Mechanical properties, surface morphology and stability of a modified commercially pure high strength titanium alloy for dental implants

ObjectiveCommercially pure titanium (cp Ti) and Ti–6Al–4V (Ti G5) alloy have limitations for biomedical application, due to lower mechanical strength and the possibility of ion release, respectively. The purpose of this work was to compare the properties of a modified cp Ti grade 4 (Ti G4 Hard) with those of available cp Ti and Ti G5 alloys.MethodsBars, discs and dental implants made with Ti G2, G4, G5 and G4 Hard were used. Mechanical tests (tension, compression, hardness and torque) and roughness measurements were performed. Clinical trials were used to evaluate the biological behavior of dental implants made with Ti G4 Hard and Ti G4.ResultsThe results of the mechanical tests showed that the mechanical strength of modified Ti G4 is higher than that of Ti G2, G4 and G5. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that modified Ti G4 after etching has better surface morphological features than conventional cp Ti and Ti G5. The clinical performances of Ti G4 and Ti G4 Hard were similar.SignificanceThe improvement of the mechanical properties of modified Ti G4 means that Ti G5 can be safely replaced by Ti G4 Hard without compromising the fracture resistance, with the advantage of not releasing toxic ions.