Advanced Materials and Technology in Implant-Prosthetic Dentistry

Dear Colleagues,

In the last decade, the introduction of new materials and the application of digital technologies have deeply changed dentistry, and in particular the fields of prosthodontics and implantology. CAD/CAM technology has been a game changer for the production of tooth-borne and implant-supported fixed dental prostheses, relying on new materials that are developed daily to increase mechanical and aesthetic properties. The use of intraoral scanners is spreading, its constant improvements in terms of software and hardware allowing the clinician to deal with most clinical scenarios with a growing level of accuracy and practicality. The concept of implantology has also been revolutionized, with new grafting materials, new implant materials and surface treatments, new drilling protocols, as well as new fixture and connection designs, to permit a safer and faster osteointegration and its maintenance even in the most challenging situations. The growing interest in minimally invasive implant placement has led to the development of numerous guided surgery systems and technologies. The new technological advancements have significantly improved data acquisition, leading to accurate and more realistic 3D rendering of implant site characteristics and neighboring anatomy and providing more insight into surgical, prosthetic, and esthetic requirements of treatment. Computer-assisted implant positioning includes static and dynamic systems. Static-guided surgery is synonymous with a predetermined implant position without real-time visualization of the implant site preparation as it is being achieved by means of a CAD/CAM template, with metal sleeves and a coordinated surgical instrumentation. Dynamic guided surgery or navigation allow a real-time visualization of implant site preparation while the drills function, without any template hiding the surgical field or hampering soft tissue handling.

This Special Issue is intended to cover all the basic and clinical research facing the abovementioned topics.

Dr. Lorenzo Arcuri
Prof. Dr. Massimo Galli
Guest Editors

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• digital dentistry
• intraoral scanner
• computer guided surgery
• navigation
• CAD/CAM
• dental implants
• grafting materials
• implant surface
• implant connection