Evaluation of the biocompatibility of various dental alloys: Part I--Toxic potentials.

The biocompatibility of a high-gold alloy (Iropal W), two low-gold alloys (Argenco 9 and Gold EWL-G), one palladium alloy (Argipal), two palladium-silver alloys (Argenco 23 and EWL-G), one chrome-nickel alloy (Wiron-88), two chrome-cobalt alloys (Wironium and Wirocast) and a 22 carat gold alloy were evaluated histopathologically with the subcutaneous implantation technique. Cast discs of the materials were implanted for 15, 30 or 60 days in 111 rats. Mildest responses occurred to 22 carat gold alloy. The most vigorous responses were observed in the chrome-nickel alloy samples. The high-gold alloy and the palladium groups showed reactions quite similar to those of the 22 carat gold. However, the low-gold group and the palladium-silver alloys ranked between the basic metal alloy and the precious metal alloy groups.