Exploring polyetheretherketone in dental implants and abutments: A focus on biomechanics and finite element methods

This review article investigates the properties and applications of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in the field of dental implantology. PEEK has emerged as a significant material of interest due to its mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and radiolucency. The article provides a detailed examination of PEEK’s biocompatibility and the various reinforcements that enhance its performance, including PEEK/HA, PEEK/β-TCP–TiO2, and CFR-PEEK. Focusing on dental applications, we discuss PEEK’s use in implant abutments, fixed dental prostheses, implants, and its commercial forms available for dental use. Further, the mechanical behavior of PEEK and its composites is analyzed, including its elastic behavior under various stress conditions and wear resistance. Moreover, the article conducts an integrative systematic review on the stress distribution in dental implants or abutments made from reinforced PEEK composites, assessed through finite element analysis. The aim of this review is to provide insights into the current state of research, the benefits, challenges, and future prospects of PEEK in implantology, and the biomechanical evaluation methods that underpin the development of this promising material.