Radioactive potential of zirconium-dioxide used for dental applications.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible radioactive potential of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) dental ceramics. Such information is necessary since they became an integral part of routine prosthetic rehabilitations and devoid of scientific information about their radioactivity creates some concern in the dental community. METHODS Four different types of commercial ZrO2 ceramics, namely Lava, Cercon, ICE Zirkon, and Everest Bio ZS were investigated before and after the sintering process. Sintering temperatures were applied according to each manufacturer's instructions. The compositions of the presintered and sintered specimens were analyzed using x-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF). Concentrations of the elements and compounds were also measured by this method. Determination of radioactivity continued with Gamma-spectrometry measurements and Gross alpha/Beta analyses. RESULTS The activity of gamma and Gross alpha/beta was below minimum detection limits (MDL) for presintered and sintered ZrO2. The MDLs of gross alpha/beta counting system were 0.02 Bq/g and 0.01 Bq/g for alpha and beta radioactivity, respectively. The sintering process played only a minor role in the composition of the compounds. CONCLUSIONS Radioactivity of the ZrO2 ceramics studied showed negligible radionuclide activity that can be considered lower than many hazardous radioactive appliances in our environment.