Conclusion

Literature reporting on dental implants made from PEEK demonstrate that PEEK is basically osseointegrated as biocompatible material in vivo. Further investigations are necessary to find ways to improve the biomechanical behavior to achieve a more homogenous stress distribution to the surrounding bone, which has not yet been experimentally proven. Long-term investigations of loaded PEEK implants in vitro and in vivo are necessary. Experimental modulations of the surface are needed as well to achieve the highest possible grade of osseointegration. The design of a 2-piece implant made from PEEK, which allows the submerged healing method, has to be developed. PEEK used for a dental implant should have a light translucency similar to a natural tooth to achieve favorable esthetic results.