Titanium Corrosion Mechanisms in the Oral Environment: A Retrieval Study

Abstract

Corrosion of titanium dental implants has been associated with implant failure and is considered one of the triggering factors for peri-implantitis. This corrosion is concerning, because a large amount of metal ions and debris are generated in this process, the accumulation of which may lead to adverse tissue reactions in vivo. The goal of this study is to investigate the mechanisms for implant degradation by evaluating the surface of five titanium dental implants retrieved due to peri-implantitis. The results demonstrated that all the implants were subjected to very acidic environments, which, in combination with normal implant loading, led to cases of severe implant discoloration, pitting attack, cracking and fretting-crevice corrosion. The results suggest that acidic environments induced by bacterial biofilms and/or inflammatory processes may trigger oxidation of the surface of titanium dental implants. The corrosive process can lead to permanent breakdown of the oxide film, which, besides releasing metal ions and debris in vivo, may also hinder re-integration of the implant surface with surrounding bone.

In Vitro Evaluation of Titanium Exfoliation During Simulated Surgical Insertion of Dental Implants

“…Wear debris depositing in surrounding tissues can induce an inflammatory response if debris remain in the implantation site [21][22][23]. It was hypothesized that insertion forces could induce premature breakage of the titanium oxide layer, resulting in particle debris generation.…”

“…Peri-implantitis is the continuous loss of bone surrounding an osseointegrated DI due to destructive inflammatory reactions [14]. There are several potential etiological factors for periimplantitis [16][17][18][19][20], among which titanium particles release remains a potential cause for peri -1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 implant disease [21]. There are several potential etiological factors for periimplantitis [16][17][18][19][20], among which titanium particles release remains a potential cause for peri …”

A Comparative Analysis of the Corrosive Effect of Artificial Saliva of Variable pH on DMLS and Cast Co-Cr-Mo Dental Alloy

“…Bacteria significantly reduce the pH of the oral environment by the production of organic acids during sugar catabolism [23]. To maintain a non-harmful pH in the oral cavity, the salivary system employs buffer systems: bicarbonate, phosphate and protein that maintain a pH of 6.0–7.5 [24].…”

Bond strength and interactions of machined titanium-based alloy with dental cements

“…12,13 The instructions for use with one polycarboxylate cement (Durelon; 3M ESPE) state that "a discoloration effect may result when used with titanium." Color change has been associated with corrosion of the titanium alloy, 14 which may account for the higher than expected bond strength values. Although this may be of benefit mechanically, 15 the corrosion effects have been linked to implant failure 16 and an increase in pathogenic microbial adherence to the alloy.…”