Titanium in dentistry: development and research in the U.S.A

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Research
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Titanium's use in dentistry dates back to animal studies in 1940.
• Early suggestions for casting titanium for implant posts emerged in 1959.
• Cast titanium for dental prostheses was first reported in the U.S. in 1977.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development of titanium applications in U.S. dentistry.
• To outline the current research status of titanium in dental applications.
• To highlight trends in titanium research presented at IADR/AADR meetings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of titanium research in dentistry.
• Analysis of presentations at annual International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and American Association for Dental Research (AADR) meetings.
• Survey of research trends over the past decade.

Main Results:

• A steady increase in research on titanium in dentistry over the last decade.
• The majority of titanium research is presented by American researchers.
• 59% of titanium research focuses on dental implantology, with growing interest in casting and prosthodontics.

Conclusions:

• Titanium research in U.S. dentistry has significantly advanced, particularly in implantology.
• While casting and prosthodontic applications are increasing, they remain less prevalent than implant research.
• The review provides a comprehensive overview of titanium's role and research trajectory in American dentistry.