Latest Research Advances in Implant Restoration for Periodontal Disease

Background: Dental implant restoration has become a standard treatment for tooth loss caused by periodontitis, trauma, or tumors. However, challenges such as alveolar bone resorption, gingival recession, and peri-implantitis complicate rehabilitation in periodontally compromised patients. Current techniques, including guided bone regeneration (GBR), socket shield procedures, and soft tissue grafting, aim to enhance implant stability and aesthetics. Digital tools like CBCT and CAD/CAM improve precision, while bioactive surface modifications (e.g., hydroxyapatite coatings) optimize osseointegration. Despite advancements, barriers persist, including inconsistent protocols for extraction timing, infection risks, high costs, and insufficient long-term data on immediate implantation success. Methods: This review systematically evaluates implant materials—titanium alloys, zirconia, PEEK, and self-setting calcium phosphate—comparing their biomechanical properties, biocompatibility, and clinical performance. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP Database to analyze current research trends and clinical outcomes. Results: Titanium remains the gold standard for dental implants due to its strength and osseointegration capabilities, but emerging materials such as zirconia and PEEK show promise in reducing inflammation and improving aesthetics. Key findings highlight the importance of infection control, optimal implant timing (immediate vs. delayed), and personalized postoperative care to mitigate failure risks. Long-term implant survival depends on addressing factors such as bone quality, microbial dysbiosis, and occlusal overload. Conclusions: Future research should focus on nanostructured coatings, bioactive modifications, and smart materials to enhance osseointegration and prevent peri-implantitis. Interdisciplinary collaboration integrating materials science, bioengineering, and clinical dentistry is essential for innovation. Future directions include antimicrobial implants, AI-driven treatment planning, 3D-printed biomimetic scaffolds, and microbiome-targeted therapies to improve outcomes. By standardizing protocols and advancing biomaterials, implant therapy can achieve greater predictability and accessibility for periodontitis patients.