Initial investigation of the corrosion stability of craniofacial implants.

Thamara Beline, Aljomar José Vechiato Filho, Alvin G Wee, Cortino Sukotjo, Daniela Micheline Dos Santos, Thaís Bianca Brandão, Valentim Adelino Ricardo Barão

Journal: The Journal of prosthetic dentistry 2018;119(1):185-192

PMID: 28533010

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Although craniofacial implants have been used for retention of facial prostheses, failures are common. Titanium undergoes corrosion in the oral cavity, but the corrosion of craniofacial implants requires evaluation.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the corrosion stability of commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) exposed to simulated human perspiration at 2 different pH levels (5.5 and 8).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifteen titanium disks were divided into 3 groups (n=5 per group). The control group was subjected to simulated body fluid (SBF) (control). Disks from the 2 experimental groups were immersed in simulated alkaline perspiration (SAP) and simulated acidic perspiration (SAP). Electrochemical tests, including open circuit potential (3600 seconds), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic tests were performed according to the standardized method of 3-cell electrodes. Data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey honestly significant difference tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

Simulated human perspiration reduced the corrosion stability of CP Ti (P<.05). The SBF group presented the lowest capacitance values (P<.05). SAP and SAP groups showed increased values of capacitance and showed no statistically significant differences (P>.05) from each other. The increase in capacitance suggests that the acceleration of the ionic exchanges between the CP Ti and the electrolyte leads to a lower corrosion resistance. SAP reduced the oxide layer resistance of CP Ti (P<.05), and an increased corrosion rate was noted in both simulated human perspiration groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Craniofacial implants can corrode when in contact with simulated human perspiration, whereas alkaline perspiration shows a more deleterious effect. Perspiration induces a more corrosive effect than simulated body fluid.

Address: Graduate student, Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.; Assistant, Dental Oncology Service, Institute of Cancer of São Paulo, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.; Section Head, Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Veteran's Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Neb; and Special Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Creighton University School of Dentistry, Omaha, Neb.; Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry, Chicago, Ill.; Assistant Professor, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Aracatuba Dental School, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil.; Coordinator, Dental Oncology Service, Institute of Cancer of São Paulo, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.; Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2017.02.015