Galvanic corrosion of dental cobalt-chromium alloys and dental amalgam in artificial saliva. 2008

L Jansen van Vuuren, and J S J Odendaal, and P C Pistorius
Department of Dental Sciences, Faculty Health Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, 0001 Preoria. JansenVanVuurenL@tut.ac.za

When two or more metals or alloys are placed in contact with one another inside the oral cavity, galvanic coupling may occur which may lead to galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion may release elements from the alloy into the oral cavity with possible harm to the patient. This in vitro study was conducted to determine the extent of galvanic corrosion where different dental amalgams and Co-Cr alloy combinations were placed in contact with artificial saliva as an electrolyte. The tests were conducted with potential measurements as well as potentiodynamic and potentio-static polarisation techniques. Results showed that the galvanic corrosion current density is much lower than the corrosion current density, indicating that galvanic coupling of the samples does not have a substantial effect on the overall corrosion of the samples. The corrosion potential differences between three of the four couples were above the minimum 50 mV potential difference, which is considered a potential harmful level, with only the Wironium Plus and Dispersalloy combination being under 50 mV potential difference. It is concluded that: Galvanic corrosion does not pose a greater threat to the alloys than ordinary corrosion. A Wironium Plus and Dispersalloy combination may be the safest where a Co-Cr and amalgam combination is required in the mouth of a patient.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008422 Materials Testing The testing of materials and devices, especially those used for PROSTHESES AND IMPLANTS; SUTURES; TISSUE ADHESIVES; etc., for hardness, strength, durability, safety, efficacy, and biocompatibility. Biocompatibility Testing,Biocompatible Materials Testing,Hemocompatibility Testing,Testing, Biocompatible Materials,Testing, Hemocompatible Materials,Hemocompatibility Testings,Hemocompatible Materials Testing,Materials Testing, Biocompatible,Materials Testing, Hemocompatible,Testing, Biocompatibility,Testing, Hemocompatibility,Testing, Materials,Testings, Biocompatibility
D011048 Polarography An electrochemical technique for measuring the current that flows in solution as a function of an applied voltage. The observed polarographic wave, resulting from the electrochemical response, depends on the way voltage is applied (linear sweep or differential pulse) and the type of electrode used. Usually a mercury drop electrode is used. DC Polarography,Pulse Polarography,Polarography, DC,Polarography, Pulse
D011199 Potentiometry Solution titration in which the end point is read from the electrode-potential variations with the concentrations of potential determining ions. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)
D002857 Chromium A trace element that plays a role in glucose metabolism. It has the atomic symbol Cr, atomic number 24, and atomic weight 52. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP85-002,1985), chromium and some of its compounds have been listed as known carcinogens.
D002858 Chromium Alloys Specific alloys not less than 85% chromium and nickel or cobalt, with traces of either nickel or cobalt, molybdenum, and other substances. They are used in partial dentures, orthopedic implants, etc. Chromium-Cobalt Alloys,Chromium-Nickel Alloys,Cobalt-Chromium Alloys,Nickel-Chromium Alloys,Alloys, Chromium,Alloys, Chromium-Cobalt,Alloys, Chromium-Nickel,Alloys, Cobalt-Chromium,Alloys, Nickel-Chromium,Chromium Cobalt Alloys,Chromium Nickel Alloys,Cobalt Chromium Alloys,Nickel Chromium Alloys
D003035 Cobalt A trace element that is a component of vitamin B12. It has the atomic symbol Co, atomic number 27, and atomic weight 58.93. It is used in nuclear weapons, alloys, and pigments. Deficiency in animals leads to anemia; its excess in humans can lead to erythrocytosis. Cobalt-59,Cobalt 59
D003343 Corrosion The gradual destruction of a metal or alloy due to oxidation or action of a chemical agent. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6th ed) Corrosions
D003722 Dental Alloys A mixture of metallic elements or compounds with other metallic or metalloid elements in varying proportions for use in restorative or prosthetic dentistry. Alloy, Dental,Alloys, Dental,Dental Alloy
D003723 Dental Amalgam An alloy used in restorative dentistry that contains mercury, silver, tin, copper, and possibly zinc. Amalgam, Dental,Amalgams, Dental,Dental Amalgams
D004563 Electrochemistry The study of chemical changes resulting from electrical action and electrical activity resulting from chemical changes. Electrochemistries

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