A perfectly positioned and well-maintained dental implant has the potential to last for many years, providing enhanced stability, function and aesthetics to the smile. But the lifetime of an implant is dependent on a range of factors, from behavioural habits to biological factors.
One concern is corrosion. Titanium is known for its biocompatibility, hence its use in implantology to fuse to the jawbone. However, despite its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, the degradation of the material through bio-tribocorrosion is a challenge clinicians may face, and raises questions about the longevity of titanium in dental implantology.
Biological power
As a stand-alone complication, tribocorrosion refers to the mechanical forces and chemical and electrochemical interactions that cause the breakdown of dental implant surfaces.[i] This spans friction and wear. Bio-tribocorrosion goes further, addressing the biological factors that can contribute to implant failure: biofilms in the oral cavity, saliva, inflammatory mediators, and fluctuating pH levels.[ii] The impact of bio-tribocorrosion can lead not only to peri-implantitis and implant loss, but can affect the body in ways that are still being researched.[iii] It is essential that the biological factors are seen not as passive environments, but as consequential forces.
Titanium’s corrosion resistance stems from its outer layer, where a passive film surface of titanium dioxide creates a barrier to ion diffusion.[iv] Any mechanical disruption to this layer leaves the underlying metal vulnerable to the surrounding environment, which may include saliva, harmful bacteria and acidic substances, which can wear down the metal. This local corrosion is followed by the spontaneous formation of the passive film of titanium dioxide; the broken film is quickly restored and prevents further corrosion.[v] However, repeated depassivation and repassivation cycles leads to material degradation and the release of metal ions into the surrounding soft tissue and bloodstream.[vi]
Managing microparticles
The spread of titanium microparticles is cause for concern. Such ions have been found in peri-implant soft tissues and even in distant organs, having passed through the bloodstream.[vii] Because of their size, the microparticles have a high surface area to volume ratio, making them highly reactive with cells and molecular pathways, especially those involved in inflammation and bone metabolism. Whilst research has yet to confirm anything more than a common occurrence – rather than a causation – between titanium microparticles and peri-implantitis, the increased risk of inflammation and bone resorption may still contribute to implant failure.[viii]
By preventing bio-tribocorrosion, implant clinicians can better contain the spread of titanium microparticles. For instance, research has found that the presence of zirconium in 5 per cent of the alloy results in the formation of a thicker and more compact passive film in a shorter time than those formed in the case of 25 and 45 per cent zirconium additions to titanium.[ix] The rate of the layer’s ‘self-healing’ is therefore dependent on the metallic composition of the surface.
Controlling the issue
The material of the implant plays a major role in both lowering the risk of corrosion and also repairing any damage already caused by corrosion. More advanced alloys, such as those with carbon-based bioactive coatings or ceramic layers, can reduce wear and maintain biological compatibility – though at a higher cost compared to traditional titanium implants.[x]
The clinician and patient should identify any preventive strategies that may lessen wear, using a multi-faceted approach that encompasses the mechanical, chemical and biological contributors simultaneously.[xi] For instance, the clinician must minimise occlusal overload with careful prosthetic planning, whilst consistent dental daily care from the patient can control biofilm accumulation – both minimise bio-tribocorrosion.
For world-class implant treatment knowledge, consider the courses available at the ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute & Hospital, led by eminent specialist oral surgeon Professor Cemal Ucer. The MSc/PG Diploma in Dental Implantology course is a 3-year, part-time endeavour that equips clinicians with the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver outstanding implant treatments. Included modules cover implant maintenance and managing complex cases, taught by some of the UK’s leading figures in implantology to ensure long-lasting outcomes for patients.
Corrosion, particularly bio-tribocorrosion, impacts the function and aesthetics of a dental implant, whilst the resulting wear and spread of metal microparticles can affect the risk of peri-implantitis. A multi-faceted approach to implant treatment planning and post-surgery maintenance is essential to meet patient expectations for a better quality of life.
Please contact Professor Ucer at ucer@icedental.institute or Mel Hay at mel@mdic.co
01612 371842
Author: Professor Cemal Ucer (BDS, MSc, PhD, Oral Surgeon, ITI Fellow
[i] Swalsky, A., Noumbissi, S.S. and Wiedemann, T.G. (2024). The systemic and local interactions related to titanium implant corrosion and hypersensitivity reactions: a narrative review of the literature. International Journal of Implant Dentistry, 10(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40729-024-00578-3.
[ii] Hariprasad, A., Menon, S.S., Kurumathur Vasudevan, A., Rajan Peter, M., Balakrishnan, B. and Suresh, R. (2026). Bio-Tribocorrosion of Titanium Dental Implants in the Oral Environment: A Narrative Review. Cureus. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.103188.
[iii] Chen, L., Tong, Z., Luo, H., Qu, Y., Xiao, G. and Si, M. (2023). Titanium particles in peri-implantitis: distribution, pathogenesis and prospects. International Journal of Oral Science, [online] 15(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41368-023-00256-x.
[iv] Hariprasad, A., Menon, S.S., Kurumathur Vasudevan, A., Rajan Peter, M., Balakrishnan, B. and Suresh, R. (2026). Bio-Tribocorrosion of Titanium Dental Implants in the Oral Environment: A Narrative Review. Cureus. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.103188.
[v] Asserghine, A., Filotás, D., Nagy, L., Souto, R.M. and Nagy, G. (2022). Do titanium biomaterials get immediately and entirely repassivated? A perspective. npj Materials Degradation, [online] 6(1), pp.1–5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-022-00270-0.
[vi] Asserghine, A., Filotás, D., Nagy, L., Souto, R.M. and Nagy, G. (2022). Do titanium biomaterials get immediately and entirely repassivated? A perspective. npj Materials Degradation, [online] 6(1), pp.1–5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-022-00270-0.
[vii] Hariprasad, A., Menon, S.S., Kurumathur Vasudevan, A., Rajan Peter, M., Balakrishnan, B. and Suresh, R. (2026). Bio-Tribocorrosion of Titanium Dental Implants in the Oral Environment: A Narrative Review. Cureus. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.103188.
[viii] Dionigi, C., Nagy, G., Derks, J., Ichioka, Y., Tomasi, C., Larsson, L., Primetzhofer, D. and Berglundh, T. (2025). Titanium micro-particles are commonly found in soft tissues surrounding dental implants. Communications Medicine, [online] 5(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-025-00756-3.
[ix] Asserghine, A., Filotás, D., Nagy, L., Souto, R.M. and Nagy, G. (2022). Do titanium biomaterials get immediately and entirely repassivated? A perspective. npj Materials Degradation, [online] 6(1), pp.1–5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-022-00270-0.
[x] Maher, N., Mahmood, A., Fareed, M.A., Kumar, N., Rokaya, D. and Zafar, M.S. (2024). An updated review and recent advancements in carbon-based bioactive coatings for dental implant applications. Journal of Advanced Research. [online] doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2024.07.016.
[xi] Hariprasad, A., Menon, S.S., Kurumathur Vasudevan, A., Rajan Peter, M., Balakrishnan, B. and Suresh, R. (2026). Bio-Tribocorrosion of Titanium Dental Implants in the Oral Environment: A Narrative Review. Cureus. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.103188.
