In Vivo Corrosion of Dental Implants.
Dental implants are one of the more rapidly advancing areas of medical technology.
These are complex, metallic structures consisting of a bone anchor pin capped with a prosthodontic tooth. There is widespread concern about the long term performance of these devices since metallic compounds may be released as a result of galvanic corrosion between the various metal components. Recent clinical studies have shown that corrosion can cause severe oral lesions after several years exposure. We have nearly completed galvanic corrosion studies in vitro using isotonic saline solutions at body temperature. We have developed a new specimen design which simulates crevice-containing galvanic couple which could occur at threaded connections.