[Solubility of enamel and synthetic hydroxylapatite on irradiation]

The effect of Co 60-irradiation (70 Gy) on pulverized human enamel and synthetic hydroxyapatite was studied in vitro. Irradiated and non-irradiated samples were experimentally demineralized (pH 5.1) during a period of 28 days. In terms of solubility, defined as the equilibrium of saturation, there was no statistically significant difference between irradiated and non-irradiated enamel. However, in terms of solubility rates, defined as the amount of dissolved substance during the demineralization period, irradiated enamel showed a statistically significantly higher solubility rate than non-irradiated enamel. There was no effect of Co 60-irradiation on synthetic hydroxyapatite.