Release of cobalt from cobalt chromium alloy constructions in the oral cavity of man

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Abstract
The release of Co from a cobalt chromium alloy construction with a major palatal connector (palatal strap) in the maxilla was determined for 10 test subjects. The concentration of Co in unstimulated whole saliva and tongue scrapings was estimated 21, 14 and 7 days, respectively, before and 1, 2, 3, 10, 20 and 30 days after insertion of the cobalt chromium alloy construction. The method used to quantify the Co content was flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The median Co concentration in saliva and tongue scrapings increased after the insertion of the Co chromium alloy construction, with the highest values occurring in the first 2 days insertion. The tongue scrapings, showed higher Co median values than saliva did at all times of estimation. The sampling method was useful in long-term investigations in man, where numerous sample collections in the oral cavity are required in order to determine metal content. The risk of negative biologic effects on the human organism caused by the Co released from the alloy was discussed.