Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
12:19
Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo
Published on: July 1, 2013
10.8K
Titanium micro-particles are commonly found in soft tissues surrounding dental implants.
Carlotta Dionigi1, Gyula Nagy2, Jan Derks1,3
1Department of Periodontology, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Communications Medicine
|March 19, 2025
Summary
Titanium micro-particles are common in tissues around dental implants but do not cause peri-implantitis. Further research is needed to understand their role in the immune response and tissue healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Immunology
Background:
- Peri-implantitis, a serious condition affecting dental implants, involves inflammation and bone loss.
- Microbial biofilms are a primary cause of peri-implantitis.
- The role of metal particles from implants in the host response to biofilms is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of titanium micro-particles in peri-implant tissues.
- To determine if titanium micro-particles are associated with peri-implantitis.
- To explore the relationship between titanium micro-particles and gene expression in peri-implantitis lesions.
Main Methods:
- Soft tissue biopsies were collected from 21 patients with and without peri-implantitis.
- Micro Proton-induced X-ray Emission (µ-PIXE) was used to analyze titanium micro-particles.
- RNA sequencing was performed to assess gene expression profiles.
Main Results:
- Titanium micro-particles were consistently found in peri-implant soft tissues.
- Particle occurrence varied between patients but not between healthy and diseased sites within individuals.
- Fourteen differentially expressed genes were identified, related to immune response and epithelial development, when comparing high and low titanium particle densities.
Conclusions:
- Titanium micro-particles are frequently present around dental implants.
- The presence of titanium micro-particles is not associated with the occurrence of peri-implantitis.
- Titanium micro-particles may influence immune and epithelial responses, warranting further investigation.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Embryonic Connective Tissues
During early development, the embryo forms two types of connective tissues— the mesenchyme and mucoid connective tissue.
The mesenchyme is the first connective tissue that emerges in the developing embryo. It consists of loosely arranged multipotent mesenchymal cells and reticular fibers in the extracellular matrix. This loose arrangement allows easy migration of cells, which is essential for germ layer positioning, patterning, and organ morphogenesis during embryonic development. Mesenchyme is...
The mesenchyme is the first connective tissue that emerges in the developing embryo. It consists of loosely arranged multipotent mesenchymal cells and reticular fibers in the extracellular matrix. This loose arrangement allows easy migration of cells, which is essential for germ layer positioning, patterning, and organ morphogenesis during embryonic development. Mesenchyme is...
01:17Connective Tissue Fibers and Ground Substance
One of the significant functions of connective tissue is connecting tissues and organs. Unlike epithelial tissue that is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. The matrix usually includes a large amount of extracellular material produced by the connective tissue cells that are embedded within it. It plays a significant role in the functioning of this tissue. The major component of the matrix is a...
01:26Bone Markings
Bones have various surface features that help form joints and attach to other soft tissues. Depending on the function, bone markings are categorized into articulating projections, processes for attachment, depressions, and openings.
Articulating Projections
Articulating projections are found where two bones meet to form a joint. These structures are usually found at the ends of bones. The largest articulation is a rounded projection called the head, supported by a narrow neck at the ends of...
Articulating Projections
Articulating projections are found where two bones meet to form a joint. These structures are usually found at the ends of bones. The largest articulation is a rounded projection called the head, supported by a narrow neck at the ends of...
01:09Spongy Bone
All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long bones, spongy bone tissue is mainly found in the interior of the epiphyses (broad ends of the bone).
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
00:55Fibrous Proteins
Fibrous proteins are either long and narrow proteins or assemble to form long and thin structures. They contain repetitive units and usually consist of either alpha helices or beta sheets and, in rare cases, a mix of both. The amino acids in the primary structure often consist of repeating amino acid sequences. The role of fibrous proteins is primarily structural. Many are located in the extracellular matrix and are present in connective tissues to impart strength and joint mobility. They are...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.