<p>The development of advanced biomaterials for dental restoration has gained significant attention due to the need for durable and bioactive implant materials. Biofilm formation after implantation remains a major clinical challenge. This study explores tannic acid-loaded hydroxyapatite-yttria-stabilized zirconia as a novel composite for dental applications. Hydroxyapatite (HA) offers excellent biocompatibility, YSZ provides stability in the biological medium, and tannic acid (TA), a natural polyphenol, introduces antimicrobial functionality to help prevent infection. Structural, mechanical, and biological characteristics of the fabricated scaffolds were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and in vitro biological studies. The analyses confirmed the successful fabrication of TA-loaded HA–YSZ scaffolds. Antibacterial studies showed a significant reduction (~ 99%) in <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (<i>S. aureus</i>) growth due to TA incorporation. Cytocompatibility tests confirmed that the material is non-toxic. Bioactivity evaluation in simulated body fluid (SBF) demonstrated an appropriate balance between bioactivity and bio inertness. Overall, the TA-modified HA–YSZ system shows strong potential as a multifunctional material for dental implant applications.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>