EFFECT OF CHLORHEXIDINE ON VARIOUS DENTAL IMPLANT SURFACES TYPES: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ION RELEASE AND CORROSION IN AN IN VITRO SURGICAL MODEL

Background: Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash is one of the most commonly used antimicrobial solutions in dental practice. Nevertheless, this copolymer material on implant surface is susceptible to corrosion and ion release, which can result in the reduction of the lifetime of implant-supported restorations.
Objective: The aim of this comparative in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine on the corrosion resistance and release of ions of various surface material associated dental implants with different clinical designs under simulated surgical conditions.
Materials and Methods: Thirty dental implants in six groups were tested by material (Grade IV Titanium, Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V, and Zirconia) and design (Endosteal, Subperiosteal, and Mini implants). The samples were all soaked with 0.2% and 0.12% chlorhexidine for 7 and 21 days in artificial saliva. The scale inhibition performance
and corrosion resistance were observed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the ion concentration was analyzed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Results: Chlorhexidine exposure resulted in different degrees of corrosion and ionic release on different implant materials and designs. Ion release of Ti alloys was higher than that of Grade IV Ti and Zirconia. Mini implants showed higher levels of surface degradation with their larger surface-to-volume ratio.
Conclusion: The interaction of chlorhexidine with dental implant surfaces varies according to the material and clinical design of the implants. These results highlight the importance to use CHX with caution in implant patients and to consider material- and design-specific responses to chemical exposure.