Physicochemical and Biological Characterization of Ti6Al4V Particles Obtained by Implantoplasty: An In Vitro Study. Part I

Abstract

Implantoplasty is a mechanical decontamination technique that consists of polishing the supra-osseous component of the dental implant with peri-implantitis. This technique releases metal particles in the form of metal swarf and dust into the peri-implant environment. In the present in vitro study, the following physicochemical characterization tests were carried out: specific surface area, granulometry, contact angle, crystalline structure, morphology, and ion release. Besides, cytotoxicity was in turn evaluated by determining the fibroblastic and osteoblastic cell viability. As a result, the metal debris obtained by implantoplasty presented an equivalent diameter value of 159 µm (range 6–1850 µm) and a specific surface area of 0.3 m2/g on average. The particle had a plate-like shape of different sizes. The release of vanadium ions in Hank’s solution at 37 °C showed no signs of stabilization and was greater than that of titanium and aluminum ions, which means that the alloy suffers from a degradation. The particles exhibited cytotoxic effects upon human osteoblastic and fibroblastic cells in the whole extract. In conclusion, metal debris released by implantoplasty showed different sizes, surface structures and shapes. Vanadium ion levels were higher than that those of the other metal ions, and cell viability assays showed that these particles produce a significant loss of cytocompatibility on osteoblasts and fibroblasts, which means that the main cells of the peri-implant tissues might be injured.

Latest Trends in Surface Modification for Dental Implantology: Innovative Developments and Analytical Applications

“…Additionally, Ti6Al4V has also been used in orthodontic implants [56], which are temporary anchors. However, some authors reported its long-term toxicity with human osteoblastic and fibroblastic cells [57]. New research approaches tend to avoid the use of elements in the titanium alloys with the potential to cause tissue damage, such as vanadium [58].…”

Characteristics of Particles and Debris Released after Implantoplasty: A Comparative Study

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to detect, quantify and analyze debris/particles released from dental implants during implantoplasty including size ranges from both micro-and nano-scales. Numerous studies have previously shown the presence of titanium particles in peri-implant mucosa [6,12], especially around fixtures suffering from peri-implantitis [13,21,30,[40][41][42], but these investigations failed to perform a detailed description and analysis and the metal debris investigated. Most importantly, previous studies were not able to quantify the particles embedded on the peri-implant tissues.…”

Effect of the Nature of the Particles Released from Bone Level Dental Implants: Physicochemical and Biological Characterization

“…The significant release of vanadium ions could be due to the fact that this element favours the beta phase of Ti6Al4V. In this alloy, it has approximately 4% beta phase and is more unstable than the majority alpha phase and with a higher stability [9].…”

“…There is much controversy as to whether or not this machining should be carried out, but it is being applied more and more frequently. Even if the particles are aspirated, a large part of them, especially the smaller ones, remain in the patient and their presence can be dangerous [7][8][9]. Another problem that can arise from these high stresses leading to fracture of the titanium is the nucleation of possible cracks that can affect the fatigue behaviour of the dental implant.…”