Effect of radiation therapy on fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth submitted to root reinforcement

Background: The literature is scanty regarding the effect of radiation therapy (RT) on the mechanical properties of immature permanent teeth.Aim: To evaluate the effect of RT on the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth submitted to different types of root reinforcement.Design: Sixty-four human teeth simulating the Cvek stage 3 of root development were distributed into eight groups (n = 8), according to exposure or not to RT (70 Gy) and the root reinforcement method: Group NR (control)-no reinforcement/no RT; Group NR + RT (control)-no reinforcement/RT; Group PO-tricalcium silicate-based cement (TS) apical plug/canal obturation/no RT; Group PO + RT-TS apical plug/canal obturation/RT; Group TS-canal filling with TS/no RT; Group TS + RT-canal filling with TS/RT; Group FP-TS apical plug/fibreglass post/no RT; and Group FP + RT-TS apical plug/fibreglass post/RT. Fracture resistance was determined using a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min).Results: In the intergroup comparison, nonirradiated teeth had higher fracture resistance (p < .05). Groups FP and FP + RT had higher fracture resistance (p < .001).Conclusion: Radiotherapy affected the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth. Reinforcement with fibreglass posts increased the fracture resistance, regardless of the radiation.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of radiation therapy on the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth. The results showed that irradiated teeth had a lower fracture resistance compared to non-irradiated teeth. Reinforcement with fibreglass posts increased the fracture resistance, regardless of radiation.