PEEK in modern maxillofacial surgery: clinical applications, limitations and future opportunities

Aims To provide a contemporary, clinically oriented overview of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as a biomaterial in oral and maxillofacial surgery, focusing on its mechanical properties, clinical applications and future potential in everyday dental practice.Methods A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science to identify experimental, biomechanical and clinical studies on PEEK and carbon fibre-reinforced PEEK in craniomaxillofacial and dental applications. Particular emphasis was placed on material properties, patient-specific implant technology, osteosynthesis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prostheses and dental implant-related uses, as well as recent developments in surface modification and additive manufacturing.Results PEEK exhibits an elastic modulus closer to cortical bone than titanium, radiolucency and high fatigue resistance, making it attractive for patient-specific reconstruction plates, orbital and mandibular implants, TMJ components and prosthetic frameworks. However, its inherently bioinert surface limits osteointegration, necessitating surface engineering strategies such as plasma treatment, nanotopography and bioactive coatings to enhance bone-implant contact.Conclusions PEEK and its composites are poised to play an expanding role in metal-free, digitally planned reconstruction in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Translation into routine dental implantology will depend on robust clinical data confirming long-term osseointegration and mechanical reliability.