Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Dental Implants: A Case for Immediate Loading

In the last three decades, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been increasingly employed as a biomaterial for orthopedic and spinal implants. PEEK dental implants have shown equal promise and are currently being used and investigated in many parts of the world. While their osseointegration capacity has been established beyond doubt, it is not clear whether these implants are suitable for specific situations with low functional and high esthetic demands or as completely viable alternatives to titanium in all situations. We present a brief introduction to the PEEK implants, a representative system and kit and the advantages and disadvantages as compared to titanium implants. It is our observation that PEEK implants function well in anterior as well as posterior regions and when loaded immediately (one week after placement). Their use in the esthetic zone can be of significant advantage to the surgeon as well as patient. However, diminished radiopacity and limitation of available sizes may be causes for concern.