We have found in our previous work that the tooth loses its mechanical strength and composition after radiation treatment. hence now we are checking for a protective layer (which is either organic or inorganic) to apply before radiation treatment to promote preventive effects of radiation among head and neck cancer patients. kindly suggest some materials which has proven protective effects against radiation?
tooth decay is a well known side effect of radiotherapy. please see expert views;
http://www.oncolink.org/experts/article.cfm?id=2474
Dear Mithra
By protective material, I think you mean something that shields the tooth from radiation. Such a material is unlikely to be designed because of problems. Suppose you invent a lead tooth paste or paint to be applied on the teeth, (Lead is the best shield; any such material), it will be associated with its own toxicity. Moreover here will be greater secondary radiation at the interphase between the tooth surface and the material which may be more damaging.
The best is approach the problem using substances that alleviate radiation damage, and for this rely on good write ups, such as the one suggested by Mushtaq.
Sorry not to able to be more helpful. Let me know if any such material is designe
Narayanan
What about a splint made of metal like steel or perhaps only made of tin on a dental imprint? You can put it in the mouth during the radiation - and you can put it out without any problems. Perhaps it could be done also with a layer of lead, covered with other materials.
The custom made shields used for radiotherapy patients restricts the radiation beam to the the area of interest.. i think that would be sufficient.. Ma'am its a gud idea you are looking for an alternative material for protection of dentition. good luck with the study
Dear Rudolf
The method you suggested will have problems. If good care is taken during planning and still the tooth is the radiation field because it cannot be avoided; if it is avoided, then you will miss the tumour too. In such a casee, if you shield the tooth, very likely it will shield the tumour giving it less than optimal dose and lead to higher chance of recurrence. Another problem is that whatever material you use, there will be secondary radiation at the interphase between the tooth and the shield which may increase the damage. Moreover dental problems are more likely to be due to salivary irradiation problems; salivary glands are very sensitive to radiation.
This the reason why such materials or methods to shield teeth have not been designed. Of course some one sometime may design such a thing with a new idea.
All the best
Narayanan
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