Application of Nanomaterials in Dentistry

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2023) | Viewed by 15502

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Surgical Pathology, Medicine and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Interests: atomic force microscopy; polishing; dentistry; dental surgery; composite resins

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Surgery, Medical, Molecular, and Critical Area Pathology, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Interests: clinical dentistry; restorative dentistry; endodontics; dental caries; dental materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Research regarding dental materials and their use in everyday dentistry has dramatically shifted from materials made to last (at the expense of aesthetics) to more aesthetically pleasing materials, all in just a few decades. In the field of adhesive dentistry, researchers have focused their work toward optimizing adhesion of esthetic materials to dental tissues such as enamel and dentin.

Together with clinical performances, these materials have always needed to be non-toxic for periodontal tissues: over the years, there has been a renewed interest in the effect these materials have on tissues surrounding natural teeth or artificial fixtures, especially since nanomaterials capable of releasing substances over time have been introduced in dentistry.

Some topics of this research field include but are not limited to the toxicity of resin composites toward periodontal tissues, the relationship between prosthetic materials and soft tissue quality and health, and the design of new materials with the ability to release specific molecules which may help to maintain healthy periodontal tissues and prevent secondary caries.

There are excellent research opportunities in this field, which are perfectly summarized by the focus of this Special issue: the application of nanomaterials in dentistry, regarding their impact on periodontal and gingival tissues, their effect on long-term performance, and their strengths and weaknesses in a clinical setting. In addition to this, the role nanomaterials have in the development of digital dentistry and 3D printing is extremely important for the future of dentistry. Contributions to this Special Issue  by expert researchers in this field are invited to enrich the scientific evidence supporting nanomaterials use in dentistry. 

Dr. Giacomo Derchi
Dr. Vincenzo Marchio
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 161 KiB  
Editorial
Foreword to the Special Issue on Application of Nanomaterials in Dentistry
by Giacomo Derchi and Vincenzo Marchio
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(20), 10634; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122010634 - 21 Oct 2022
Viewed by 706
Abstract
In modern medicine and, in particular, in modern dentistry, prevention has become fundamental in every private practice [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Dentistry)

Research

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12 pages, 3276 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Reflectivity, Chemical Composition and Mechanical Behaviour of Orthodontic Bonding Nanofiller Resin Materials: A Proposal of an Alternative Method of Investigation
by Roberta Condò, Gianluca Mampieri, Alessandro Cioffi, Paola Pirelli, Aldo Giancotti, Luca Maiolo, Francesco Maita, Annalisa Convertino, Ivano Lucarini, Andrea Notargiacomo, Julietta V. Rau, Marco Fosca and Giuseppe Marzo
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(24), 12538; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122412538 - 07 Dec 2022
Viewed by 875
Abstract
Background: Relationships between reflectivity, hardness and chemical composition of the dispersed phase, included in orthodontic composites Transbond XTTM (Trans), Light-Cure Orthodontic Paste (Leone) and Bisco Ortho Bracket Paste LC (Bisco), were investigated in vitro to evaluate whether reflectivity results can be useful [...] Read more.
Background: Relationships between reflectivity, hardness and chemical composition of the dispersed phase, included in orthodontic composites Transbond XTTM (Trans), Light-Cure Orthodontic Paste (Leone) and Bisco Ortho Bracket Paste LC (Bisco), were investigated in vitro to evaluate whether reflectivity results can be useful in internal material composition interpretation, thus obtaining information on mechanical behaviours. Methods: Light transmission through 36 resin discs was measured with a UV/Vis spectrophotometer, evaluating the spectral range from 190–1100 nm. To have a benchmark of material hardness and internal composition, Vickers measurements and Cross-Sectional Focus Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB/SEM) analysis were provided. Results: Bisco has the highest reflectivity, Leone shows an absorption pattern in the UV region similar to Bisco and Transbond has the lowest reflectivity compared to the others. This trend is confirmed by FIB/SEM imaging, showing a more similar induced roughness and internal composition for Bisco and Leone, with respect to Transbond. Higher filler presence in the composition of Bisco and Leone justifies a higher hardness of these two materials, with respect to Transbond, as confirmed by Vickers measurements. Conclusions: Bisco and Leone show similar optical responses and similarities in mechanical performance. This statement is explained by the lower and similar filler content as confirmed also by FIB/SEM analysis. The inner composition of Bisco and Leone provides a higher value of microhardness, as demonstrated by Vickers measurements. Therefore, this study confirms that the UV-Vis analysis can also offer a significant overview on the internal material composition, thus indirectly providing information on the mechanical properties of orthodontic composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Dentistry)
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10 pages, 2822 KiB  
Article
SEM Evaluation of the Hybrid Layer of Two Universal Adhesives on Sound and DI Type II Affected Dentin
by Antonio Libonati, Virginia Di Taranto, Lucia Memè, Gianni Gallusi and Vincenzo Campanella
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(22), 11372; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122211372 - 09 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1218
Abstract
Universal nanofilled adhesives were recently introduced in restorative dentistry to simplify clinical procedures and improve adhesion in different clinical situation. This study investigated the effectiveness of two universal adhesives on both sound and dentinogenesis imperfecta type II (DI-II)-affected teeth. To evaluate the effectiveness [...] Read more.
Universal nanofilled adhesives were recently introduced in restorative dentistry to simplify clinical procedures and improve adhesion in different clinical situation. This study investigated the effectiveness of two universal adhesives on both sound and dentinogenesis imperfecta type II (DI-II)-affected teeth. To evaluate the effectiveness of adhesion on both sound and DI-II-affected teeth, four samples, two sound extracted molars and two extracted molars affected by DI-II were selected. Coronal enamel and dentin were exposed, and the samples were used for testing two different universal adhesives, Universal Bond (Tokuyama) and All-Bond Universal (Bisco). After the adhesive procedures, the samples were stored in saline at room temperature for one week prior to SEM investigation for the interfacial bonding layer. The samples were longitudinally sectioned into two parts, obtaining two sections for the evaluation of the adhesive interface to the SEM. The SEM-morphology of the hybrid layer on the enamel was similar for the two universal adhesives tested. The study of the hybrid layer on sound dentin confirmed the great versatility of All-Bond Universal and Universal Bond adhesives in managing adhesion even on pathological dental substrates. Both universal adhesives tested showed encouraging results on DI-II-affected dentin, creating an effective hybrid layer even on the atubular and less mineralized altered dentin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Dentistry)
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13 pages, 3245 KiB  
Article
Clinical Evaluation of the Use of Desensitizing Agents in the Management of Dentinal Hypersensitivity
by Eleonora Fambrini, Marco Miceli, Marco Pasini and Maria Rita Giuca
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 11238; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122111238 - 06 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2573
Abstract
Dentinal hypersensitivity represents one of the most widespread dental problems and symptoms in the general population. It mainly affects the age group between 18 and 65 years old, presents an incidence of 35%, and may negatively affect the oral health-related quality of life [...] Read more.
Dentinal hypersensitivity represents one of the most widespread dental problems and symptoms in the general population. It mainly affects the age group between 18 and 65 years old, presents an incidence of 35%, and may negatively affect the oral health-related quality of life of these patients. This longitudinal study aims to measure dentinal hypersensitivity in adult patients after the use of domiciliary desensitizing devices. In this study, 52 patients were included (32 females and 20 males, mean age: 53 ± 9.4) At T0 (baseline), patients were instructed to use a desensitizing toothpaste and, at T1, 27 patients reported using sodium monofluorophosphate (1450 ppm) and arginine 8% product (product A), while 25 patients reported using a toothpaste containing n-HAp (nano-hydroxyapatite) in effective dose 2.25% and 0.15% fluoride (1500 ppm) (product B). The study was carried out through three follow up appointments, 14 days apart from one another (T1 and T2). Results showed that the air sensitivity test did not exhibit a significant difference between the time points (p > 0.05), while a significant improvement of DH was recorded for tactile, osmotic, cold thermic, acid, and omni-comprehensive tests in both groups. Both desensitizing agents were effective in reducing DH for different stimuli. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Dentistry)
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10 pages, 243 KiB  
Article
Clinical Performance of CentionTM Alkasite Restorative Material vs. Glass Ionomer Cement Used in Deciduous Teeth: One-Year Evaluation
by Giacomo Derchi, Vincenzo Marchio, Maria Rita Giuca and Lisa Lardani
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 10845; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122110845 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1725
Abstract
Conservative dentistry in primary dentition aims to remove and repair existing carious lesions and to prevent secondary caries up until exfoliation of the primary tooth happens, in order to maintain the important role in terms of the space maintenance and guidance for eruption [...] Read more.
Conservative dentistry in primary dentition aims to remove and repair existing carious lesions and to prevent secondary caries up until exfoliation of the primary tooth happens, in order to maintain the important role in terms of the space maintenance and guidance for eruption that deciduous teeth have. Many different materials are used, and some of them, recently commercialized, show bioactive properties able to prevent secondary caries. This trial’s primary focus is to evaluate the biological, functional, and aesthetic characteristics of Cention-N alkasite material compared to glass ionomer cement (GIC) through the use of standardized FDI criteria for direct restorations. A blinded, split-mouth study was designed for this purpose, including 112 deciduous molars in 45 children showing class II caries restored with either GIC or alkasite material. The data from this study indicates that the Cention-N alkasite material showed equal performance compared with Fuji IX GIC after one year. A thorough evaluation of exfoliated teeth restored with this material will provide long-term data and an evaluation on infiltration rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Dentistry)

Review

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14 pages, 451 KiB  
Review
Hemostatic Agents for the Management of Bleeding Risk Associated with Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Following Tooth Extraction: A Systematic Review
by Marco Nisi, Elisabetta Carli, Stefano Gennai, Francesco Gulia and Rossana Izzetti
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 11017; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122111017 - 31 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3297
Abstract
The occurrence of bleeding following dental extraction is a relatively common complication. A history of therapy with oral anticoagulants represents a major favoring factor, both in patients treated with vitamin K-antagonists (especially warfarin) and with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Several local hemostatic measures [...] Read more.
The occurrence of bleeding following dental extraction is a relatively common complication. A history of therapy with oral anticoagulants represents a major favoring factor, both in patients treated with vitamin K-antagonists (especially warfarin) and with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Several local hemostatic measures can be applied to limit the bleeding risk in these patients. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate what measures can be adopted to limit the bleeding risk following dental extractions in patients treated with oral anticoagulants. A literature search was performed, and 116 articles were retrieved. Titles and abstract analyses excluded 91 articles, and three more articles were excluded following full-text analysis. The systematic review was performed on 22 articles. Among the included articles, 20 studies reported on patients treated with warfarin, and two studies on patients treated with DOACs. The agents employed included local intra-alveolar agents, tranexamic acid, and PRF. The included studies were all at moderate/high risk of bias. Moreover, limited evidence is available on hemostasis in patients treated with DOACs. The available evidence hinders stating the superiority of one agent over the others. Further research is advised to increase the level of evidence of the application of hemostatic agents in patients treated with oral anticoagulants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Dentistry)
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18 pages, 463 KiB  
Review
Clinical Applications of Nano-Hydroxyapatite in Dentistry
by Rossana Izzetti, Stefano Gennai, Marco Nisi, Francesco Gulia, Marco Miceli and Maria Rita Giuca
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 10762; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122110762 - 24 Oct 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2714
Abstract
Nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HAp) is a biomaterial which is finding increasing application in dentistry due to its osteogenic properties and biocompatibility. The aim of the present study is to review the clinical applications of nano-HAp in dentistry. A literature search was performed in PubMeD and [...] Read more.
Nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HAp) is a biomaterial which is finding increasing application in dentistry due to its osteogenic properties and biocompatibility. The aim of the present study is to review the clinical applications of nano-HAp in dentistry. A literature search was performed in PubMeD and Scopus. In total, 154 articles were retrieved. Following title and abstract analysis, 122 articles were excluded. Further 6 articles were excluded through full-text analysis. The systematic review was conducted on 26 articles. In 3 studies, nano-HAp was employed for tissue remineralization, 8 studies applied nano-HAp for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, 2 studies evaluated the role of nano-HAp in orthodontics, 9 studies applied nano-HAp as a graft material, and 4 studies applied nano-HAp to periodontology and implantology. The available evidence supports the use of nano-HAp in the prevention of caries, as a desensitizing agent in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity and as a graft material. It should be, however, highlighted that further research appears mandatory in assessing and validating the full potential of nano-HAp in clinical dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Dentistry)
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Other

22 pages, 1321 KiB  
Systematic Review
Inflammatory, Reactive, and Hypersensitivity Lesions Potentially Due to Metal Nanoparticles from Dental Implants and Supported Restorations: An Umbrella Review
by Federica Di Spirito, Roberto Lo Giudice, Massimo Amato, Maria Pia Di Palo, Francesco D’Ambrosio, Alessandra Amato and Stefano Martina
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 11208; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122111208 - 04 Nov 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 1833
Abstract
The present umbrella review aimed to assess the prevalence of cases diagnosed with lesions potentially due to Titanium (alloy) and other metal nanoparticles released from dental implants and implant-supported restorations, characterizing lesions’ macroscopic, imaging, and microscopic features. Secondary aims were to categorize the [...] Read more.
The present umbrella review aimed to assess the prevalence of cases diagnosed with lesions potentially due to Titanium (alloy) and other metal nanoparticles released from dental implants and implant-supported restorations, characterizing lesions’ macroscopic, imaging, and microscopic features. Secondary aims were to categorize the reported lesions as resembling or ascribable to peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, reactive lesions of the peri-implant mucosa, or hypersensitivity reactions, and to evaluate their relationship with cases’, dental implants, and implant-supported restorations’ characteristics, and with the evidence of Titanium allergy. The study protocol, developed in advance and compliant with the PRISMA statement, was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022354676). Systematic reviews were searched through the Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane library databases, and the PROSPERO register until 19 August 2022; reference lists were also screened. Data from four systematic reviews of critically low/low quality (AMSTAR 2), one including a meta-analysis, were analyzed qualitatively. An overall prevalence of 16.9% of cases was estimated. Reported lesions resembled or were ascribable to peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis (55.17%), reactive lesions (17.22%), and hypersensitivity reactions (24.12%); no oral contact lichenoid lesions were described. Titanium allergy was hardly and heterogeneously investigated. Due to the severely incomplete data, no definitive conclusions could be drawn on the potential role of cases’ and implant characteristics and Titanium allergy on lesions onset, development, and treatment responsiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Dentistry)
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