CORROSIVE PROPERTIES OF FLUORIDE-CONTAINING ODONTOLOGIC GELS AGAINST TITANIUM

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine, on a quantitati ve basis, the kinetics of ionization of pure and alloyed titanium in v arious electrolytic media including commercial dental gels containing fluoride ions (Fluogel).Methods: The experimental method is a linear s weep voltammetric analysis: making use of a rotating disc electrode. S everal successive analyses of different titanium samples are carried o ut, particularly as a function of the nature of the electrolytic solut ions. The current corrosion I-cor is measured by the determination of linear polarization resistence R(p). Results: R(p) and I-cor measureme nts 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 signific antly harmful with respect to the corrosion process of titanium. Concl usion: The results of this study must draw our attention towards the u se of prophylactic gels in which pH is acidic. Indeed titanium suffers an important corrosion process in fluoridated acidic media. Recommend ations for the prescription and for the optimized composition of the d ental gels could be derived.