Investigating the Molecular Impact of Titanium Micro-Particles in Dental Implant Failure

Peri-implantitis is a multi-factorial complication arising in about 20 % of dental implants (2 Mio implants globally/year), leading to inflammation, bone loss and eventual implant loss. While titanium wear particles are suspected contributing factors, their biological potential in peri-implantitis remains unclear. The present project aims to study the molecular response to titanium micro-particles in human peri-implant tissue regions using an innovative integration of X-ray computed microtomography (µCT) with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), in high throughput. µCT will allow for the localization of the three-dimensional particle distribution within tissue biopsies, while LC-MS/MS will enable the identification of protein-level changes induced by titanium particles. This approach will aid in understanding the impact of titanium particles in peri-implantitis pathogenesis and pave the way for modifications of implant surfaces and targeted interventions.