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

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Recent Developments and Emerging Trends in Dental Diseases and Dental Materials

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 Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2026 | Viewed by 8112

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Felice Femiano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
Interests: dentinal hypersensitivity; diode laser in dentistry; conservative dental restoration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The introduction of increasingly high-performance dental materials with highly bioactive and biofunctional characteristics makes these products increasingly interactive with the dental tissues of the host. These activities can sometimes cause dental pathologies that could be difficult to resolve.

The objective of this Special Issue is to present research on the use of most current dental materials to prepare clinicians on the correct choice of material personalized for the patient to avoid unwanted effects and to not only establish the correct protocols for the use of dental materials but also be aware of suitable procedures to deal with and resolve adverse events.

Dr. Felice Femiano
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

dental materials
dental diseases
oral health
biocompatibility
dentistry
restorative materials

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

16 pages, 601 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Antimicrobial Activity of Mouthwashes Containing Tea Tree Oil, Cannabidiol (CBD), Spilanthol, and Chlorhexidine Digluconate Against Selected Bacterial and Yeast Strains: An In Vitro Study

by Maksymilian Kiełbratowski, Anna Kuśka-Kiełbratowska, Małgorzata Kępa, Rafał Wiench, Agata Trzcionka, Zenon Czuba and Marta Tanasiewicz

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052193 - 25 Feb 2026

Viewed by 550

Abstract

(1) Background: The oral cavity is a complex ecological environment that integrates elements of both the digestive and respiratory systems, contributing to its extensive microbial diversity. Despite its effectiveness, chlorhexidine is associated with undesirable effects, such as mucosal irritation and tooth staining, which have prompted research into natural alternatives. This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial activity of mouthwashes containing tea tree oil (TTO) alone and in combination with cannabidiol (CBD) and spilanthol with that of a chlorhexidine digluconate-based mouthwash (CHX) against selected oral bacterial and fungal strains. (2) Methods: To assess the antimicrobial effects of the tested mouthwashes on reference microbial strains, the agar diffusion method was applied in accordance with the guidelines of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). In addition, the microdilution method using 96-well microtiter plates was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested substances. Microbial viability was further evaluated using the WST-based colorimetric Microbial Viability Assay Kit, in which the intensity of the produced WST-formazan dye is directly proportional to the number of viable cells. (3) Results: In the disc diffusion assay, inhibition zones measured after 24 h varied among the tested microorganisms, with the largest zones observed for CHX against Candida parapsilosis (19.63 mm) and Streptococcus pyogenes (16.7 mm). In the microdilution assay against Candida albicans, the MIC₅₀ was achieved for preparations A and B at the highest tested concentrations (column 1), whereas for chlorhexidine (CHX), it was reached at lower concentrations (column 9). (4) Conclusions: ① All tested mouthwashes containing tea tree oil (TTO), either as a single active ingredient or in combination with cannabidiol (CBD) and spilanthol, demonstrated limited bacteriostatic and antifungal activity under the experimental conditions of this study. ② The chlorhexidine digluconate-based mouthwash exhibited significantly higher antibacterial and antifungal activity against all tested microbial strains compared to both the TTO-only mouthwashes and the formulation containing TTO combined with CBD and spilanthol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments and Emerging Trends in Dental Diseases and Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1651 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Cleaning Agents on the Microhardness and Surface of Acrylic and Copolyester Removable Appliances

by Berna Kuter, Funda Senturk, Ilhan Uzel, Fahinur Ertugrul and Gülden Diniz

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1730; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041730 - 10 Feb 2026

Viewed by 494

Abstract

This study evaluated whether commonly used household cleaning agents affect the surface microhardness of acrylic and copolyester materials used in pediatric removable appliances and sought to identify safe options for daily home cleaning. Standardized acrylic and copolyester specimens were exposed to a short-term, clinically relevant brushing regimen using tap water (control), children’s toothpaste, liquid soap, antibacterial liquid soap, 20% saline solution, or 20% sodium bicarbonate (“carbonated”) solution. Surface microhardness was assessed with Vickers testing, and surface features were examined by light microscopy. In the acrylic group, antibacterial liquid soap and the carbonated solution were associated with reduced microhardness (Spearman ρ = −0.622 and −0.532, respectively; both p < 0.001) and more pronounced surface alterations. In the copolyester group, antibacterial liquid soap showed a significant inverse association with microhardness in regression analysis (p = 0.032), while the other agents showed no statistically significant relationships (p > 0.05). Clinically, antibacterial liquid soap should be avoided for routine cleaning of both acrylic and copolyester appliances, and sodium bicarbonate–based carbonated solutions may be detrimental to acrylic. Children’s toothpaste and ordinary liquid soap appear to be practical, safer alternatives for daily use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments and Emerging Trends in Dental Diseases and Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 931 KB

Open AccessArticle

Patient-Reported Pain During Initial Leveling with Three Types of Nickel–Titanium Orthodontic Archwires: A Single-Blinded Comparative Study

by Mirela Georgieva, Laura Andreeva and Valeri Petrov

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9385; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179385 - 27 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1247

Abstract

Background: Patient discomfort during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment is a common concern and may influence compliance. Archwire selection plays a critical role in modulating pain perception. This study aimed to compare immediate and dynamic pain perception among patients undergoing initial orthodontic leveling using three types of nickel–titanium archwires with different mechanical properties and cross-sectional dimensions. Methods: Forty-eight patients undergoing fixed appliance therapy were enrolled in a single-blind comparative clinical study. Participants completed a two-part, pilot-tested questionnaire assessing immediate (Day 4) and dynamic (Day 8) pain after the first archwire placement. Group differences were analyzed with Kruskal–Wallis and Bonferroni-adjusted Mann–Whitney U tests (α = 0.05). Results: TriTanium^® was consistently associated with lower pain across functional tasks and had significantly lower overall pain than both Bio-Active^® and 0.014-inch single-force round Ni-Ti (Bonferroni-adjusted). Bio-Active^® was intermediate and did not differ from 0.014-inch round; its reduction relative to the round wire showed a non-significant trend. No correlation was found between archwire size and pain intensity. Conclusions: The type and mechanical behavior of the archwire, rather than its cross-sectional dimension, influence patient discomfort during the initial leveling phase. Multiforce shape-memory archwires such as TriTanium^® may offer improved comfort and should be considered when planning early-stage orthodontic treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments and Emerging Trends in Dental Diseases and Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 554 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Antimicrobial and Clinical Efficacy of a Novel Technology in Pediatric Endodontics: An In Vivo Study

by Luca De Gregoriis, Tatiane Cristina Dotta, Morena Petrini, Silvia Di Lodovico, Loredana D’Ercole, Simonetta D’Ercole and Domenico Tripodi

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6491; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126491 - 9 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1834

Abstract

Pediatric dentistry continually seeks effective and efficient treatments for young patients, especially within pediatric endodontics, where cooperation can often be challenging. This in vivo study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel photodynamic therapy (PDT) protocol using a 5-aminolevulinic acid gel (Aladent, ALAD) combined with light irradiation during the endodontic treatment of primary teeth. This study included primary teeth requiring root canal therapy due to carious lesions or trauma, with clinical symptoms suggesting irreversible pulpitis or acute apical periodontitis. Following local anesthesia and isolation with a rubber dam, carious lesions were excavated, and access to the pulp chamber was established. Canal preparation included determining the working length and using a sequence of k-files. Afterward, ALAD gel was applied, and the patients were divided into two groups based on their visit duration (Group A with a single visit, Group B returning after one week). Microbiological analysis was conducted on the samples taken before and after treatment. The findings demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy of the PDT protocol in reducing root canal bacterial load, suggesting ALAD-based PDT may serve as an alternative to traditional endodontic treatment in cases where retaining primary teeth is essential for orthodontic or strategic reasons. Clinically, improvement in symptoms and fistula resolution were observed. Treatment time, patient compliance, and protocol safety in pediatric applications are also discussed, highlighting the protocol’s potential to enhance clinical outcomes in pediatric endodontics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments and Emerging Trends in Dental Diseases and Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4121 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Silver Nanoparticles on Dentinal Tubule Penetration of Endodontic Bioceramic Sealer

by Sundus Bukhary, Sarah Alkahtany, Amal Almohaimede, Nourah Alkhayatt, Shahad Alsulaiman and Salma Alohali

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11639; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411639 - 12 Dec 2024

Viewed by 3245

Abstract

The impact of adding silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to bioceramic (BC) sealer on their ability to penetrate dentinal tubules is still unknown. Thus, this confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) study aimed to assess the extent of dentinal tubule penetration of BC sealer (TotalFill^® Hiflow BC Sealer™, FKG, Switzerland) with and without AgNPs using the single-cone (SC) technique and the continuous-wave condensation (CWC) technique. AgNPs alone as well as in a mixture with the BC sealer were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Single-rooted extracted human teeth (N = 100) were selected and prepared, and then divided into four groups (n = 25). Group 1 (BC/SC): BC sealer obturated with the SC technique. Group 2 (BC+AgNPs/SC): BC sealer with AgNPs obturated with the SC technique. Group 3 (BC/CWC): BC Sealer obturated with the CWC technique. Group 4 (BC+AgNPs/CWC): BC Sealer with AgNPs obturated with the CWC technique. After 2 weeks, roots were horizontally sectioned to obtain 1 mm thick dentin slices that were evaluated with CLSM. Sealer dentinal tubule penetration area and the maximum depth of penetration were measured. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and the Tukey multiple comparison tests (p ≤ 0.05). The characterization process demonstrated a spherical-shaped nanoparticles without obvious agglomeration. The results showed that Group 2 (BC+AgNPs/SC) significantly demonstrated the highest mean tubular penetration depth, while group 3 (BC/CWC) had the lowest mean depth. Group 2 (BC+AgNPs/SC) exhibited the significantly highest mean value for the total area of penetration. However, groups 1 (BC/SC) and 3 (BC/CWC) exhibited the lowest mean value of total penetration area, with no statistically significant difference. The integration of AgNPs with BC sealer markedly enhanced penetration into dentinal tubules. The SC technique demonstrated superior penetration relative to the CWC technique. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments and Emerging Trends in Dental Diseases and Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Recent Developments and Emerging Trends in Dental Diseases and Dental Materials

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI