Breakthroughs in Implant Dentistry

Abstract

The osseointegration capacity of implant surfaces deteriorates over time. However, the treatment of titanium surfaces with ultraviolet (UV) light restores the original properties of the surface and causes considerable acceleration in the process of osseointegration. This study reviews two recent findings: the aging-like time-dependent biological degradation of titanium surfaces and the discovery of UV photofunctionalization as a solution to this phenomenon. This technology and the associated knowledge herald a new age of implant treatment and provide a novel concept of osseointegration in the science and therapeutics of implant dentistry. In addition, we expect to revolutionize clinical implant therapy through these new concepts.