Hypersensitivity, biocompatibility

Titanium is very biocompatible (7). Comphcations from the use of metal implants and prostheses can arise because of biochemical and histological reactions to some of the materials used (SEDA-22, 250). These include titanium, stainless steel (10-14% nickel, 17-20% chromium), and cobalt chrome aUoys (27-30% chromium, 57-68% cobalt, and up to 2.5% nickel). All of these metals can produce sensitization or elicit toxic reactions when they are solubilized and come into contact with tissues it can be difficult or even impossible to differentiate between hypersensitivity and toxic reactions. 

Merritt, K. (1986) Biochemistry/hypersensitivity/clinical reactions, in Lang B, Morris, J. and Rassoog, J. (eds). Froc, International Workshop on Biocompatibility, Toxicity, and Hypersensitivity to Alloy Systems used in Dentistry. Ann Arbor, U. MI pp 195-223. Review article. Covers the literature through 1984. Good discussion of the problem in the discussion section of the symposium. 

International Workshop Biocompatibility, Toxicity and Hypersensitivity to Alloy Systems Used in Dentistry, B. R. Lang, H. F. Morris, and M. E. Razzoog, eds., 1986. Ann Arbor The University of Michigan School of Dentistry. 

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