The aim of this article was to review the literature on materials, designs, and surface topographies of endosseous dental implants. The different categories of dental implants and the parameters of their design were analyzed in relation to their effect and significance in the process of osseointegration. The events that immediately follow implantation were described, emphasizing the factors that play a role in the development of the bone-implant interface. In addition, the methods and techniques that allow qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the interfacial zone were reviewed and their clinical correlation was assessed. Keywords: dental implants, dental materials, histomorphometry, laboratory techniques and procedures, osseointegration, surface properties