Casting titanium partial denture frameworks: a radiographic evaluation.
BACKGROUND
Titanium is the most biocompatible metal available for dental castings. However, there is some concern about the castability of titanium used on a daily basis.


OBJECTIVE
A radiographic evaluation of titanium partial denture frameworks was undertaken to ascertain whether these castings were technically acceptable for clinical use.


METHODS
Three hundred Grade II titanium removable partial denture frameworks were cast in a Titec 205M casting machine. All materials were used as directed by the manufacturer, and all castings were made by an experienced titanium specialist. Each casting was evaluated by radiograph. Based on the number, location, and size of argon inclusions, the frameworks were rated as follows: technically acceptable for clinical use as cast; technically acceptable after laser welding modifications; or unacceptable as cast, with remake necessary.


RESULTS
Of the 300 titanium frameworks cast, 97% were rated technically acceptable for clinical use in terms of castability.


CONCLUSIONS
Within the limitations of this radiographic evaluation, it was determined that the castability of titanium was such that technically acceptable castings could be made on a daily basis.
Cecconi
Bert T
BT
Dentistry International Inc, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
Koeppen
Raymond G
RG
Phoenix
Rodney D
RD
Cecconi
Mark L
ML
D001128:Argon / Q000737:chemistry; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D003734:Dental Casting Investment / Q000737:chemistry*; D003735:Dental Casting Technique / Q000295:instrumentation; D012994:Dental Soldering; D003779:Denture Design; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008422:Materials Testing; D008669:Metallurgy; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D013674:Technology, Dental; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003734:Dental Casting Investment; D001128:Argon; D014025:Titanium