Materials Evolution in Dental Implantology: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This comprehensive review navigates the dynamic landscape of dental implant materials, exploring historical milestones, mechanical intricacies, and emerging innovations. Tracing the evolution from early experimentation to the establishment of titanium as a benchmark, the review sheds light on the critical interplay of strength, elasticity, and fatigue resistance in materials' biomechanical performance. The diverse array of materials, including metals like titanium, ceramics such as zirconia, and polymers like polyetheretherketone (PEEK), is examined in depth, emphasizing their unique attributes and contributions to clinical needs. Surface modifications emerge as transformative elements, accentuating the role of precision engineering in optimizing implant performance. Challenges, encompassing biocompatibility, mechanical incongruity, and infection vulnerabilities, underscore the intricacies of material selection in implant dentistry. The ongoing pursuit of solutions to esthetic limitations and long-term stability constitutes a focal point for future research. Emphasizing the importance of ongoing research, the review highlights emerging materials, such as bioactive ceramics and advanced polymer composites, driven by nanotechnology and 3D printing. Smart implants, antimicrobial surfaces, and regenerative approaches signal a transformative era in precision dentistry. The journey towards refined materials transcends disciplines, uniting researchers, clinicians, and materials scientists in a collaborative pursuit. As the narrative of dental implant materials unfolds, the future beckons with promises of seamless integration with biological tissues, esthetic advancements, and redefined standards in oral rehabilitation. This review encapsulates a dynamic field in continual evolution, extending an invitation to collectively shape the future of dental implantology.