Metal Ion Emission and Corrosion Resistance of 3D-Printed Dental Alloy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic rehabilitation requires application of materials with different chemical, mechanical, and biological properties which must provide longevity, esthetics, and safe use. Corrosion resistance and metal ion emission are the major factors defining biocompatibility of base dental alloys. Digitalization in dentistry leads to the development of new materials suitable for CAD/CAM technologies. Cobalt-chromium powder alloys are used for additive manufacturing of PFM crowns. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate metal ion emission and corrosion resistance of cobalt-chromium dental alloy for 3D printing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five metal copings were designed using digital files of intraoral scans of 35 patients. CoCr dental alloy EOS CobaltChrome SP2 (EOS, Germany) was used to produce the copings by direct metal laser sintering. Tests for the presence of free cobalt ions were conducted at several stages of the production process. Open circuit potential measurements were conducted 2 h, 24 h, and 7 days after placing the copings in artificial saliva. Metal ion emission was assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after 24 h and 7 days period of stay in the solution. RESULTS: Tests for free cobalt ions were positive at all stages during production of the metal copings. Eocp measurements showed high corrosion resistance which increased in time. ICP-MS showed significantly higher amount of cobalt and chromium ions after 7-day period of stay compared to 24 h period. CONCLUSION: Metal ion emission and corrosion resistance are within the accepted range, but the detected ion release from the tested dental alloy for 3D printing requires further clinical investigations on the biological properties.