Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as a medical and dental material. A literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Thermoplastic polymers have many potential uses in medicine and dentistry as an alternative to the commonly used titanium. Due to several advantages of these materials, metal-free restorations are performing an important role in current medical therapies. The aim of this review was to evaluate Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as an alternative material to titanium in medical and dental clinical cases. Methods: Original scientific articles published in Medline-Pubmed database were electronically searched to accomplish the objectives of the study. Only articles published in English were included from 2000 to present using a variety of keywords in combination. The studies relevant to our review were analysed and compared. Conclusions: The literature suggests that PEEK offers an alternative to titanium, especially in cases of orthopaedics and trauma. Its properties make it an interesting material in oral implantology to be performed with CAD-CAM. Further studies are required to obtain sufficient scientific evidence to enable its uses as a permanent material. Keywords: Titanium; Biocompatibility; Bioactivity; Polyetheretherketone; Polymers; PEEK; PAEK; HighPerformance Polymer; CFR-PEEK; Dental Implants; Oral Medicine; Orthopaedics