Metallic Dental Materials Research Articles

Artifacts from dental metal alloys in magnetic resonance imaging

To evaluate the artifact sizes at 3.0 T compared to at 1.5 T caused by three kinds of metallic dental materials, and to evaluate the influences of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences on the artifact. Samples of metal-ceramic crown of three kinds of dental materials (Ni-Cr alloy, Co-Cr alloy, and gold alloy) were placed in a cylindrical plastic vessel filled with agarose gel. Acrylic resin crown was used as control. Images were performed by means of 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI apparatus with 4 different sequences commonly used in brain MRI sequences. Artifact diameter was calculated and compared quantitatively. A 4 x 4 x 2 factorial design was applied to determine the effects on the MRI artifact of different metal materials, different sequences, and different magnetic field strengths. ANOVA of factorial design showed that the influences of material, magnetic field strength, and sequence were all significantly different( materials: F = 124.796, df = 3, P = 0.000; magnetic field strength: F = 9.367, df = 1, P = 0.003; sequence: F = 3.020, df = 3, P = 0.036). Among the 3 kinds of alloys, the gold alloy produced the least artifact. Among the 4 imaging sequences, fast spin echo (FSE) produced the least artifact. The artifact sizes increased at 3.0 T compared to at 1.5T. Interactions among the 3 factors did not influence the artifacts significantly (P > 0.05). Selection of specific metal material and imaging sequence can minimize the metal artifacts in MRI. The increment of artifacts at 3.0 T is only by 10% compared to that at 1.5 T. But 3.0 T MRI system has great advantages, so it is eligible on patients with metal restoration.

Magnetic susceptibility and electrical conductivity of metallic dental materials and their impact on MR imaging artifacts

Objectives The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that dental materials vary significantly in MR-relevant material parameters—magnetic susceptibility and electrical conductivity, and that knowledge of these parameters may be used to estimate the quality of MR imaging in the presence of devices made of such materials. Methods Magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity and artifacts were evaluated for 45 standardized cylindrical samples of dental alloys and amalgams. Magnetic susceptibility was determined by fitting the phase of gradient-echo MR images to numerically modeled data. Electrical conductivity was determined by standard electrotechnical measurements. Artifact sizes were measured in spin-echo (SE) and gradient-echo (GE) images at 1.5 T according to the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials. Results It has been confirmed that dental materials differ considerably in their magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity and artifacts. For typical dental devices, magnetic susceptibility differences were found of little clinical importance for diagnostic SE/GE imaging of the neck and brain, but significant for orofacial imaging. Short-TE GE imaging has been found possible even in very close distances from dental devices made of amalgams, precious alloys and titanium alloys. Nickel–chromium and cobalt–chromium artifacts were found still acceptable, but large restorations of aluminum bronzes may preclude imaging of the orofacial region. The influence of electrical conductivity on the artifact size was found negligible. Significance MR imaging is possible even close to dental devices if they are made of dental materials with low magnetic susceptibility. Not all materials in current use meet this requirement.

Corrosion of dental metallic materials by dental treatment agents

Currently, dental bleaching and fluoride treatment agents are popular for esthetic purposes and prevention of plaque and caries formation. The corrosive effect of these agents on dental metallic materials has not been well documented. It was an objective of this in vitro study to evaluate and compare chemical and electrochemical corrosion behavior of seven metallic dental materials in commercially available fluoride and bleaching agents. Fluoride treatment agents were tested on Ti–6Al–4V and 17-4 stainless steel. Discoloration on these alloys was examined by a colorimeter and the naked eyes. Bleaching agents were tested on commercially pure titanium, Ni–Co–Mo alloy, type IV gold alloy, and amalgam. Electrochemical corrosion tests were also conducted for these materials, using each treatment agent as an electrolyte. All tested materials suffered from discoloration, which mostly disappeared after brushing. The fluoride-treated 17-4 stainless steel indicated severe intergranular attack, causing localized Cr depletion. The bleaching agents made the passivation layer on the metallic materials unstable. Within the limitations of this study, although these treatments are indicated for patients (enamel), it is proven that these agents are contraindicated for dental metallic materials.

High Temperature Characteristics and Solidification Microstructures of Dental Metallic Materials: Part III Alloys for Metal-bond Porcelain

The thermal expansion rate, coefficient of thermal expansion, and high temperature strength of two types of commercially available alloy for metal-bond porcelain, KIK-HII (KIK) and Degubond-J2 (J2), were evaluated up to the liquidus point temperature using a thermo-mechanical analyzer. Furthermore, microstructure in the solid-liquid coexisting region was observed for evaluation. Our results revealed the following findings: 1. For KIK, solidus point was 1,209.3 +/- 3.2 degrees C, liquidus point was 1,308.3 +/- 7.10 degrees C, and melting expansion rate was 0.41+/- 0.16%. 2. For J2, solidus point was 1,198.3 +/- 0.6 degrees C, liquidus point was 1,253.0 +/- 4.4 degrees C, and melting expansion rate was 4.50 +/- 0.80%. 3. At high temperature, the mechanical characteristics of KIK greatly differed from those of J2. The risk of causing deformation during porcelain baking was suggested for KIK. Removal of segregation during casting was considered difficult in J2.

Metallic dental materials in patient's oral cavity acting as electrodes of electrochemical cells

AbstractThe work was aimed at studying of standard potentials of commonly used metallic dental materials and determining of the effect of saliva conductivity and reaction on value of the potentials. The following materials have been examined: gold alloy (a material used for crowns and bridgeworks), chromium‐cobalt alloy (for frameworks in removable partial dentures), and silver amalgams (used for fillings) manufactured by three different companies.Taking into account that mucosa makes one of the electrodes existing in oral cavity the rest potentials of mucosa have been in vivo measured in several patients. Their values, converted with respect to NHE, oscillated within the range from + 0.31 V to + 0.47 V.Among metallic dental materials examined in the experiment maximal standard potential was found for the gold alloy, further materials having lower potentials, in decreasing order, were chromium‐cobalt alloy, and the amalgams Amalcap Plus, ANA 2000 and Septalloy.Significant differences between standard potentials of examined materials and mucosa indicate spontaneous formation of galvanic cells of electromotive force reaching even about 0.6 V.

Metallic dental material biocompatibility in osteoblastlike cells: correlation with metal ion release.

Ions released from metallic dental materials used in orthodontic appliances could induce undesirable effects on cells and tissues. This study evaluates the biocompatibility of two of the most labile components of metallic dental alloys on osteoblastlike cells. The influence of protein and ions on metal dissolution properties is also investigated using different electrolyte solutions. Morphological alterations, cell growth, and differentiation of osteoblasts were assessed after exposure to pure metals (Ag, Cu, Pd, Au) and Ni-Ti alloy and correlated with the kinetics of elements released into the culture media. Results showed that Cu and Ag were the most cytotoxic elements and the other metals were biocompatible with the osteoblasts. The parameters of biocompatibility were correlated with the levels of ions detected into the culture media. Metal ions induced cell death through early mitosis arrest, apoptotic phenomena, and necrotic processes. Voltammograms showed that anions and proteins interfered in the corrosion process. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) strongly affected the electrochemical process, decreasing the oxidation rate of the metals. In conclusion, copper and silver ions showed a time-dependent low biocompatibility, which correlated with the concentration of released ions. The dissolution of the metallic materials was dependent on the composition of the simulated biological media.

High temperature characteristics and solidification microstructures of dental metallic materials. Part II. ADAS Type 3 gold alloy.

Previously, high temperature properties of the silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy were investigated. In this study, the thermal expansion percentage and coefficient, and high temperature strengths of ADAS Type 3 gold alloy were investigated up to the liquidus temperature. Furthermore, microstructural and compositional changes in the solid/liquid dual phase were studied. The following conclusions were obtained. (1) The solidus point of the Type 3 gold alloy was 899.3+/-11.7 degrees C, and the liquidus point was 962.3+/-2.4 degrees C. (2) The thermal expansion percentage at the solidus point was 1.636+/-0.046%, while it was 4.853+/-0.213% for the liquidus point. The thermal expansion percentage of the melt was 3.217+/-0.257%. (3) The melt expansion was observed even under the measuring pressure of 373.75 HPa, which was quite different from the fact that the melt expansion disappeared at the pressure of 20.87 HPa for the silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy. (4) The morphology of solid phase in the solid/liquid dual zone of this alloy was quite different from those observed with the silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy.

High temperature characteristics and solidification microstructures of dental metallic materials part I: silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy.

Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloy was subjected to a Thermo-Mechanical Analyzer to investigate high temperature properties up to its liquidus temperature. Microstructural examination and elemental analysis with EPMA were also conducted in the solid/liquid mixture region. The following conclusions were obtained. (1) The solidus temperature was 838.3 +/- 2.52 degrees C and 957.7 +/- 1.53 degrees C for the liquidus point. (2) Thermal expansion coefficients were 1.39 +/- 0.08% at the solidus, 2.338 +/- 0.13% at the liquidus, and the melting expansion coefficient was 0.932 +/- 0.058%. (3) The expansion during melting was controlled by a small amount of pressure such as 1/100 of the air pressure, therefore the fit accuracy of castings is suggested not to be influenced by the solidification shrinkage. (4) Although the softening heat treatment and casting exhibited an influence on thermal expansion behavior, casting temperature in addition to post-casting plastic deformation did not show an effect on the thermal expansion. (5) The yield strength at 750 degrees C was reduced down to about 1/400 of that at room temperature, and the modulus of elasticity was about 1/100 of the room temperature value.

Biocompatibility of dental casting alloys.

Most cast dental restorations are made from alloys or commercially pure titanium (cpTi). Many orthodontic appliances are also fabricated from metallic materials. It has been documented in vitro and in vivo that metallic dental devices release metal ions, mainly due to corrosion. Those metallic components may be locally and systemically distributed and could play a role in the etiology of oral and systemic pathological conditions. The quality and quantity of the released cations depend upon the type of alloy and various corrosion parameters. No general correlation has been observed between alloy nobility and corrosion. However, it has been documented that some Ni-based alloys, such as beryllium-containing Ni alloys, exhibit increased corrosion, specifically at low pH. Further, microparticles are abraded from metallic restorations due to wear. In sufficient quantities, released metal ions-particularly Cu, Ni, Be, and abraded microparticles-can also induce inflammation of the adjacent periodontal tissues and the oral mucosa. While there is also some in vitro evidence that the immune response can be altered by various metal ions, the role of these ions in oral inflammatory diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis is unknown. Allergic reactions due to metallic dental restorations have been documented. Ni has especially been identified as being highly allergenic. Interestingly, from 34% to 65.5% of the patients who are allergic to Ni are also allergic to Pd. Further, Pd allergy always occurrs with Ni sensitivity. In contrast, no study has been published which supports the hypothesis that dental metallic materials are mutagenic/genotoxic or might be a carcinogenic hazard to man. Taken together, very contradictory data have been documented regarding the local and systemic effects of dental casting alloys and metallic ions released from them. Therefore, it is of critical importance to elucidate the release of cations from metallic dental restorations in the oral environment and to determine the biological interactions of released metal components with oral and systemic tissues.

Biocompatibility of Dental Alloys

Modern dental alloys have been used for 50 years to produce prosthetic dental restorations. Generally, the crowns and frames of a prosthesis are prepared in dental alloys, and then veneered by feldspar ceramics or composites. In use, the alloys are exposed to the corrosive influence of saliva and bacteria. Metallic dental materials can be classified as precious and non-precious alloys. Precious alloys consist of gold, platinum, and small amounts of non-precious components such as copper, tin, or zinc. The non-precious alloys are based on either nickel or cobalt, alloyed with chrome, molybdenum, manganese, etc. Titanium is used as Grade 2 quality for dental purposes. As well as the dental casting alloys, high purity electroplated gold (99.8 wt.-%) is used in dental technology. This review discusses the corrosion behavior of metallic dental materials with saliva in “in vitro” tests and the influence of alloy components on bacteria (Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus mutans). The test results show that alloys with high gold content, cobalt-based alloys, titanium, and electroplated gold are suitable for use as dental materials.

Biodeterioration of dental materials: Influence of bacterial adherence

The aim of this work was to carry out a comparative study of microbial adhesion on dental alloys and glass ionomers that release fluoride. The action of NaF on the early stages of biofilm development and on the corrosion of the metallic dental materials was analysed. Open circuit potential measurements and potentiostatic electrochemical techniques with different perturbation programs as well as SEM observations, and optical and epifluorescence microscopy were employed. A notable effect of topography and the nature of the substratum on bacterial distribution was observed. In addition, changes in the density and thickness of microbial colonies were noticed when fluoride was present. The results show that the antimicrobial effect of fluoride was significant against planktonic but not against sessile microorganisms. Fluoride released by glass ionomers did not impede bacterial adhesion to the surface. With respect to corrosion, fluoride did not alter significantly the passivity of the dental metallic biomaterials assayed, except for Cu‐Al alloy. Titanium dissolution could occur at high fluoride concentrations (8gl‐1) during oxide layer formation. Consequently, bacterial adherence was influenced by the nature and topography of the substratum and by the presence of fluoride which could also affect the electrochemical behaviour of some metallic substrata.

The thin electrolyte layer approach to corrosion testing of dental materials—characterization of the technique

An innovative technique for corrosion testing of metallic dental materials is introduced. The thin electrolyte layer technique (TET) simulates the physical characteristics of the oral environment by employing a still, thin layer of an electrolyte, in contrast to bulk electrolyte techniques (BET) which utilize relatively large quantities of fluid. Limiting current density tests on a platinum electrode revealed a lower surface oxygen content for TET. Borate buffer (pH 6.8) was employed as an electrolyte. The effect of lower oxygen content in TET on passivation and polarization characteristics of 316L SS in 0.9% saline was investigated. The results revealed differences in the polarization resistance and open circuit potential development with time, as well as in anodic and cathodic polarization behavior. Lower O 2 concentration in TET was attributed to different electrolyte convection characteristics under both testing conditions. Additionally, use of the TET resulted in better data reproducibility. Overall, this investigation led to a deeper understanding of the electrochemical processes inherent in thin electrolytes such as those found in the oral environment.

In vivo dose increase in the presence of dental alloys during 60Co-gamma-ray therapy of the oral cavity

During irradiation of the mouth cavity, dental metallic materials emit secondary electrons and thus increase the applied radiation dose in their vicinity. Therefore, local destruction of the mucous membrane contacting metallic dental crowns and fillings may be observed. Available data on this dose increase are based on measurements with beam arrangements perpendicular to the metallic surface. Since the dose modification depends on the beam direction in relation to specimen surface, a reliable prediction of dose modification in the close vicinity of dental caps or fillings under complex beam arrangments, as applied in the irradiation of head and neck region from the published data is not possible. Therefore, we measured dose increase in the immediate surrounding of metallic dental material using thermoluminescence dosimetry on the phantom and during routinely applied 60Co gamma ray therapy. Phantom measurements were carried out using several oblique irradiation angles and rotational therapy. In vivo measurements were carried out at alloy specimens containing gold, palladium, and amalgam in six patients and at permanently fixed golden teeth in five patients. In vivo, the following relative dose increase values according to a simultaneously measured reference value were obtained at the surface of different dental materials: 61% for fixed golden caps, 68% for the specimen containing gold, 33% for the specimen of palladium and 61% for the specimen of amalgam. The measured dose increases due to metallic dental material during routinely applied external 60Co beam irradiation are lower compared with those of perpendicular beam arrangements. Although, the extent of dose modification is less than expected, we still advocate protection of the oral mucosa to prevent painful lesion spots.

A new technology for direct restorative alloys

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to develop a new technology for preparing mercury-free metallic dental restorative materials. Methods. The novel approach relies on the cold welding of surface-treated silver particles. At ambient temperatures, intermetallic compound formation takes place spontaneously at the silver-tin interface. The ability of a loose powder to consolidate at ambient temperature under moderate pressure and within a short time duration was investigated for various mixtures of elemental silver, tin, and pre-alloyed silver-coated powders. Surface treatment aimed at removing silver surface oxide layers is done with a dilute acid. The compressive and the transverse rupture strengths of several of the consolidated powder mixtures were determined. Cold-welding of surface-treated powder particles takes place across the silver-silver interface and is promoted by exposure to a mild acid. Powder mixtures containing approximately 50% silver powder, 40% silver-coated silver-tin intermetallic compound particles, and a small silver-tin fraction deposited from an aqueous solution display very good condensability, depending on the amount of silver-silver interface area available. The attained rupture strength values (200 Mpa) were higher than those of amalgams; the compressive strengths (120 MPa) and hardness values (100 KHN), however, were lower than those found for amalgams. Mercury-free silver-tin powder mixtures can be processed for use as metallic composite dental restorative materials.

Human cell culture studies with dental metallic materials

The compatibility of cast non-alloyed titanium and eight dental castable alloys (precious, low noble, non-precious) was determined by means of human primary oral fibroblasts derived from the attached gingiva and the periodontium. Furthermore, cast non-alloyed Ti was tested in a human permanent cell culture (MOLT 4). All investigated metallic materials showed cytotoxic properties in primary cultures. The differences in cytotoxicity between the various materials were statistically significant. The best results were found for one noble alloy and for non-alloyed titanium, whereas all non-precious alloys almost completely inhibited cell growth. The cytotoxic potential of the investigated materials might contribute to the irritating effect of dental cast restorations adjacent to the gingiva and the periodontium.

Clinical registration of charge transfer between dental metallic materials in patients with disorders and/or discomfort allegedly caused by corrosion

Thirty referred patients and 15 control subjects were investigated with reference to the occurrence of bimetallic corrosion in the oral cavity. No differences between patients and controls could be found regarding the registered charge transfer between dissimilar short-circuited dental metallic restorations and/or appliances. However, a relatively large number of periodontal and mucous membrane affections, carious lesions and stomatognathic and/or temporomandibular joint disturbances were found within the patient group.