Structural and microanalytical changes in dentition after radiotherapy applied in cases of tumour in the oral cavity region

Morphological observations by means of the scanning electron and optical microscopes as well as microanalytical qualitative and quantitative tests concerning content and distribution of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the teeth being in irradiation field were made in patients treated for larynx cancer by methods of radiotherapy. The teeth enamel was in some places thinner and in some others it was lacking. The characteristic defects took place in the form of notches, cracks and of superficial destruction. In X-ray microanalyser the enamel showed some features of demineralization. In dentine, features of demineralization and on the other hand features of remineralization were seen. The root dentin, in which destructive processes but also reparation processes developed by root cement could be seen, was rather characteristic. Clear structural changes and disturbances of mineralization in hard tooth tissues being under therapeutic X-ray irradiation were observed.