Effects of radiation therapy on the morphology and composition of root dentin and cementum in primary teeth.

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the effects of radiation therapy on the morphology and chemical composition of root dentin and cementum of primary teeth. Roots of human primary teeth were exposed to varying doses of irradiation using a linear accelerator: Group 1 = irradiation dose of up to 30 Gy (n= 6); Group 2 = irradiation dose of up to 42 Gy (n= 6); and Group 3 = irradiation dose of up to 54 Gy (n= 6). Non-irradiated human deciduous teeth were used as controls (n= 3).