Aims: There is very little information known about the effects of fluoride on the corrosion of titanium dental implants. Corrosion of implants can lead to peri-implantitis and eventually implant failure. The aim of this study is to search and analyze the available literature to identify whether fluoride causes corrosion of titanium or Ti–6Al–4V, two materials commonly used to construct dental implants.
Materials and methods: Three online databases were used to search for literature relating to this subject. These included Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Dentistry and Oral Sciences. A scoping search was initially undertaken to identify potentially relevant literature. The studies were narrowed down by titles and abstract and then full-text review, based on predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Five studies were selected. The relevant information from the studies were extracted using a customized data extraction tool. The data were then analyzed allowing the conclusions to be drawn.
Results: Of the five studies included in this mini-systematic review, all concluded that fluoride does cause corrosion of dental implants, particularly, in the presence of an acidic pH.
Conclusion: Consideration must be given when prescribing topical fluorides for patients with titanium dental implants. Corrosion can occur in the presence of high fluoride levels, particularly if the oral environment is acidic.
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