Titanium Hypersensitivity as Possible Cause of Dental Implant Failures

Authors

William J. Maloney D.D.S., PG CertMedED, FACD, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NYFollow
George Raymond D.D.S., FACD, Clinical Associate Professor, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NYFollow
Maura Maloney D.D.S., Private Practice in Scarsdale, NYFollow

Keywords

Dental Implants, Titanium, Hypersensitivity, Allergic Reaction, UV light

Abstract

For many decades, titanium implants have achieved a remarkably high success rate. However, there are cases in which osseointegration does not occur as predicted or desired. In these cases, an analysis of the factors that led to the implant failure must be conducted. There are multiple, widely accepted potential causes of such implant failures. Today, one must also consider titanium hypersensitivity as a potential reason for failure. Symptoms of a titanium allergic reaction may include mucosal erythema, swelling of lips, purpuric patches on hard and soft palate, ulcers in the oral cavity, hyperplastic gingivitis, cheilitis, eczematous eruptions on face and lichenoid reactions.

Recommended Citation

Maloney, William J. D.D.S., PG CertMedED, FACD; Raymond, George D.D.S., FACD; and Maloney, Maura D.D.S. (2026) "Titanium Hypersensitivity as Possible Cause of Dental Implant Failures," The New York State Dental Journal: Vol. 92: No. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://commons.ada.org/nysdj/vol92/iss1/6