Surface Modifications for Endosseous Dental Implants

Since, the inception of the vast field of implantology in 1969, this method still remains a popular and reliable one for the replacement of missing teeth. Over the years designs by various researchers have been introduced as well as modifications to the surface of the titanium being used. Characteristics of titanium implant surfaces have been modified by additive methods (e.g. titanium plasma spray) to increase the surface area and provide a more complex surface macrotopography. Subtractive methods (e.g. blasting, acid etching) have also been used to increase the surface area and to alter its microtopography or texture. The field of surface modifications is vast and constantly evolving to keep up with technology, incorporation of biologically active substances, drugs and growth factors is an area of ongoing research. This review article entails the various surface modifications and the latest surface treatments that the world of oral implantology has to offer.