In Vitro Evaluation of the Corrosion Resistance and Biocompatibility of Different Dental Implant Metals

Objective: To evaluate the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of different dental implant metals in vitro. METHODS: Six dental implant metals (titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloy, nickel-titanium alloy, and zirconium) were evaluated for corrosion resistance using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization tests. Biocompatibility was assessed using cell culture tests with human osteoblast-like cells. RESULTS: Titanium and titanium alloy showed the highest corrosion resistance (10.2 ± 0.5 Ω/cm² and 9.5 ± 0.4 Ω/cm², respectively) and biocompatibility (95.2 ± 2.1% and 92.1 ± 2.5% cell viability, respectively). Zirconium also showed high corrosion resistance (8.1 ± 0.4 Ω/cm²) and biocompatibility (90.5 ± 2.8% cell viability). Stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloy, and nickel-titanium alloy had lower corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that titanium and titanium alloy are suitable materials for dental implants due to their high corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Zirconium may also be a suitable alternative.