Purpose: To present new techniques for implant coatings, biological tissue response to them, and, if applicable, clinical outcome.
Methods: A search for publications was done in PubMed using search words such as coated dental implants, clinical outcome, dental implant coatings and combinations thereof. Further, a manual search was done. 216 papers were found; the selection was directed towards in vivo investigations.
Results: Several different coatings are described in the literature, many of them with the purpose to be bioactive. Such surface coatings include hydroxyapatite, bioglass, proteins, polysaccharides and drugs. The majority of the publications are evaluations in vitro; most of the in vivo studies are directed to implant incorporation in bone. Rather few exist that use a coat to promote soft tissue adhesion or prevention of infection.