Enhancing Biological Response and Bone-implant Contact through Surface Treatment of Dental Implants: Exploring Contemporary Techniques

Abstract

Background: Surface modification of dental implants plays a critical role in optimizing osseointegration and long-term clinical success. Conventional approaches such as sandblasting, acid etching, anodization, and plasma spraying have been widely explored, yet newer material science innovations continue to reshape implant surface engineering. Objective: This narrative review, evaluated using the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA), investigates contemporary surface treatment techniques and their influence on biological performance, bone–implant contact, and antibacterial efficiency. Methods: A comprehensive literature review of studies published between 2014 and 2024 was conducted to assess bioactive, nanostructured, and biochemical surface modifications. Eligible narrative reviews were critically appraised using SANRA to determine methodological rigor and transparency across included evidence. Results: Findings indicate that traditional coatings like hydroxyapatite and silica-based films enhance bioactivity, whereas nanostructured and biofunctionalized surfaces provide superior cellular responses and antimicrobial potential. SANRA-based scoring demonstrated a predominance of high- and medium-quality reviews, supporting the reliability of current findings. Conclusion: Recent advances in dental implant surface modifications underscore the value of integrating nanotechnology and biochemical strategies to improve biological outcomes. Emerging approaches such as ultraviolet photo functionalization, which restores titanium surface energy, and carbon nanomaterial-based coatings, which combine biocompatibility with enhanced mechanical resilience, represent promising directions for future clinical translation.