Behavior of polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) in prostheses on dental implants. A review

BACKGROUND: The development of new and innovative materials such as high performance polymers (PEEK) opens a wide therapeutic range in implant prostheses. They are presented as alternative materials to metal and zirconium alloys in the manufacture of structures and attachments for implant prostheses and fixed and removable dental substitutes. The objective of this review is to know the characteristics of this material and thus assess its advantages and disadvantages in its possible applications in prostheses on dental implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A bibliographic search was carried out through the PubMed and Scopus search engines, of articles published from 2007 to 2020, excluding all articles in which PEEK was used for tooth prostheses. The data on the sufficiency of the PEEK material were organized according to its chemical, physical and mechanical properties. RESULTS: 148 articles were found in the databases using as keywords; Polyetheretherketone; PEEK; BioHPP; healing abutments; dental prostheses; dental prosthodontics; Full-arch rehabilitation; fixed implant prosthodontics; implant-retained prostheses; implant prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that PEEK offers greater lightness, good aesthetics, biocompatibility, and an elastic modulus more similar to bone than other materials commonly used in implant prostheses; however, it presents a higher risk of fracture and abrasion. More long-term clinical studies will be necessary to advise its use in implant prostheses. Key words:Polyetheretherketone, PEEK, BioHPP, healing abutments, dental prostheses, dental prosthodontics,Full-arch rehabilitation, fixed implant prosthodontics, implant-retained prostheses, implant prostheses.