Dental implants have undergone remarkable evolution over the past decades, transforming from simple experimental devices to highly predictable treatment modalities in modern dentistry. The earliest concepts of implantology were rooted in the search for biocompatible materials and mechanical stability, eventually leading to the revolutionary discovery of osseointegration. Since then, continuous advancements in implant design, surface morphology, and surface treatments have greatly enhanced clinical success rates. Early implants relied on smooth, machined surfaces, but clinical
limitations such as longer healing times and unpredictable outcomes drove the development of modified surfaces. Techniques including sandblasting, acid etching, anodization, plasma spraying, and bioactive coatings have been introduced to improve bone–implant contact, accelerate osseointegration, and increase long-term stability. Recent innovations focus on nanostructured modifications, biomimetic approaches, and surface functionalization with growth factors, aiming to integrate biological and technological principles for superior clinical performance. This review highlights the historical progression of dental implants, the scientific rationale behind different surface treatments, and their clinical implications. Understanding these developments provides valuable insight into current trends and future directions in implant dentistry, emphasizing the role of surface engineering in optimizing osseointegration and enhancing patient outcomes.
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