Bio-Tribocorrosion of Titanium Dental Implants and Its Toxicological Implications: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Bio-tribocorrosion is a phenomenon that combines the essentials of tribology (friction, wear, and lubrication) and corrosion with microbiological processes. Lately, it has gained attention in implant dentistry because dental implants are exposed to wear, friction, and biofilm formation in the corrosive oral environment. They may degrade upon exposure to various microbial, biochemical, and electrochemical factors in the oral cavity. The mechanical movement of the implant components produces friction and wear that facilitates the release of metal ions, promoting adverse oro-systemic reactions. This review describes the bio-tribocorrosion of the titanium (Ti) dental implants in the oral cavity and its toxicological implications. The original research related to the bio-tribo or tribocorrosion of the dental implants was searched in electronic databases like Medline (Pubmed), Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. About 34 studies included in the review showed that factors like the type of Ti, oral biofilm, acidic pH, fluorides, and micromovements during mastication promote bio-tribocorrosion of the Ti dental implants. Among the various grades of Ti, grade V, i.e., Ti6Al4V alloy, is most susceptible to tribocorrosion. Oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis produce acids and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that cause pitting corrosion and degrade the TiO2. The low pH and high fluoride concentration in saliva hinder passive film formation and promote metal corrosion. The released metal ions promote inflammatory reactions and bone destruction in the surrounding tissues resulting in peri-implantitis, allergies, and hyper-sensitivity reactions. However, further validation of the role of bio-tribocorrosion on the durability of the Ti dental implants and Ti toxicity is warranted through clinical trials.

Compressive strength of Ti-6Al-A4 after immersion test with artificial saliva pH 8.0 and dynamic testing

“…Mechanical movement erodes the layer, exposing the implant to environmental deterioration and corrosion. According to the current study, adding Ti particles to artificial saliva boosted its corrosion resistance [11]. The type of style generated is related to the shape of the implant and the location of the placement.…”

Effects of Severe Plastic Deformation on Advanced Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications: A Brief Overview

“…2632) As biomedical alloys, they do not produce cytotoxic and genotoxic effects and allergic and chronic inflammatory reactions in the human body by the release of toxic elements. 29,94) In spite of the extensive development of titanium alloys for biomedical applications in the last few years, SPD processing has been used to produce nanostructured titanium alloys with superior properties. 3746) The great interest in nanostructuring of titanium alloys is mainly due to the unique type of microstructure obtained by SPD processing which results in very significant grain refinement and improvement of mechanical, corrosion and biocompatibility properties.…”

Protein profile and tissue responses at newly restored implants compared to contralateral teeth over 12-months

“…However, it may be compromised under certain conditions, and when this oxide lm cannot spontaneously repair, titanium particles may be released to the surrounding tissues. [13][14][15][16] Evidence suggests that these particles might be harmful and trigger a series of biological reactions. 17 The foreign body equilibrium is a novel interpretation of osseointegration, 2 which represents a continuous and dynamic host defense reaction responsible for isolating the implant biomaterial foreign body from the recipient osseous housing by forming bone in direct contact with the implant surface.…”