The Journal
Finite-element analysis (FEA) of carbon-fiber
reinforced PEEK (CFR-PEEK) implants
suggested that they could induce lesser stress
[6]
shielding than titanium . However, since PEEK
dental implants have not been used widely
clinically, it is unknown if there is a difference
between the bone resorption around PEEK and
titanium implants in human subjects. Moreover,
a more recent FEA study by Sarot et al.
suggests there is no difference between the
stress distribution around PEEK and titanium
dental implants [7] . Indeed, more clinical trials
are vital to conclude whether or not PEEK
implants produce lesser stress-shielding than
titanium implants. Unmodified PEEK is
inherently hydrophobic in nature, with a water-
[8,9]
contact angle of 80–900 and bioinert . Indeed,
studies have shown that there is no significant
effect of unmodified PEEK on the proliferation
rate of cells in vitro [10] . On the contrary, some
studies have observed an increased protein
turnover in cells in contact with conventional-
[11]
and CFR-PEEK .
Animal studies have suggested that PEEK can
survive for up to 3 years while inducing non-
[12]
remarkable localized inflammation
.
Nevertheless, quite a few studies suggested
that there is no significant difference between
the osseointegration of PEEK and conventional
implant materials such as zirconia and titanium
[13]
. Conversely, recent proteomic studies have
indicated that PEEK inhibits mRNA processing
that may lead to a decreased cellular
proliferation rate on the surface and cytotoxic
[14]
effects may be produced in the long-term .
Nonetheless, the same proteomic studies have
found no difference between the bioinertness of
[15]
PEEK, zirconia and titanium
. Although
unmodified PEEK, is considered as a biointert
material however, there has been no conclusive
evidence of osseoconductive effects of PEEK in
vivo and in vitro. Hence, in its unmodified form,
the long term survival rate of PEEK implants is
questionable. In order to improve the
mechanical and biological proper-ties, a
number of modifications have been attempted
in PEEK materials.
Fig 2 : Applications of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
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Vol. 13
12 No. 1
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May-August
Sept-Dec 2017
Jan-April
2016
2016