Effect of ionizing radiation on the microstructure and physical properties of endodontic gutta-percha points.

Purpose: Patients undergoing radiotherapy for head or neck cancer often require root canal treatments, which can be compromised by the effects of radiation. This investigation aimed to determine whether ionizing radiation (IR), in doses similar to those used in conventional therapy, affects the surface and physicomechanical properties of various brands of endodontic gutta-percha points (EGPs).

Materials And Methods: One hundred and twenty-three EGPs from three brands (Meta-Biomed, Dentsply, and Hygenic) were divided into groups and either exposed or not exposed to IR at a total dose of 50 Gy, divided into 25 fractions.