Influence of ageing and endodontic treatment on the hardness and elastic modulus of human root dentin

E. Karteva, N. Manchorova, E. Ivanov, D. Pashkouleva, S. Vladimirov

Abstract: This paper aims to investigate the influence of aging and endodontic treatment on the hardness and elastic modulus of dentin in human teeth. Nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy were performed on samples of young, old dentin and dentin from endodontically treated teeth. A universal device Nanomechanical Tester (Bruker, USA) with Berkovich indentation tip was used. Results showed statistically significant differences between the sample groups. The old dentin and endodontically treated dentin showed higher values of modulus of elasticity and hardness, indicating an increase in the deposition of transparent dentin and subsequently, easier crack propagation. Atomic force microscopy images showed an impression with a “sink-in” shape, characteristic of materials with higher hardness values and less plasticity. In conclusion, our results indicate a possible change in the mechanical characteristics of human root dentin with age, as well as after endodontic treatment. Due to the increased risk of fractures in these cases, careful planning and new strategies for the treatment of these patients are needed.

Series on Biomechanics, Vol.32, No.1 (2018), 38-46

Keywords: dentin; Endodontically treated teeth; mechanical property; nanoindentation

Date published: 2018-05-18