Progress in implant research.

Recent surveys have gone some way towards clarifying the clinical role of dental implants, whilst laboratory based research has highlighted many of the fundamental factors which may influence their success and failure. Because a periodontal ligament does not form around these devices bony ankylosis of an implant is generally accepted as desirable, whilst the formation of a fibrous capsule usually precedes implant failure. Tissue reactions to implants may be influenced by site preparation and implant material and design. At present most dental implants are fabricated from titanium or titanium alloys and cobalt-chromium based alloys, although there is much interest in the use of ceramics, carbons and glasses. Considerable research is being directed towards the development of implants which will control the loading of the surrounding bone so as to prevent its resorption but despite these advances, dental implants are not yet suitable for routine clinical use.