THE RADIOBIOLOGY OF TEETH
Abstract
The literature regarding radiation effects upon teeth was summarized and reviewed. Radiation effects upon teeth were observed in a variety of species including man. Where sufficient data are available to form a judgment it appears that the pattern of alteration is similar among species. The effects are dependent upon exposure factors and the stage of tooth development at the time of irradiation. If the dose is massive, the effects may also involve damage to the tooth supportive structures. Radiation alters or destroys those odontogenic cells which are actively proliferating and differentiating at the time of exposure. If irradiation occurs before the formation of hard tissues, it may destroy the tooth bud. Radiation at a later stage in development may alter differentiation or arrest further growth. The severity of the effect is dependent upon the radiation dose. Mature tooth structures are affected primarily by relatively large doses although histologic evidence of damage in growing teeth of rodents may be detected with 25 r of X rays. The patterns of injury and regeneration for the various tissues of the tooth are presented. In terms of radiobiological mechanisms it appears that direct radiation injury to teeth consists primarily of an interference with mitosis of proliferative tissues and the impairment of metabolic processes in differentiating cells. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0285094
Entities
People
- D.c. Jones
- D.j. Kimeldorf
- T.j. Castanera
Organizations
- Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory