Beyond Osseointegration: Biomaterials for Oral Regeneration in Implant Dentistry

Dental implants have revolutionized contemporary dentistry by providing durable, esthetic, and functional solutions for tooth replacement. Their ability to osseointegrate with bone tissue enables stability and longevity to support a variety of fixed and removable prostheses. To ensure optimal implant success, including esthetics, phonetics, function, and resistance to periimplant disease, focus has shifted beyond osseointegration to the preservation and regeneration of surrounding hard and soft tissues. Oral regenerative procedures may be performed prior to surgical implant placement, simultaneous with implant surgery, and/or after implant placement or restoration. A paradigm shift from osseointegration to a more holistic assessment of implant success has placed an emphasis on biologically driven treatment approaches, accentuating optimal tissue regeneration, esthetic outcomes, and long-term peri-implant health.