Activation of gelatinases in permanent human teeth after different experimental radiotherapy protocols.

The objective of this study was to compare the activation of gelatinases in dentin-enamel junction (DEJ) and underlying dentin of permanent teeth after experimental radiotherapy in conventional and hypofractionated modalities. Newly extracted third molars (n = 15) were divided into three experimental radiotherapy groups: control, conventional (CR), and hypofractionated (HR) (n = 5 per group). After in vitro exposure to ionizing radiation, following standardized protocols for each modality, a gelatinous substrate was incubated on the tooth slices (n = 10 per group).