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VOLUME 16 , ISSUE 8 ( August, 2015 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

The Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Oral Cavity

Sandra Ribeiro de Barros da Cunha, Pedro Augusto Mendes Ramos, Ana Cristina Aló Nesrallah, Cláudia Joffily Parahyba, Eduardo Rodrigues Fregnani, Ana Cecília Corrêa Aranha

Citation Information : da Cunha SR, Ramos PA, Nesrallah AC, Parahyba CJ, Fregnani ER, Aranha AC. The Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Oral Cavity. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015; 16 (8):679-687.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1740

Published Online: 01-02-2016

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2015; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study is to present a literature review on the effects of the ionizing radiation from radiotherapy treatment on dental tissues.

Background

Among the effects of increasing global life expectancy and longevity of the teeth in the oral cavity, increasing rates of neoplastic diseases have been observed. One of the important treatment modalities for head and neck neoplastic diseases is radiotherapy, which uses ionizing radiation as the main mechanism of action. Therefore, it is essential for dentists to be aware of the changes in oral and dental tissues caused by ionizing radiation, and to develop treatment and prevention strategies.

Results

In general, there is still controversy about the effects of ionizing radiation on dental structures. However, qualitative and quantitative changes in saliva and oral microbiota, presence of oral mucositis and radiation-related caries are expected, as they represent the well-known side effects of treatment with ionizing radiation. Points that still remain unclear are the effects of radiotherapy on enamel and dentin, and on their mechanisms of bonding to contemporary adhesive materials.

Conclusion

Ionizing radiation has shown important interaction with organic tissues, since more deleterious effects have been shown on the oral mucosa, salivary glands and dentin, than on enamel.

Clinical significance

With the increasing number of patients with cancer seeking dental treatment before and after head and neck radiotherapy, it is important for dentists to be aware of the effects of ionizing radiation on the oral cavity.

How to cite this article

de Barros da Cunha SR, Ramos PAM, Nesrallah ACA, Parahyba CJ, Fregnani ER, Aranha ACC. The Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Oral Cavity. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(8):679-687.


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