Reviews of General Subjects: The Radiobiology of Teeth

Abstract

The literature regarding radiation effects upon teeth of a variety of species, including man, has been summarized and reviewed. It appears that the pattern of alteration is similar among species. Effects are dependent upon exposure factors and the stage of tooth development at irradiation. If the dose is massive, there may be damage to tooth supportive structures as well. Radiation alters or destroys odontogenic cells that 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 growth. Mature tooth structure 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. 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.