In vivo assessment of DNA damage induced in oral mucosa cells by fixed and removable metal prosthodontic appliances

Given long-term effect on oral tissues due to contact with dental appliances, the biocompatibility studies of casting alloys are of great importance. It has been previously documented that metal dental appliances, due to corrosion, might induce genotoxic and mutagenic effects in cells. Therefore, the aim of presented study was to examine the genotoxicity of two dental casting alloys (Co-Cr-Mo and Ni-Cr) commonly used in fixed and removable prosthodontic appliances that are in contact with the oral epithelium for 5 years or more. For that purpose, 55 age-matched subjects were included in the study; 30 wearers of prosthodontic appliances and 25 controls. Buccal cells of oral mucosa were collected and processed for further analysis. The cell viability has been assessed by trypan blue exclusion test, while genotoxic effect of metal ions on DNA in oral mucosa cells was studied by use of alkaline comet assay. Results have shown significantly higher comet assay parameters (tail length and percentage DNA in the tail) in the group wearing metal appliances. Both subjects with Co-Cr-Mo alloy and Ni-Cr alloy showed significantly higher comet assay parameters when compared with controls. It has been confirmed that metal ions released by the two base metal dental casting alloys examined in this study, might be responsible for DNA damage of oral mucosa cells. Therefore, the results of this study emphasize the importance of the in vivo evaluation of dental materials with respect to their genotoxicity, which is of major importance to ensure long-term biocompatibility.