Comparative Evaluation of Metal Ion Release in Saliva of Patients Receiving Nickel–Chromium Crowns of Two Different Brands at Various Time Intervals Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer: An In vivo Study

ABSTRACTAim:This study aimed to evaluate and compare saliva for metal ion release in patients receiving nickel-chromium crowns of two different brands at various time intervals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Materials and Methods:Twenty participants were selected and divided into two groups, each group having 10 participants: Group 1 - nickel-chromium crown fabricated (Niveum) and cemented and Group 2 - nickel-chromium crown fabricated (Ruby Max White) and cemented. Saliva was collected before cementation of the crown and the 1st day, 7th day, and 30th day after cementation of the crown and subjected to spectrophotometric analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results:In both the groups, traces of nickel and chromium ions were found on the 1st day, 7th day, and 30th day.Discussion:In Group 1 (Niveum), the traces of nickel ion were found on the 1st day (mean = 0.226), which increased on day 7 (mean = 0.433), and then a decline was observed in the number of ions on day 30 (mean = 0.218). The traces of chromium ion were found on the 1st day (mean = 0.100), which increased on day 7 (mean = 0.178), and then a decline was observed in the number of ions on day 30 (mean = 0.092). In Group 2 (Ruby Max White), after cementation of nickel-chromium crown, the traces of nickel and chromium were found on days 1, 7, and 30. The traces of nickel ions were found on day 1 (mean = 0.238), which increased by day 7 (mean = 0.455), and then a decline was observed in the number of ions on day 30 (mean = 0.224). The traces of chromium ions were found on day 1 (mean = 0.108), which increased by day 7 (mean = 0.191), and then a decline was observed in the number of ions on day 30 (mean = 0.102).Conclusion:The results showed that there was no significant release of nickel and chromium ions in saliva after 1 month for crowns made from Niveum brand and Ruby Max White brand.CLINICAL RELEVANCE TO INTERDISCIPLINARY DENTISTRYCrowns made of nickel chromium alloy are one of the commonly used treatment modalities in restorative dentistry. This in vivo study documents the fact that the presence of metal ions in saliva after restoration with a full metal crown is negligible thus allaying any fear of metal allergy/toxicity.