A Comprehensive Review on Manufacturing and Characterization of Polyetheretherketone Polymers for Dental Implant Applications

Aging, tooth trauma, and pathological infections cause partial or total tooth loss, leading to the usage of dental implants for restoration treatments. As such, mechanical and tribological properties play an important role in the osseointegration and durability of these implants. Metallic and ceramic implants are shown to have mechanical properties much higher than the natural teeth structure, leading to stress shielding-related failure of an implant. Stress shielding occurs due to the difference in the elastic modulus between the implant material and the surrounding teeth structure, leading to bone loss and implant failure. The implant's properties (i.e., mechanical) should be as close as human teeth components. To achieve this, various materials and coatings are being developed and investigated. This review is a comprehensive survey of materials, manufacturing, coating techniques, and mechanical and tribological characterizations of dental implants, with a particular focus on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as a potential alternative dental implant material. PEEK has mechanical properties similar to natural teeth, which make it a promising material for dental implants. The findings of this review suggest that PEEK offers superior biocompatibility, osseointegration, and wear resistance for implant applications. With the help of bioactive coatings, bone growth on the implant surface can be promoted. In addition, PEEK dental implants made using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology can significantly reduce the cost of implants, making them more affordable and increasing access to dental care, which can improve oral health significantly. In summary, this review highlights the potential of PEEK as a promising alternative dental implant material, and provides an overview of various techniques, testing, and future directions for PEEK dental implants.