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Nanomechanical properties of endodontically treated teeth
Robert A Cheron1, Sally J Marshall, Harold E Goodis
1Division of Endodontics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
Journal of Endodontics
|October 18, 2011
Summary
Root canal treatment does not alter the nanomechanical properties of dentin. This study found no significant differences in elasticity or hardness in root canal-treated teeth compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Biomaterials engineering
- Nanomechanics
Background:
- Root canal treatment is associated with increased tooth fracture risk.
- The specific factors contributing to post-treatment fracture remain unclear.
- Investigating nanomechanical changes in dentin is crucial for understanding fracture susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate nanomechanical property alterations in dentin after root canal treatment.
- To compare the modulus of elasticity and hardness of treated versus untreated teeth.
- To identify potential nanomechanical contributors to root canal-treated tooth fractures.
Main Methods:
- Atomic force microscopy-based nanoindentation was employed.
- Radicular intertubular dentin was tested in root canal-treated and control teeth.
- Paired t tests were used for statistical comparison.
Main Results:
- Modulus of elasticity: 17.8 ± 2.9 GPa (treated) vs. 18.9 ± 2.9 GPa (controls).
- Hardness: 0.84 ± 0.25 GPa (treated) vs. 0.84 ± 0.18 GPa (controls).
- No statistically significant differences were observed in either property (P > .05).
Conclusions:
- Root canal treatment does not appear to induce nanomechanical changes in radicular intertubular dentin.
- The findings suggest that nanomechanical properties of dentin may not be the primary factor in root canal-treated tooth fractures.
- Further research is needed to explore other potential causes of post-treatment tooth fragility.
