Impact of Metal Particles Released during Ultrasonic Scaling of Titanium Surfaces on Human Gingival Fibroblasts

Metal particles found in tissues around dental implants have been proposed to play a pathogenic role in peri-implantitis. Ultrasonic scaling has been suggested as a mechanism by which these particles can be inadvertently released into surrounding tissues. Furthermore, risk factors like diabetes can result in exacerbation of this inflammatory condition. The current study aimed to analyze metal particles released from titanium surfaces during ultrasonic scaling and their impact on pro-inflammatory cytokine production by human gingival fibroblasts.

Metal particles generated from ultrasonic scaling of titanium discs using two different tips (metal and poly-etheretherketone tips) were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. Endotoxin levels and Human gingival fibroblast viability, in the presence commercial and ultrasonically generated particles were determined. Fibroblasts, cultured in high or low glucose growth medium, were incubated with commercial titanium particles or ultrasonically generated particles in the presence or absence of interluekin-1β. Interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 production were then quantified using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Analysis of particles after scaling of titanium discs showed significant levels of titanium particles. Commercial titanium particles and generated particles had no effect of fibroblast viability. Endotoxin levels of all particles were too low to stimulate HGF cells. IL-1β significantly stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 production. However, commercial, and generated particles generally had no significant effect on IL- 6 and IL-8 production.

Our study concluded that particles generated during ultrasonic scaling had no significant effect on viability of HGF cells and cytokine production.