In vitro Evaluation of Titanium Exfoliation during Simulated Surgical Insertion of Dental Implants

Titanium dental implants are widely used due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, the potential for titanium particle exfoliation during surgical insertion remains a concern, as it may affect osseointegration and peri-implant health. This study aims to evaluate the extent of titanium exfoliation during simulated surgical insertion of dental implants. A total of 30 titanium dental implants were surgically inserted into synthetic bone blocks using a standardized drilling protocol. The procedure was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment to simulate clinical conditions. Titanium particle exfoliation was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) at multiple insertion depths (0 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm). The quantity of titanium particles was measured and analyzed statistically. The SEM and EDS analyses revealed significant titanium exfoliation at each insertion depth. The mean number of titanium particles detected at 0 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm depths were 25 ± 5, 45 ± 8, and 60 ± 10 particles per mm2, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in particle count with increasing depth of insertion (P < 0.01). The findings indicate that titanium exfoliation occurs during the surgical insertion of dental implants and increases with the depth of insertion. This exfoliation could potentially impact peri-implant tissue health and osseointegration. Further clinical studies are necessary to assess the long-term effects of titanium particle exfoliation on implant success.