[Application of titanium-nitride coatings in dentistry].

Titanium and its alloys are increasingly important in dentistry. Thin titanium-nitride (Ti-N) coatings improve the properties of metallic material for industrial purposes. Recently Ti-N coatings have been advocated in dentistry. In a survey of literature aspects of biological, mechanical and corrosive behaviour are assessed. Moreover, specific problems for clinical application are indicated. It is concluded that as long as the integrity of the Ti-N coating is not guaranteed under critical conditions one should be cautious with its clinical application. By no means it can be used for improvement of deficient dental alloys.