Implant and restorative material
PEEK
PEEK (polyether ether ketone) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer used in some dental and orthopedic applications. In dentistry, it appears in certain implant frameworks, temporary restorations, and surgical guides — though it is not currently a mainstream choice for permanent implant posts.
Common uses
- Temporary implant crowns and provisional restorations
- Surgical guide materials
- Some implant frameworks and orthopedic components
- Customized abutments in certain workflows
Advantages
- + Tooth-like radiolucency that doesn't interfere with X-rays
- + Lightweight and shock-absorbing
- + Contains no metal
Limitations
- − Not established as a long-term permanent implant post material for most clinical applications
- − Lower surface hardness than zirconia or titanium
- − Research base for long-term dental implant use is much smaller than for established materials
Frequently asked questions
Is PEEK used for the implant post itself?+
PEEK appears in some experimental and provisional implant applications, but is not currently an established mainstream material for permanent load-bearing implant posts in the way that titanium and zirconia are.
What is PEEK most commonly used for in dentistry?+
Most commonly as a material for temporary restorations, surgical guides, and some framework applications — roles where its lightweight, shock-absorbing, and radiolucent properties are useful.