Overview of Surface Variability of Metallic Endosseous Dental Implants

A variety of successful endosseous dental implants with different surface forms are currently available for clinical use. These all achieve implant-to-bone fixation primarily (if not totally) through mechanical interlock of bone with implant surface features introduced by design or chance during implant fabrication. Equally important to establishment of rigid fixation is the rate at which it is achieved, because faster rates allow earlier implant loading and less chance of inadvertent early loading that might prevent implant "osseointegration." Investigations of surface modification to favorably affect osteoconductivity and bone bonding represent an active area of research in the field of dental implant development. This article presents a review of available surface designs and future research directions for improved devices.