Abstract
The use of metals and their alloys in restorative and implant dentistry dates back to centuries. Titanium (Ti) is one of the most widely used biomaterial for medical implants because of its excellent mechanical properties and exceptional biocompatibility. The good biocompatibility of Ti is related to the thin oxide layer formed on Ti surface. TiO2 is inactive with the surrounding biological environment and quite compatible with living tissues. However, TiO2 layer can be destroyed during movements between implant and bone tissue under loading condition. The localized destruction causes corrosion of the implant, thus, weakening it; and can induce the leak of small metallic particles or ions into living tissues. This article highlights a review of the various aspects of corrosion and biocompatibility of dental titanium implants as well as suprastructures, and the methods to prevent it.
Highlights
Implant dentistry is the second oldest discipline in dentistry after oral surgery
This article highlights a review of the various aspects of corrosion and biocompatibility of dental titanium implants as well as suprastructures, and the methods to prevent it
Titanium and titanium alloys are commonly used as dental implant materials
Summary
Implant dentistry is the second oldest discipline in dentistry after oral surgery. Root form implants have been used for thousands of years. 4000 years ago, the ancient Chinese used carved bamboo pegs, tapped into the bone, to replace lost teeth. 2000 years ago the ancient Egyptians used shaped pegs made of precious metals. The high corrosion resistance of titanium is due to the formation of a dense and stable layer of titanium oxide on its surface. Titanium oxide is responsible for chemical stability in the human body [6,7,8,9,10]. This layer is formed quickly because of the reactivity of the titanium with oxygen, which originates several oxides, with TiO2 being the major oxide formed. When titanium is exposed to fluoride, its oxide layer is damaged, and titanium is degraded. Agarwal et al / Open Journal of Stomatology 4 (2014) 56-60 due to the incorporation of fluoride ions in the oxide layer, considerably decreasing its protective properties [15,16,17]
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