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Toothbrushing causes elemental release from dental casting alloys over extended intervals
John C Wataha1, Petra E Lockwood, Donald Mettenburg
1Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dentistry, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912-1260, USA. watahaj@mail.mcg.edu
Summary
Toothbrushing with toothpaste significantly increases elemental release from dental alloys, especially nickel-based ones, over extended periods. This suggests increased biological risks associated with these materials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
- Toxicology
Background:
- Elemental release from dental alloys is a concern for biocompatibility.
- Previous research focused on passive in vitro conditions or short-term brushing.
- Extended in vitro simulation is needed to assess long-term elemental release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate elemental release from dental alloys under simulated long-term toothbrushing.
- To compare elemental release with and without toothpaste over extended periods.
- To assess the impact of toothpaste on elemental release from nickel-based alloys.
Main Methods:
- Simulated 2-year toothbrushing of major dental alloy classes.
- Measurement of elemental release during and after brushing.
- Comparison of brushing with and without toothpaste.
Main Results:
- Brushing alone caused minimal elemental release.
- Brushing with toothpaste significantly increased elemental release for all alloys.
- Nickel-based alloys showed the highest elemental release, particularly nickel, reaching 600-800 microg/cm(2).
- Beryllium-containing and non-beryllium nickel-based alloys exhibited similar release profiles.
Conclusions:
- Toothpaste significantly enhances elemental release from dental alloys under simulated long-term use.
- Nickel-based alloys pose a higher risk due to substantial nickel release.
- Claims of superiority for non-beryllium nickel-based alloys were not supported by these findings.