractionated radiation is recommended as a more suitable method for constructing a radiation‑related caries model in vitro.

The effects of re-irradiation on the chemical and morphological properties of permanent teeth

This study aimed to assess the in vitro effects of re-irradiation on enamel and dentin properties, simulating head and neck cancer radiotherapy retreatment. Forty-five human permanent molars were classified into five groups: non-irradiated; irradiated 60 Gy, and re-irradiated with doses of 30, 40, and 50 Gy. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed for analysis. Raman spectroscopy assessed intensity, spectral area, and specific peaks comparatively. Statistical analysis involved Kolmogorov-Smirnov and One-Way ANOVA tests, with Tukey's post-test (significance level set at 5%). Significant changes in irradiated, non-irradiated, and re-irradiated enamel peaks were observed, including phosphate (438 nm), hydroxyapatite (582 nm), phosphate (960 nm), and carbonate (1070 nm) (p < 0.05). Re-irradiation affected the entire tooth (p > 0.05), leading to interprismatic region degradation, enamel prism destruction, and hydroxyapatite crystal damage. Dentin exhibited tubule obliteration, crack formation, and progressive collagen fiber fragmentation. EDX revealed increased oxygen percentage and decreased phosphorus and calcium post-reirradiation. It is concluded that chemical and morphological changes in irradiated permanent teeth were dose-dependent, exacerbated by re-irradiation, causing substantial damage in enamel and dentin.

Evaluation of the shear bond strength of various adhesives on the surface of enamel irradiated with various doses of radiotherapy

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) forces on the enamel surface with 2 adhesives after treatment with various radiation doses.

METHODS

A total of 120 premolars were included in the study. The teeth were randomly divided into 5 main groups (n = 24): negative control (without aging), positive control (with aging), 40 Gy, 60 Gy, and 70 Gy radiation. The 40 Gy, 60 Gy, and 70 Gy groups underwent conventional radiotherapy 5 days a week with a dose of 2 Gy each day. After the radiotherapy, all samples except the negative control group were subjected to thermal cycle aging. In all 5 groups, the specimens were divided into 2 subgroups, and half were bonded using 2 adhesives. After bonding, the universal Shimadzu test device was used to analyze the SBS. After the test, the tooth surfaces were examined under a stereomicroscope to determine the adhesive remnant index.

RESULTS

When adhesives were compared, Biofix adhesive's bond strength value was statistically higher in the 40 Gy group than in the Transbond XT group (P = 0.001). The SBS value was higher in all irradiated groups than in nonirradiated groups (P = 0.001). When the adhesive remnant index score was analyzed, no significant difference was found among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The SBS increased in irradiated teeth compared with unirradiated teeth, and the SBS values of both adhesives were within the acceptable limits in all radiation groups.

Impact of Irradiation on the Adhesive Performance of Resin-Based Dental Biomaterials: A Systematic Review of Laboratory Studies

Head and neck cancers are a significant global health burden, with radiation therapy being a frequently utilized treatment. The aim of this systematic review was to provide a critical appraisal of laboratory studies that assessed the effect of irradiation on the adhesive performance of resin-based biomaterials. The analysis included 23 laboratory studies obtained from five databases, with most studies using human enamel, dentin, or both, and bonding procedures involving the fabrication of direct restorations, standardized specimens, bonding of orthodontic brackets, and luting of endodontic fiber posts. The protocols used for irradiation varied, with most studies exposing specimens made from extracted teeth to irradiation using cabinet irradiators to simulate treatment of head and neck cancer. The findings indicate that irradiation reduces the bond strength of dental adhesives and resin-based composites on flat, ground enamel and dentin specimens, with different adhesives and timing of irradiation having a significant impact on adhesive performance. Irradiation also increased microleakage in most studies. The effect of irradiation on marginal adaptation of direct resin-based composite restorations was inconclusive. This systematic review indicates that irradiation has detrimental effects on the adhesive performance of resin-based biomaterials and highlights the need for further clinical and laboratory studies evaluating the performance of adhesive materials and approaches to improve it.

Effects of ionizing radiation and different resin composites on shear strength of ceramic brackets: an in vitro study

Introduction:

Head and neck cancer is considered one of the most common types, and its treatment includes radiotherapy, which can trigger side effects and undesirable sequelae in the oral cavity and dental tissues.

Objective:

This study aimed to make an in vitro evaluation of the shear strength and failure mode of ceramic orthodontic brackets bonded with two different composites in enamel submitted to ionizing radiation.

Methods:

After the study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, 60 healthy human premolars were selected and divided into two groups, based on the absence or presence of ionizing irradiation of the enamel. The fragments were thermocycled and then randomly subdivided into two subgroups, according to the composite used for bonding the ceramic brackets (Inspire Ice - Ormco) to the enamel (n = 15): Transbond XT composite (3M), and Light Bond composite (Reliance). After 24 hours, the specimens were submitted to the shear strength test, and the failure mode was analyzed using a stereomicroscope and confocal microscopy. The shear strength data were submitted to two-way ANOVA, considering a significance level of 5%.

Results:

The groups submitted to radiation presented lower shear strength values (4.48MPa) than those not irradiated (9.23MPa) (p< 0.001), and the tested composites were not statistically different (p= 0.078). Regarding the fracture mode, all the groups presented mostly adhesive fractures.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that ionizing radiation negatively affects the adhesion of ceramic brackets, regardless of the composite used for bonding.

Conservative orthodontic treatment for severe pathologic migration following total glossectomy: A case report

Glossectomy combined with radiotherapy causes different levels of tongue function disorders and leads to severe malocclusion, with poor periodontal status in cancer survivors. Although affected patients require regular access to orthodontic care, special considerations are crucial for treatment planning. This case report describes the satisfactory orthodontic management for the correction of severe dental crowding in a 43-year-old female 6 years after treatment for tongue cancer with total glossectomy combined with radiotherapy, to envision the possibility of orthodontic care for oral cancer survivors. Extraction was performed to correct dental crowding and establish proper occlusion following alignment, after considering the possibility of osteoradionecrosis. Orthodontic mini-implants were used to provide skeletal anchorage required for closure of the extraction space and intrusion of the anterior teeth. The dental crowding was corrected, and Class I occlusal relationship was established after 36 months of treatment. The treatment outcome was sustained after 15 months of retention, and long-term follow-up was recommended.

Evaluation of physical and adhesive properties of enamel after a therapeutic dose of radiation and bonding of orthodontic metal brackets: an in vitro study

Aim:

The study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal brackets and adhesive properties of bonded irradiated and non-irradiated teeth.

Methods:

Sixty-six extracted premolar samples were randomly divided into three groups—(a) Control group consisting of 22 non-irradiated, non-aged teeth (Group 1), (b) 22 non-irradiated, aged samples (Group 2) and (c) 22 irradiated, aged samples (Group 3). Irradiation was done using gamma irradiation with a fractionated dose of 60 Gy for 5 consecutive days per week over 6 weeks. Metal brackets were bonded on all samples with light cure adhesive and subjected to SBS test using universal testing machine. The samples were assessed under the scanning electron microscope to check for the adhesive remnant index (ARI) and tag depth.

Results:

There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean SBS of the irradiated samples compared to the non-irradiated teeth. The non-irradiated, aged samples showed a majority of ARI scoring 1 and 2. Whereas, the irradiated samples showed ARI scoring 2 and 3. Approximately, 77·3% of the non-irradiated samples showed no adhesive present on the tooth surface, and 27·2% of the irradiated samples had more than 50% adhesive present on the enamel surface.

Conclusion:

There is a statistically significant decrease in SBS of irradiated enamel compared to that of non-irradiated teeth. However, the SBS observed in the three groups was well above the ideal SBS for orthodontic bonding, that is, 5·6–6·8 MPa. The adhesive remnant was found on all samples of the irradiated group. Deeper adhesive resin tags were found in the irradiated group in the resin–enamel interface.

Effect of radiotherapy on the chemical composition of root dentin

BACKGROUND

The radiotherapy can directly affect the bond strength of the adhesive materials, interfering in the prognosis of restorative treatments, which may be caused by chemical changes in dentin structure.

METHODS

Twenty inferior homologues premolars were distributed in 2 groups (in vitro study) (n = 10): nonirradiated and irradiated. The specimens were submitted to the analysis of phosphate (ν₁ PO₄ ^3- ;ν₂ PO₄ ^3- ;ν₄ PO₄ ^3- ), carbonate (ν₃ CO₃ ^2- ), amide I, CH₂ , amide III, and amide I/III ratio by confocal Raman spectroscopy. Data were submitted to statistical analysis (T test, P < .05).

RESULTS

In intracanal dentin, the irradiated group had lower ν₄ PO₄ ^3- values (1.23 ± 0.06) compared to nonirradiated group (1.40 ± 0.18) (P < .05), with no difference for ν₁ PO₄ ^3- and ν₂ PO₄ ³ peaks (P > .05). The irradiated (1.56 ± 0.06) had lower carbonate, amide III (1.05 ± 0.19), and amide I/III ratio values (0.19 ± 0.06) compared to nonirradiated group (1.42 ± 0.10, 1.28 ± 0.24, and 0.31 ± 0.10, respectively) (P < .05). For medium dentin irradiated group (1.30 ± 0.12) had lower phosphate values compared to nonirradiated group (1.48 ± 0.22) (P < .05). In cementum, there was no statistical difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The radiotherapy was able to cause changes in ν₄ PO₄ ^3- , carbonate, and amide III peaks of root dentin.

Effect of fluoride application during radiotherapy on enamel demineralization

OBJECTIVE

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. 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.

Glass Ionomer Cements can be used for Bonding Orthodontic Brackets After Cancer Radiation Treatment?

Patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment present more susceptibility to dental caries and the use of an orthodontic device increases this risk factor due to biofilm accumulation around the brackets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength to irradiated permanent teeth of orthodontic brackets bonded with conventional glass ionomer cement and resin-modified glass ionomer cement due to the fluoride release capacity of these materials. Ninety prepared human premolars were divided into 6 groups (n=15), according to the bonding material and use or not of radiation: CR: Transbond XT composite resin; RMGIC: Fuji Ortho LC conventional glass ionomer cement; GIC: Ketac Cem Easymix resin-modified glass ionomer cement. The groups were irradiated (I) or non-irradiated (NI) prior to bracket bonding. The specimens were subjected to a fractioned radiation dose of 2 Gy over 5 consecutive days for 6 weeks. After the radiotherapy, the brackets were bonded on the specimens with Transbond XT, Fuji Ortho LC and Ketac Cem Easymix. After 24 h, the specimens were subjected to shear bond strength test. The image of enamel surface (classified by Adhesive Remnant Index - ARI) was also evaluated and its frequency was checked among groups/subgroups. The shear bond strength variable was evaluated with ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test. GIC group showed the lowest adhesion values among the groups (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among non-irradiated and irradiated groups (p>0.05). As for the ARI, the CR-I group showed the highest material retention on enamel surface among the irradiated groups. RMGIC group showed the highest values for shear bond strength and presented ARI acceptable for clinical practices.