Evaluation of the changes in physical properties and mineral content of enamel exposed to radiation after treating with remineralization agent

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different remineralization agents on the physical properties and elemental content of enamel exposed to radiation. Material and method The enamel surfaces of impacted third molar teeth were prepared, and six study groups were created (n = 6). Next, 60 Gy radiation was applied to each group. Between applications, each group except for the control group was treated with a different remineralization agent (sodium fluoride, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate with fluorite (CPP-ACFP), bioactive glass, or chitosan). The results were evaluated in terms of pre- and post-radiation values and the difference between the two. The paired-samples t test and analysis of variance test were used in the analysis of normally distributed hardness and roughness values, while Wilcoxon's signed ranks test, and the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used in the analysis of elemental content without normal distribution. Results A statistically significant decrease was observed in microhardness measurements in all groups. Intragroup evaluation revealed a statistically significant difference between the NaF and bioactive glass groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the groups' roughness measurements (p < 0.05). Intergroup evaluation of surface roughness revealed a significant difference in the CPP-ACFP and chitosan groups (p < 0.05). Pre- and post-radiation oxygen, magnesium, and potassium levels and Ca/P ratios also differed significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion Radiation caused a statistically significant difference in the microhardness and elemental content of enamel. However, no significant difference was observed in enamel roughness. The applied remineralizing agents have a partial ameliorating effect on the adverse impacts of radiation.