ASSESSING THE ROLE OF POLYETHERETHERKETONE AS A DENTAL IMPLANT MATERIAL

Background: Titanium is the standard material used in dental implants due to its biocompatibility and osseointegration capacity, but because of its high elastic modulus, allergic response, and aesthetic problems, alternatives have been sought. Because of its elastic modulus close to that of bone, good chemical stability, and high biocompatibility, polyetheretherketone is a promising alternative for them despite its bioinert properties, which inhibit osseointegration. However, experimental findings demonstrated that the properties of PEEK could be optimized through surface modifications, including titanium-coated PEEK and carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK.
Objective: To analyze and compare pure PEEK, titanium (Ti), Ti-coated PEEK, and carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK at the mechanical, physical, chemical, biological, and clinical levels.
Methods: Using PRISMA 2020, a literature review was conducted across databases for studies published between 2020 and 2025. Original studies evaluating pure PEEK and modified PEEK, including titanium-coated PEEK and carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK, as dental implant materials through in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations were included.
Results: A total of 35 articles met the inclusion criteria. Titanium-coated PEEK has been reported to enhance surface bioactivity and osseointegration. CFR-PEEK offers substantial gains in structural strength and stiffness while maintaining an elastic modulus closer to that of bone. Both modifications demonstrate superiority over native PEEK and, to an extent, achieve and surpass it in certain parameters, approaching the properties of titanium.
Conclusion: Titanium-coated PEEK seems to be the most promising implant material based on its osteoconductive properties, but large-scale clinical trials validating biocompatibility and safety are still needed.