Composite Dental Implants: A Future Restorative Approach

Abstract

The introduction of composites and dental materials in the implantology field has shown an important increase in the past years. The restorative approaches using dental implants are currently a desirable option for edentulous patients. Since their introduction in dentistry, dental implants have proven to be a reliable option for restabling the functions and esthetics of certain areas. Characteristics such as high biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and high corrosion resistance have been key factors for their worldwide acceptance. In time, researchers aimed to improve their qualities by manufacturing the implants using various materials that could improve the interaction between the bone and implant. Although, until now, dental implant materials were limited to the use of single or coated metals, there are certain limitations that current studies aimed to overcome by introducing a new category, the composite dental implants. With this new category, the mechanical characteristics can be designed in order for their integration and further functions to have a positive outcome. This chapter describes the use of composite dental implants as a restorative prosthetic option, their advantages, and physicochemical and osteointegration properties as future approaches for restorative prosthetic rehabilitation.