The Choice of Alloplastic Materials for Oral Implants: Does it Really Matter?

Purpose: To provide a review of the overall nature and properties of materials used for manufacturing of endosseous dental implants. Results and Discussion: The importance of chemical qualities of implant surfaces is highlighted; special reference is given to titanium and its oxides. The process of bioadhesion is described, and comments are made on its relation to a range of given biomechanical factors. Conclusion: In the author's opinion, based on the arguments presented, the material properties of alloplastic implant materials have a strong influence on implant retetnion and stability, and thus on an implant's capacity to achieve so-called osseointegration.