Corrosive properties of fluoride-containing odontologic gels against titanium

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine, on a quantitative basis, the kinetics of ionization of pure and alloyed titanium in various electrolytic media including commercial dental gels containing fluoride ions (Fluogel). Methods: The experimental method is a linear sweep voltammetric analysis: making use of a rotating disc electrode. Several successive analyses of different titanium samples are carried out, particularly as a function of the nature of the electrolytic solutions. The current corrosion I-cor is measured by the determination of linear polarization resistence R(p). Results: R(p) and I-cor measurements by the voltammetric and analysis confirm the excellent resistance of physiological solutions; they also show that a fluoride-containing dental gel, which is a fluoridated and acidic preparation, is significantly harmful with respect to the corrosion process of titanium. Conclusion: The results of this study must draw our attention towards the use of prophylactic gels in which pH is acidic. Indeed titanium suffers an important corrosion process in fluoridated acidic media. Recommendations for the prescription and for the optimized composition of the dental gels could be derived.