The unfavorable role of titanium particles released from dental implants

Abstract

Titanium is considered to be a metal material with the best biological safety. Studies have proved that the titanium implanted in the bone continuously releases titanium particles (Ti particles), significantly increasing the total titanium content in human body. Generally, Ti particles are released slowly without causing a systemic immune response. However, the continuous increased local concentration may result in damage to the intraepithelial homeostasis, aggravation of inflammatory reaction in the surrounding tissues, bone resorption and implant detachment. They also migrate with blood flow and aggregate in the distal organ. The release of Ti particles is affected by the score of the implant surface structure, microenvironment wear and corrosion, medical operation wear, and so on, but the specific mechanism is not clear. Thus, it difficult to prevent the release completely. This paper reviews the causes of the Ti particles formation, the damage to the surrounding tissue, and its mechanism, in particular, methods for reducing the release and toxicity of the Ti particles.