Biochemical Modification of Titanium Oral Implants: Evidence from In Vivo Studies

Abstract

The discovery of osseointegration of titanium implants revolutionized the dental prosthesis field. Traditionally, implants have a surface that is processed by additive or subtractive techniques, which have positive effects on the osseointegration process by altering the topography. In the last decade, innovative implant surfaces have been developed, on which biologically active molecules have been immobilized with the aim of increasing stimulation at the implant–biological tissue interface, thus favoring the quality of osseointegration. Among these molecules, some are normally present in the human body, and the techniques for the immobilization of these molecules on the implant surface have been called Biochemical Modification of Titanium Surfaces (BMTiS). Different techniques have been described in order to immobilize those biomolecules on titanium implant surfaces. The aim of the present paper is to present evidence, available from in vivo studies, about the effects of biochemical modification of titanium oral implants on osseointegration.

Keywords

• surface properties
• dental implant
• coated materials
• osseointegration