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The use of gamma irradiation for the sterilization of enamel for intra‐oral cariogenicity tests
Author(s) -
Amaechi B. T.,
Higham S. M.,
Edgar W. M.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of oral rehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2842
pISSN - 0305-182X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2842.1999.00460.x
Subject(s) - sterilization (economics) , enamel paint , irradiation , dentistry , chemistry , medicine , physics , nuclear physics , monetary economics , economics , foreign exchange market , foreign exchange
The dose of gamma irradiation sufficient to sterilize enamel samples to be used for intra‐oral cariogenicity tests (ICT) without alteration to the structure or solubility of the enamel was determined. Each bovine incisor used was cut vertically into eight portions and each portion assigned to one of eight groups. Group 1 was used as control while other groups were subjected to respective doses of gamma irradiation from a cobalt‐60 source. Following sterilization, both control and experimental groups were incubated in nutrient broth for 7 days at 37 °C under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Caries‐like lesions were subsequently produced in each specimen using acidic buffer solution, and mineral loss quantified using transverse microradiography. Data were analysed statistically. There was no significant difference in mineral loss between the control and experimental groups, but the numerical value of mineral loss was lower in groups irradiated with> 4080 Gy, in addition to full sterilization and enamel discoloration to cream colour observed in these groups. Microbial growth was observed in the control group and in groups irradiated with <4080 Gy but no discoloration. With 4080 Gy full sterilization without discoloration was observed. It was concluded that 4080 Gy of gamma irradiation is optimal for sterilization of enamel samples for use in ICT.