Effect of thermocycling on the surface texture and release of titanium particles from titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) plates and dental implants: An in vitro study

Abstract Statement of problem The release of titanium (Ti) particles from the surface of endosseous dental implants is not well understood. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of thermocycling on the surface texture and release of Ti particles from the surface of dental implants. Material and methods Three MSI dental implants and 3 Ti alloy (Ti6Al4V) plates were divided into 6 subgroups (n=3). Specimens in each group were subjected to 0 (control group), 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 thermocycles. After each cycling process, artificial saliva was collected, and the concentrations of released Ti particles were quantified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS). The surfaces of the dental implants and Ti plates were evaluated before and after thermocycling by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and SEM images were analyzed by using the ImageJ software. Data were analyzed by mixed-model ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (α=.05). Results The greatest Ti release was seen after 2000 thermocycles. After increasing the number of cycles, additional Ti particles were released. SEM images of the surfaces of the dental implants and Ti plates displayed significant changes in surface texture. Conclusions Thermocycling continuously removed the protective TiO2 layer on the surface of dental implants, resulting in the release of Ti particles. The surface treatment and texture did not affect the release of Ti particles.