Nano modified zirconia dental implants: Advances and the frontiers for rapid osseointegration

Nanotechnology has created a revolution in implant dentistry. It is an established technology in the field of titanium implant dentistry and is slowly evolving when it comes to ceramic implants. The aim of this review article was to survey the use of nanotechnology for the purpose of implant surface modification in order to improve the osseointegration process of ceramic implants, but also, the various techniques and methods by which nano features can be applied to zirconia implant surfaces. With the application of this advanced technology, the composition, surface energy, roughness and topography of dental implants can be modified for enhanced and potentially faster osseointegration. Furthermore, nanotechnology implant surface modification can also influence the biological processes that occur at the bone–implant interface. The cellular activity and tissue responses occurring at the bone-zirconia interface can be enhanced by nanomodifications and result in better treatment outcomes. This review also highlights the ‘state of the art’ of nanomodified zirconia surfaces and the perspectives of introducing new technologies in biomedical implantology.