Titanium as a Reconstruction and Implant Material in Dentistry: Advantages and Pitfalls

Abstract

Commercial pure titanium (cpTi) has been the material of choice in several disciplines of dentistry due to its biocompatibility, resistance to corrosion and mechanical properties. Despite a number of favorable characteristics, cpTi as a reconstruction and oral implant material has several shortcomings. This paper highlights current knowledge on material properties, passive oxidation film formation, corrosion, surface activation, cell interactions, biofilm development, allergy, casting and machining properties of cpTi for better understanding and potential improvement of this material for its clinical applications.

Keywords

• biomechanics
• corrosion
• dentistry
• implant
• surface characteristics
• titanium