Unlocking Osseointegration: Surface Engineering Strategies for Enhanced Dental Implant Integration

Tooth loss is a prevalent problem faced by individuals of all ages across the globe. Various biomaterials, such as metals, bioceramics, polymers, composites of ceramics and polymers, etc., have been used for the manufacturing of dental implants. The success of a dental implant primarily depends on its osseointegration rate. The current surface modification techniques fail to imbibe the basics of tooth development, which can impart better mineralization and osseointegration. This can be improved by developing an understanding of the developmental pathways of dental tissue. Stimulating the correct signaling pathways through inductive material systems can bring about a paradigm shift in dental implant materials. The current review focuses on the developmental pathway and mineralization process that happen during tooth formation and how surface modifications can help in biomimetic mineralization, thereby enhancing osseointegration. We further describe the effect of dental implant surface modifications on mineralization, osteoinduction, and osseointegration; both in vitro and in vivo. The review will help us to understand the natural process of teeth development and mineralization and how the surface properties of dental implants can be further improved to mimic teeth development, in turn increasing osseointegration.