Submit to Applied Sciences Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry: Advanced Materials, Methods and Technologies

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Dentistry and Oral Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2026) | Viewed by 8699

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Francine Benetti

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

Department of Restorative Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
Interests: endodontics; biomaterials; bioglass; tissue engineering

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The evolution of biomaterial engineering has revolutionized the fields of endodontics and restorative dentistry, fostering the development of innovative materials and techniques which improve clinical outcomes. Bioactive glasses and ceramics, for instance, have demonstrated remarkable potential to enhance tissue regeneration, osseointegration, and antibacterial efficacy, addressing critical challenges in dental treatments.

This Special Issue, “Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry: Advanced Materials, Methods and Technologies”, seeks to highlight groundbreaking advancements in biomaterials and their applications in dentistry.

The topics of interest include the design and characterization of novel bioactive materials, such as bioglass formulations capable of inducing tissue regeneration and providing antimicrobial properties, and their use in endodontic therapies, materials, or restorative procedures.

Additionally, studies on tissue engineering approaches, including strategies for pulp and bone regeneration, bibliometric analyses, and systematic reviews on emerging trends, are encouraged.

We invite researchers and clinicians to contribute original articles and reviews that bridge the gap between material science and clinical application, aiming to shape the future of endodontics and restorative dentistry.

Prof. Dr. Francine Benetti
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

endodontics
biomaterials
ceramics
bioglass
dental composites
antibacterial activity
tissue engineering
bone regeneration
bibliometrics
systematic review

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

14 pages, 1287 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Two Dynamic Navigation Systems vs. Freehand Approach and Different Operator Skills in Endodontic Microsurgery: A Cadaver Study

by Umberto Gibello, Elina Mekhdieva, Mario Alovisi, Luca Cortese, Andrea Cemenasco, Anna Cassisa, Caterina Chiara Bianchi, Vittorio Monasterolo, Allegra Comba, Andrea Baldi, Vittorio Fenoglio, Elio Berutti and Damiano Pasqualini

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11405; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111405 - 24 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1203

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The purpose of the study is to determine and compare the accuracy and efficiency of two dynamic navigation systems (DNS)—Navident (ClaroNav, Canada) and X-Guide (Nobel Biocare, Switzerland)—vs. a free-hand (FH) approach in performing endodontic microsurgery (EMS) on human cadavers. Methods: a total of 119 roots of six cadavers were randomly divided into three groups (Navident/X-Guide/FH). The cadavers’ jaws were scanned pre-operatively with computed tomography. The DICOM data were uploaded and digitally managed with software interfaces for registration, calibration, and virtual planning of EMS. Osteotomy was performed under DNS control and using a dental operating microscope (FH control group). Post-operative scans were taken with same settings as preoperative. Accuracy was then determined by comparing pre- and post-scans of coronal and apical linear, angular deviation, angle, length, and depth of apical resection. Efficiency was determined by measuring the procedural time of osteotomy, apicectomy, retro-cavity preparation, the volume of substance, and cortical bone loss, as well as iatrogenic complications. Outcomes were also evaluated in relation to different operators’ skill levels. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were conducted using R software (4.2.1). Results: DNS demonstrated better efficiency in osteotomy and apicectomy, second only to FH in substance and cortical bone loss. Both DNS approaches had similar accuracy. Experts were faster and more accurate than non-experts in FH, apart from resection angle, length and depth, and retro-cavity preparation time, for which comparison was not statistically significant. The Navident and X-guide groups had similar trends in increasing efficiency and accuracy of EMS. All complications in the FH group were performed by non-experts. The X-guide group demonstrated fewer complications than the Navident group. Conclusions: Both DNS appear beneficial for EMS in terms of accuracy and efficacy in comparison with FH, also demonstrating the decreasing gap of skill expertise between experts and novice operators. Through convenient use X-guide diminishes the level of iatrogenic complications compared to Navident. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry: Advanced Materials, Methods and Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 10152 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Comparison of Resin-Modified and Pure Calcium-Silicate Cements for Direct Pulp Capping

by Fatma Fenesha, Aonjittra Phanrungsuwan, Brian L. Foster, Anibal Diogenes and Sarah B. Peters

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10639; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910639 - 1 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3000

Abstract

Introduction: Direct pulp capping (DPC) aims to preserve the vitality of the dental pulp by placing a protective biocompatible material over the exposed pulp tissue to facilitate healing. There are several calcium-silicate materials that have been designed to promote mineralization and the regulation of inflammation. These have strong potential for the repair and regeneration of dental pulp. Among them, Biodentine (BD) and EndoSequence RRM Putty (ES) have been found to promote in vitro and in vivo mineralization while minimizing some of the limitations of the first-generation calcium-silicate-based materials. Theracal-LC (TLC), a light-cured, resin-modified calcium-silicate material, is a newer product with potential to improve the clinical outcomes of DPC, but existing studies have reported conflicting findings regarding its biocompatibility and ability to support pulpal healing in direct contact with the pulp. A comprehensive assessment of the biocompatibility and pulpal protection provided by these three capping materials has not yet been performed. Aim: We aimed to quantify the inflammatory response, dentin bridge formation, and material adaptation following DPC using three calcium-silicate materials: ES, BD, and TLC. Materials and Methods: DPC was performed on the maxillary first molar of C57BL/6 female mice. Maxilla were collected and processed at 1 and 21 days post-DPC. The early inflammatory response was measured 24 h post-procedure using confocal imaging of anti-Lys6G6C, which indicates the extent of neutrophil and monocyte infiltration. Reparative mineralized bridge formation was assessed at 21 days post-procedure using high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histology. Lastly, the homogeneity of the capping materials was evaluated by quantifying voids in calcium-silicate restorations using micro-CT. Results: DPC using TLC induced less infiltration of Lys6G6C⁺ cells at 24 h than BD or ES. BD promoted higher volumes of tertiary dentin than TLC, but TLC and ES showed no significant differences in volume. No differences were observed in material adaptation and void spaces among the three capping materials. Conclusions: All three materials under investigation supported pulp healing and maintained marginal integrity. However, TLC induced a lower inflammatory response on day 1 and induced similar levels of tertiary dentin to ES. These observations challenge the common perception that resin-based capping materials are not suitable for direct pulp capping. Our findings underscore the need to balance biological responses with physical properties when selecting pulp capping materials to improve long-term clinical success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry: Advanced Materials, Methods and Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3585 KB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis (FEM) of Tooth Stress: The Impact of Cavity Design and Restorative Materials

by Yasemin Derya Fidancioğlu, Sinem Alkurt Kaplan, Reza Mohammadi and Hakan Yasin Gönder

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9677; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179677 - 3 Sep 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2339

Abstract

Finite element analysis has been widely applied in restorative dentistry, but there is limited evidence directly comparing the biomechanical behavior of amalgam and bulk-fill composite resins in standardized cavity designs. This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution in enamel, dentin, and restorative materials under different cavity configurations and filling materials. A 3D model of a maxillary molar was reconstructed from dental tomography using Geomagic Design X 2020. Four cavity models were created with Solidworks 2013: Class I (occlusal, Group A), Class II disto-occlusal (Group B), Class II mesio-occlusal (Group C), and Class II mesio-occluso-distal (Group D) cavities. Each model was restored with either amalgam or bulk-fill composite and a 600 N occlusal force was applied. Maximum principal stresses were analyzed with ABAQUS software. The highest stress was observed in the bulk-fill composite restoration of the Class II MO cavity (231 Mpa), whereas the lowest stress occurred in amalgam restoration of Class I cavity. Overall, amalgam restorations showed lower stress concentrations than bulk-fill composites, especially in complex cavity designs. These results suggest that cavity configuration and restorative material selection influence stress distribution and may impact the long-term biomechanical stability of restored teeth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry: Advanced Materials, Methods and Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 1703 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Comparison of Niobium with Other Radiopacifying Agents in Endodontic Cements: A Systematic Review of Physicochemical Properties

by Hebertt Gonzaga dos Santos Chaves, Ana Carolina Soares Mendes, Pedro Cesar Gomes Titato, Vilton Cardozo Moreira Dias, Barbara Figueiredo, Marco Antônio Húngaro Duarte, Luciano Tavares Angelo Cintra, Carolina Bosso André, Luís Fernando dos Santos Alves Morgan, João Miguel Marques dos Santos and Francine Benetti

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041722 - 9 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 435

Abstract

This systematic review evaluated the use of niobium as a radiopacifying agent in endodontic cements compared with other radiopacifiers. This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines (OSF registration). The PICO strategy defined the population as endodontic cements, the intervention as niobium-based formulations, the comparison as other radiopacifying agents, and the outcome as physicochemical properties. Six databases and the gray literature were searched up to December 2025, and the risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Experimental Studies. A total of 1273 studies were identified, of which 10 were included in the review. Seven of the included studies evaluated radiopacity, showing that Nb-containing cements exhibited values equal to or lower than those containing other radiopacifying agents but still meeting ISO/ADA standards. Seven studies analyzed pH, which remained alkaline and was not influenced by Nb. Five studies investigated setting time, with no differences compared with other radiopacifiers. Studies assessing solubility showed conflicting results, reporting increases, reductions, or no differences compared with zirconium. Overall, the included studies presented a low risk of bias. In conclusion, niobium demonstrated physicochemical properties comparable to those of other radiopacifiers used in endodontic cements. However, further studies are needed to evaluate its influence on the setting time and solubility of materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry: Advanced Materials, Methods and Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1984 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Efficacy of Systemic and Local Premedication on Anesthetic Success of Teeth with Irreversible Pulpitis: An Umbrella Review

by Márcia Valente de Brito Dantas, Luiz Renato Paranhos, Ricardo Sérgio Fernandes da Silva-Filho, Gabrielly Rodrigues Andrade, Rui Barbosa de Brito-Júnior, João Marcos da Costa Ribeiro and Felipe de Souza Matos

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010383 - 30 Dec 2025

Viewed by 875

Abstract

This umbrella review summarized evidence from systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials regarding the efficacy of systemic and local premedication on anesthetic success in nonsurgical root canal treatment of teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS/BBO, and gray literature sources up to February 2025. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2. The risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBIS tool. The Corrected Covered Area (CCA) was calculated to quantify the primary study overlap. Data regarding risk ratios and anesthetic success rates were synthesized qualitatively. Sixteen systematic reviews were included. The narrative synthesis suggests that oral NSAIDs (particularly ibuprofen > 400 mg and ketorolac 10–20 mg) and corticosteroids (dexamethasone) are associated with increased anesthetic success compared to placebo, with no significant difference between systemic and local administration. However, the reliability of these findings is impacted by the quality of the primary evidence: according to the appraisal, 13 reviews presented a high overall risk of bias/low methodological quality, while only three were classified as having low risk of bias. Furthermore, the CCA was 19.5%, indicating a high degree of redundancy among reviews. Consequently, while premedication appears effective, these conclusions must be interpreted with caution due to the substantial overlap and predominantly high risk of bias in the available literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry: Advanced Materials, Methods and Technologies)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry: Advanced Materials, Methods and Technologies

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Research

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI