Titanium and its alloys are widely used as implant materials. Their integration in the bone is in general very good without fibrous interface layer. However, titanium and its alloys have certain limitations. Metal ions are released from the implant alloy and have been detected in tissues close to titanium implants. The release of these elements, even in small amounts, may cause local irritation of the tissues surrounding the implant. Cell and tissue responses are affected not only by the chemical properties of the implant surface, but also by the surface topography or roughness of the implants. To overcome the problem of ion release and to improve the biological, chemical, and mechanical properties, many surface treatment techniques are used. Any surface treatment that would elicit favorable response from tissues can be applied to enhance the usefulness of the implants. In view of this, the current review describes surface modification of titanium and titanium alloys by ion beam implantation. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.