Elemental composition of imported porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns--a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To identify any potentially toxic elements in porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns and a bridge manufactured in China.


METHODS
Eight PFM crowns and part of a bridge were sourced from China for testing. They were given a typical glaze firing cycle prior to scanning electron microscope analysis. Electron dispersive spectroscopic spot and mapping analysis was carried out on the porcelain/metal collar interface areas in order to determine their elemental composition and distribution.


RESULTS
No toxic elements were detected. The alloy used in the crowns was a nickel-chromium base metal, and that in the bridge was a gold-palladium noble alloy. The veneering porcelain was similar to a standard dental veneering porcelain.


CONCLUSIONS
Within the limitations of the testing method and small sample size, no toxic elements were detected.
Waddell
J N
JN
Sir John Walsh Research Institute, School of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. neil.waddell@dent.otago.ac.nz
Girvan
L
L
Aarts
J M
JM
Wu
W
W
Swain
M V
MV
D000328:Adult; D002681:China; D003442:Crowns; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D004602:Elements; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009520:New Zealand; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission
D004602:Elements; D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys