Bridging the missing middle in osseointegration: meso-scale topography between macro design and microroughness
Takahiro Ogawa1,2, Rune Shibata3, Keiji Komatsu3,4
1Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, Division of Regenerative and Reconstructive Sciences, UCLA School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Avenue B3-087, Box951668, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1668, USA. togawa@dentistry.ucla.edu.
International Journal of Implant Dentistry
|November 19, 2025
Summary
Meso-scale topography on implants enhances osseointegration by improving cell behavior and mechanical stability, overcoming limitations of microrough surfaces. This approach offers a promising strategy for next-generation dental implants.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Orthopedic Research
- Dental Implantology
Background:
- Microrough implant surfaces have clinical success but face challenges with osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.
- Novel surface design strategies are needed to improve osseointegration.
- Meso-scale topography (10-500 μm) is an underexplored dimension in implant surface engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of meso-scale topography in implant surface engineering.
- To evaluate the biological and mechanical roles of meso-scale surface features.
- To compare the effects of nano-, micro-, and meso-scale features on osseointegration.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and targeted literature search.
- Evaluation of biological and mechanical roles of meso-scale features on titanium, zirconia, and scaffolds.
- Assessment of laser texturing, chemical etching, and 3D printing methods.
Main Results:
- Meso-scale features offer unique advantages over nano- and micro-scale designs, including enhanced osteoblast recruitment, spatial organization, and mechanical interlocking.
- Meso-topography appears to resolve the proliferation-differentiation dichotomy seen with microrough surfaces.
- Engineered meso-topography on titanium and zirconia surfaces improves biological integration and biomechanical anchorage.
Conclusions:
- Meso-scale topography is a powerful strategy to enhance osseointegration.
- Future implant designs should integrate microroughness with meso-scale structuring for synergistic benefits.
- Addressing knowledge and manufacturing gaps is crucial for clinical translation of meso-scale topography.
