OAR@UM Collection:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/633512026-09-18T06:21:46Z2026-09-18T06:21:46ZIon release from removable dental metal alloy prostheses in patients suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux diseasehttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/381192020-11-04T08:24:25Z2014-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Ion release from removable dental metal alloy prostheses in patients suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the release of metal ions from alloys used in
removable dental prostheses and the potential effects on this ion release of gastro-oesophageal
reflux disease (GORD). METHODS: 37 patients were recruited. Data was
gathered through a questionnaire and clinical examination. Samples of metal alloy
from the dentures and patient's saliva were collected. GORD was confirmed using the
GerdQ questionnaire. Twelve (12) denture samples were characterized using Scanning
Electron Microscopy & Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, while 37 salivary samples
were tested for metal ion concentrations using Inductively-Coupled Plasma - Emission
Spectroscopy. RESULTS: Characterization of denture samples revealed the presence of
two main alloys: nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium. Nickel-chromium exhibited an
etched surface pattern, while cobalt-chromium exhibited no apparent surface
microstructural changes. The study revealed significant higher mean salivary levels of
chromium (p=0.011) and cobalt (p=0.038) in patients wearing any metal alloy based
denture, of chromium (p=0.047) and cobalt (p=0.013) in patients wearing a Co-Cr
prosthesis and of chromium (p=0.034) and nickel (p=0.037) in patients wearing a Ni-Cr
prosthesis. No significant differences were found in salivary metal ion levels of patients
suffering from GORD. CONCLUSION: Nickel-chromium alloy is prone to acid etching in
the oral cavity while cobalt-chromium alloy seems to be resistant. Cobalt, chromium
and nickel are leached in saliva of patients making use of cast removable prostheses.
The impact of gastric acid on metal ion release from dental metal alloys deserves
further investigations.
Description: M.SC.DENTAL SURGERY2014-01-01T00:00:00Z