The Potential Role of Titanium Allergy in Implant Failure

Implant bone loss and implant failure are growing concerns. In some cases, a possible factor leading to bone loss may be an allergy to titanium (Ti). In this report, the existing literature on Ti allergy as a factor in implant loss is reviewed, and the current views on its potential role in implant bone loss are discussed. A case report of implant loss and retreatment in a patient with a potential Ti allergy or intolerance is presented and clinically analyzed. The subsequent success of a ceramic implant may support the finding of a Ti allergy or intolerance. Unfortunately, the lack of prospective clinical trials and lack of a reliable test for Ti allergy makes it impossible to clinically verify whether Ti allergy plays a part in implant bone loss.