The Use of Neutron Radiography and Microdensitometry in the Study of Instrumental Effectiveness on Dental Tissue in the Process of Mineralization

In this study, neutron-radiography is used as a non-destructive method of exposing the peripheral part of the root canal which, in the course of endodontic treatment, is to be removed by root therapy instruments. Samples are treated with an agent of contrast with high screen power for neutrons: gadolinium which is used in the form of a citrate solution, it slowly diffuses through non-mineralized structures and settles like the others rare earths on the interface of mineralized tissues and of those in the process of mineralization, in this case, dentin and predentin. This mechanism is on occasion controlled by the richness of proteoglycans in this tissue. Once the samples are saturated, a neutron-radiographic image is made, then analyzed by microdensitometry so as to obtain a quantitative parameter. After instrumentation of the samples, a new neutron-radiographic image, and a new microdensitometric analysis are made. The results thus obtained make it possible to quantify the effectiveness of the various instruments available for endodontic treatments.