Effect of the Size of Titanium Particles Released from Dental Implants on Immunological Response

The techniques used in oral implantology to remove bacterial biofilm from the surface of implants by machining the titanium surface (implantoplasty) or by placing rough dental implants through friction with the cortical bone generate a large release of particles. In this work, we performed a simulation of particle generation following clinical protocols. The particles were characterized for commercially pure titanium with particle sizes of 5, 10, 15, and 30 μm. The aim was to determine the effect of particle size and chemical composition of the implant on the immune response. For this purpose, their morphology and possible contamination were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. In addition, the granulometry, specific surface area, release of metal ions into the medium, and studies of cytocompatibility, gene expression, and cytokine release linked to the inflammatory process were studied. The release of ions for titanium particles showed levels below 800 ppb for all sizes. Smaller particle sizes showed less cytotoxicity, although particles of 15 μm presented higher levels of cytocompatibility. In addition, inflammatory markers (TNFα and Il-1β) were higher compared to larger titanium. Specifically, particles of 15 μm presented a lower proinflammatory and higher anti-inflammatory response as characterized by gene expression and cytokine release, compared to control or smaller particles. Therefore, in general, there is a greater tendency for smaller particles to produce greater toxicity and a greater proinflammatory response.