Enhancing osseointegration: A comprehensive review of UV photofunctionalization for titanium dental implants

• Author Details:   
• Nissy Chacko ^*
• Kala Sukumaran
• Smitha Ravindran
• Harsha Kumar Karunakaran
• R Ravichandran
• Vivek V Nair

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Background: Osseointegration is crucial for dental implant success, and surface modifications of titanium implants have been explored to enhance their biological performance. Ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization has emerged as a promising method to improve the physicochemical and biological properties of titanium and titanium alloy implants. This review examines the mechanisms, effects, and clinical significance of UV photofunctionalization in oral implantology.
Materials and Methods: Literature was search for this narrative review was done using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search terms included "UV photofunctionalization," "titanium dental implants," "osseointegration," and "implant surface modification." Studies published between 2009 and 2023 were included, focusing on in vitro, animal, and clinical research on UV-treated titanium implants.
Results: UV photofunctionalization reverses the biological aging of titanium by removing hydrocarbon contamination, restoring hydrophilicity, and enhancing electrostatic properties. These modifications increase protein adsorption, improve osteoblast adhesion, and accelerate osseointegration. Studies have shown that UV-treated implants achieve nearly 100% bone-to-implant contact (BIC), improving primary stability and reducing healing time. Additionally, UV treatment may mitigate peri-implant diseases and enhance implant success in medically compromised patients.
Conclusion: While in vitro and animal studies strongly support UV photofunctionalization’s benefits, clinical evidence remains limited. Standardization of treatment protocols and long-term clinical validation are needed to optimize its application in implantology

Keywords:  UV photofunctionalization, Titanium implants, Osseointegration, Bone-to-implant contact, Dental implants, Surface modification.