Microhardness of nonfluorosed and fluorosed dental cementum: An in vitro study

Abstract

Aim: The literature on the effect of fluoride on dental caries is well discussed in contrast to periodontal tissues. However, a recent review has explored an epidemiological association between fluorosis and periodontal disease and also the influence of fluorosis on periodontal structures along with the comparison of influence of periodontal treatment on fluorosed and nonfluorosed teeth. There is a scarcity in literature dealing with the effect of fluorosis on biological tissues such as bone and cementum. During the progression of periodontitis, there is a possibility of mechanical (microhardness), chemical (mineral), and histologic changes in cementum. Considering the higher incidence of periodontitis in the endemic fluorosed area around Davangere, there is an opportunity to study the cemental changes due to fluorosis which would influence the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. Hence, the aim was to study the microhardness of fluorosed and nonfluorosed cementum. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 healthy nonfluorosed and fluorosed orthodontically extracted premolars were collected to assess and compare the mechanical properties (Vickers hardness tester) of fluorosed versus nonfluorosed cementum. Results: The results of this study showed that the mean hardness of the fluorosed cementum (57.7 ± 9.4) was lower than nonfluorosed (60.40 ± 6.23) cementum. Conclusion: The clinical importance of this study is that clinicians need be aware of this difference during periodontal, orthodontic, caries treatment, crown procedures, and implant therapy.

Keywords

• dental caries
• dental cementum
• dental fluorosis
• mechanical property
• periodontitis