Titanium as a Possible Modifier of Inflammation Around Dental Implants

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials science
• Periodontology
• Implant dentistry

Background:

• The etiopathogenesis of peri-implant diseases is not fully understood.
• Research on biomarkers for potential biocorrosion of dental implants is limited.
• Titanium (Ti) is the primary material for dental implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) for titanium (Ti) contamination.
• To explore associations between clinical peri-implant health, inflammatory mediators, and Ti levels.
• To investigate potential biocorrosion markers in peri-implant diseases.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of patients with dental implants (≥ 1 year in function).
• Collection of crevicular fluid (CF) from implants (PICF) and adjacent teeth (GCF).
• Analysis of Ti using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inflammatory mediators (V-plex assays).
• Statistical analysis using multiple regression and linear mixed-effects models.

Main Results:

• Titanium (Ti) was detected in 82% of PICF and GCF samples, irrespective of peri-implant disease status.
• Significant increases in PICF concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ, IL-8, IL-13, and TNF-α were observed with increasing peri-implant inflammation.
• Ti concentration showed a positive correlation with several inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-13, INF-γ) after adjusting for health status.

Conclusions:

• Titanium (Ti) is detectable in peri-implant and gingival crevicular fluid, even in healthy conditions.
• Elevated inflammatory mediator levels in peri-implant disease are associated with Ti concentrations.
• Further longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the role of Ti in peri-implant and periodontal tissue responses.