Effect of β-carotene patch application on gingival crevicular fluid volume after repeated periapical radiographic exposure

Free radicals generated during ionization process of X-rays can damage biological tissues. Radiation exposure to gingival sulcus area will damage endothelial cells and increase permeability of blood vessels under sulcular and junctional epithelium. That inflammation will increase gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume. Repeated periapical radiographs often occurs due to the unfulfillment of quality assurance and leads to an increase amount of radiation dose received by the patient. Previous studies have shown that β-carotene mucoadhesive gingival patch can penetrate mucous membrane and provide protection against radiation by reducing the number of gingival epithelial cells micronuclei. The aims of this study was to observe β-carotene mucoadhesive gingival patch effect in GCF volume from patient exposed to repeated periapical radiographs. We recruited 10 participants from patients who receive repeated periapical radiographs in instalation of dentomaxillofacial radiology, Prof Soedomo dental and oral hospital Faculty of Dentistry UGM. The teeth of the subjects are divided into control and treatment group. β-carotene mucoadhesive gingival patch was applied to treatment group. GCF was collected using an absorbing paper strip before and after exposure, then measured by sliding caliper. Paired T-test showed significant differences (p<0.05) between GCF volume before and after radiographic exposure in each group. Independent T-test showed significant differences (p<0.05) of GCF volume between control and treatment group. Conclusion of this study is β-carotene mucoadhesive gingival patch significantly reduce GCF volume after repeated periapical radiographic exposure.