Influence of a fluoridated medium with different pHs on commercially pure titanium-based implants

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Corrosion Engineering

Background:

• Titanium (Ti) dental implants are widely used due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
• The long-term stability of dental implants in the oral environment is crucial for successful osseointegration.
• Exposure to oral hygiene products, such as fluoride mouth rinses, is a common factor influencing implant surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of fluoride mouth rinses with varying pH levels on the corrosion resistance of commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) dental implants.
• To investigate potential surface changes on titanium implants when exposed to simulated long-term use of fluoride rinses.
• To determine if fluoride concentration and pH influence the corrosion behavior of different titanium implant brands.

Main Methods:

• Forty-two cp-Ti dental implants from three commercial brands were subjected to simulated use.
• Specimens were immersed in a sodium fluoride (NaF) 1500 ppm solution at two different pH levels for 184 hours.
• Surface analysis was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS).

Main Results:

• SEM and EDS analyses revealed no signs of corrosion on the titanium implant surfaces.
• No evidence of fluoride ion incorporation into the implant surface was detected after exposure.
• The tested fluoride concentrations and pH values did not induce any measurable corrosion.

Conclusions:

• The pH of fluoride solutions and fluoride concentration do not impact the corrosion resistance of titanium dental implants.
• Commercially pure titanium dental implants demonstrate excellent resistance to corrosion from common fluoride mouth rinses.
• Clinical use of fluoride mouth rinses at the tested concentrations and pH is unlikely to compromise the structural integrity of titanium implants.