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Bactericidal ZnO@ZnS nanorod-array facilitates the attachment and migration of human gingival fibroblasts via properly controlling the release of zinc. • A ZnO@ZnS nanorod array was designed and successfully coated on pure titanium. • The Zn release by ZnO@ZnS nanorod array was gentler than that by the ZnO one. • The ZnO@ZnS nanorods were bactericidal while promoting the function of fibroblasts. Cell-selective toxic titanium is highly desired in clinical dental practice. Herein, based on the in situ conversion of ZnO to ZnO@ZnS, nanorod-array structured coatings with a controllable release features of zinc (Zn), has been successfully fabricated by a two-step hydrothermal method to endow titanium surface with cell-selectivity, i.e. boosting the functions (attachment and migration) of human gingival fibroblasts (HGnFs) while acting against the invasion of pathogenic bacteria. The improved functions of HGnFs over the ZnO@ZnS nanorod-array were attributed to the material's optimized zinc release, which was decreased from an order of 3.5 mg L−1 to about 0.3 mg L−1 (within the first week). But more importantly, this concentration still had a high antibacterial efficacy up to 100% (against both the S. aureus and E. coli , 107 CFU mL−1). This study demonstrated that a ZnO@ZnS nanorod-array coating could be a promising strategy to endow titanium dental implants with improved soft tissue sealing and effectively reduce peri-implantitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]