Surface Modification of Dental Implants

Objectives: To review commercial methods in surface modification processing and demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of each, noting potential for improvement when applicable.
Methods: 40 articles focused on the material testing of various surface modification techniques were reviewed and compiled. This review focused on properties that are well understood to promote osseointegration of titanium implants. It also compared and contrasted various methods based on these properties and results. Prospective studies were compared to conventional studies in order to highlight areas in need of further research.
Results: Dental implant surface advancement techniques have been developing rapidly to facilitate osseointegration and bone formation on the implant surface and to enhance the predictability of accelerated implant therapy. Surface modifications have been proven effective on capitalizing the features of titanium that make it the material of choice, conventionally, in dental implantology. Some of these features include wettability, surface area, and osteogenic potential.
Conclusions: Overall, prospective trends indicate a shift in the focus to increase the success rate in compromised patients, such as those suffering from osteoporosis, as well as improving soft tissue integration onto the implant surface to reduce the risk of development of peri-implant disease. Surface roughness continues to be optimized, with prospects of configuration at a nanoscale.