PhD Scientific Days 2025

Poster Session III. - S: Dental Research

Fracture resistance of human dentin in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Name of the presenter

Antal Sarolta

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University

Authors

Sarolta Antal¹, Kata Sára Haba², Gábor Szebényi³, Horváth Ildikó², Miklós Kellermayer², Dóra Haluszka²

1: Semmelweis University
2: Semmelweis University Institute of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, 1094 Budapest, Tuzolto u. 37-47.
3: Budapest University of Technology and Economics Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Polymer Engineering, 1111 Budapest, Muegyetem rkp. 3

Text of the abstract

Introduction:

Dentin is a mineralized tissue that forms the bulk of the tooth and consists of a mineralized
collagen matrix containing many tubules. Non-enzymatic glycation occurs when the
aldehyde group of a reducing sugar interacts with the free amino groups of a long-lived protein, eventually forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The accumulation of AGEs is
responsible for several complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is implicated in many
age-related chronic diseases. Since dental collagen is unable to protein turnover, it is highly susceptible to AGE accumulation due to high blood glucose levels, affecting its long-term structural stability. It is already known that T2DM negatively affects root fracture resistance, due to the low levels of calcium, phosphorus, or strontium. However, fracture tests under static force on diabetic tooth samples have not been investigated yet.
Aims:

In our work we performed a computed tomography (CT) imaging and mechanical test of normal and T2DM-affected teeth to reveal the structural and mechanical alterations by glycation.
Method:

For the static compression test, normal (n = 27) and T2DM-affected (n = 19) extracted teeth with
uncovered coronal regions were embedded in epoxy resin. Samples were compressed
perpendicular to the occlusal surface at 2 mm/min using an 8 mm diameter spherical steel
indenter until the first visible crack appeared. Force versus indentation curves were recorded. Detecting microtraumas and fractures, each specimen was CT scanned before and after the mechanical examinations.
Results:

In T2DM molar teeth reduced force response could be recorded comparing to controls, while control and diabetic front teeth have similar tendency in curves. 
CT images revealed significant material loss in both groups. Most fractures were located in
the approximal and occlusal regions, however in diabetic molar teeth, cracks were deeper and wider, indicating greater damage.
Conclusion:

In our work we could show that weakened fracture resistance in T2DM-affected teeth can cause greater damage and significant material loss under mechanical force. These factors increase the risk of tooth decay and fracture under normal chewing forces, as well as complicate the proper fixation of dental restorations.
Funding:
Supported by the University Researchers’ Scholarship Program.