In vitro corrosion of titanium

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Corrosion Science

Background:

• Titanium's excellent chemical, physical, and biological properties make it ideal for dental implants and frameworks.
• Understanding titanium's corrosion behavior is crucial for evaluating its biocompatibility in oral environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the corrosion behavior of titanium under various conditions relevant to dental applications.
• To quantify ion release from titanium and assess the influence of different factors, including chemical agents and preparation methods.

Main Methods:

• Static immersion tests were performed on titanium specimens.
• Parameters evaluated included specimen preparation, grinding, pH, casting systems, CAD/CAM comparison, and exposure to chloride, thiocyanate, fluoride, lactate, citrate, oxalate, and acetate.
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy and photometry were used for analysis.

Main Results:

• Titanium exhibited low ion release rates [(0.01-0.1) microg/(cm2 x d)], similar to gold alloys.
• Grinding and casting systems had minimal impact compared to organic acids or pH.
• Fluoride exposure dramatically increased ion release (up to 500 microg/(cm2 x d)), exacerbated by low pH.

Conclusions:

• While clinically no corrosion effects were observed, fluoride presence significantly enhances titanium ion release.
• It is recommended to avoid fluoride or minimize contact time with titanium dental materials.
• Utilizing varnish during prophylactic fluoridation is advised to protect dental restorations.