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New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry: Second Edition

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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: 18 January 2026 | Viewed by 17444

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Prof. Dr. José João Mendes

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Clinical Research Unit (CRU), CiiEM, Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, 2829-511 Caparica, Almada, Portugal
Interests: dentistry; clinical teaching; innovation in teaching; public health; clinical research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Ricardo Castro Alves

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Clinical Research Unit (CRU), CiiEM, Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, 2829-511 Caparica, Almada, Portugal
Interests: periodontal disease; periodontal surgery; dental implants; biomaterials and bone regeneration; epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Ana Cristina Mano Azul

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Clinical Research Unit (CRU), CiiEM, Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, 2829-511 Caparica, Almada, Portugal
Interests: adhesion; minimal invasive dentistry; dental materials; dental bleaching; aesthetics; computer-assisted design and manufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dentistry has experienced significant technical and technological advancements in recent years. These achievements have made it possible to increase the accuracy of diagnosis, plan treatments more precisely, improve the predictability and durability of certain treatments, make procedures safer and faster, and improve the patient experience and acceptance, among others.

Given the rate at which these advancements are unfolding, it is only imperative to launch a Special Issue that provides a platform for clinicians to share their insights and research, as well as help them to be aware of the latest breakthroughs in this field. Topics in this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following: new restorative materials, new regenerative materials, new surgical techniques, CAD-CAM systems, artificial intelligence in dentistry, robotics, and translational research. We encourage submissions of original in vivo or in vitro studies that describe new therapeutic approaches or materials, as well as reviews, from different fields of dentistry and related areas.

Prof. Dr. José João Mendes
Prof. Dr. Ricardo Castro Alves
Dr. Ana Cristina Mano Azul
Guest Editors

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Keywords

oral health
dentistry
dental materials
biomaterials
dental imaging
digital dentistry
artificial intelligence
new technologies
personalized medicine

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 2628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Repolishing Affect the Gloss and Roughness of Lithium Disilicate and Monolithic Zirconia Ceramics?

by Cigdem Cebi Tuysuz, Necla Demir and Emir Yuzbasioglu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4622; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094622 - 22 Apr 2025

Viewed by 181

Abstract

Purpose Maintaining the surface quality of ceramic restorations after clinical adjustments is critical for both aesthetic outcomes and long-term oral health, yet the optimal approach to restoring gloss and smoothness remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different surface finishing and grinding procedures on the surface gloss and roughness of three different monolithic lithium disilicate ceramics and one monolithic ultra-translucent zirconia ceramic. Materials and Methods A total of 104 specimens (1.5 × 12 × 14 mm) were prepared from four ceramic materials: LiSi CEREC Tessera (CT), GC Initial LiSi (LS), IPS e.max CAD (EC), and zirconia disc (KATANA UTML (KAT)). Each was divided into two subgroups based on surface finishing (mechanical polishing or glazing; n = 10). Gloss and surface roughness were measured using a glossmeter and a profilometer, respectively. One specimen per subgroup was analyzed under SEM at ×1000 magnification. Results Gloss and roughness values were analyzed with the two-way robust ANOVA test and multiple comparisons were made with Bonferroni correction. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Mechanical polishing, glazing, and repolishing increased the gloss values of the materials, with the KAT group achieving the highest gloss in the repolishing groups. The lowest gloss values were observed in the grinding groups. Additionally, these surface treatments reduced the roughness of the surface of all the materials. Conclusions Surface finishing procedures significantly influenced the gloss and roughness of monolithic lithium disilicate and zirconia ceramics. Mechanical polishing systems performed similarly or better than glazing. However, selecting an appropriate polishing system for each material is essential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry: Second Edition)

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9 pages, 1894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tuning BMI.NTf₂ Ionic Liquid Concentration in Dental Adhesives Towards a Rational Design of Antibacterial Materials

by Isadora Martini Garcia, Andressa Simionato, Virgínia Serra Souza, Jackson Damiani Scholten, Mary Anne Sampaio Melo and Fabrício Mezzomo Collares

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3810; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073810 - 31 Mar 2025

Viewed by 264

Abstract

1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMI.NTf₂) is a hydrophobic ionic liquid with potential antibacterial properties for dental materials. This study aimed to (1) incorporate different mass fractions of BMI.NTf₂ into a dental adhesive and (2) assess its impact on physical and chemical properties. Adhesive resins were prepared with 1 (G_1%), 2.5 (G_2.5%), and 5 wt.% (G_5%) BMI.NTf₂, with a control group (G_CTRL) lacking the ionic liquid. Evaluations included polymerization kinetics, degree of conversion (DC), softening in solvent (ΔKHN%), and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). Groups with BMI.NTf₂ showed accelerated polymerization kinetics, with G_5% achieving a higher DC and ΔKHN% compared to G_CTRL (p < 0.05). Lower concentrations (1% and 2.5%) did not affect ΔKHN%, and no significant differences were found in UTS across groups (p > 0.05). Notably, 2.5 wt.% of BMI.NTf₂ increased the DC without affecting other properties, indicating optimal polymerization rates and handling characteristics. These results support the development of BMI.NTf₂-based antibacterial adhesives that may assist in preventing secondary caries in restorative dentistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry: Second Edition)

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16 pages, 2335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns and Practices in the Use of Endodontic Materials: Insights from Romanian Dental Practices

by Diana Marian, Ramona Amina Popovici, Iustin Olariu, Dana Emanuela Pitic (Cot), Maria-Monica Marta and Ioana Veja (Ilyes)

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031272 - 26 Jan 2025

Viewed by 873

Abstract

The success of endodontic treatment depends on the correct use of materials during the cleaning and filling of the root canal system. The field of endodontics is constantly evolving with the introduction of new procedures and materials. Despite the continuous development of a wide range of chemical solutions and the introduction of new materials in endodontics, driven by the advances in state-of-the-art technologies, there is still a lack of data on how these advances are adapted to the daily practice of Romanian dentists in this field. The aim of this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was the evaluation of current trends in endodontic practice, focusing on the materials used by dentists throughout Romania, performed by a number of dentists who graduated from universities in the Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, and Central zones of Romania. The questions were about the irrigants used, the interim medication, the type of sealant, the filling technique, and the number of endodontic treatment sessions. The majority of participants in the research were general practitioners and endodontists, with some dentists of different specialties performing endodontic treatments in their practices. Statistical analyses were performed using DATAtab version 2024 software. The results obtained from this study provide a valuable resource and database for researchers to access a wide range of information and an apparent trend towards high-performance endodontic materials used in Romania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry: Second Edition)

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11 pages, 1605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Temporomandibular Condylar Changes Using Texture Analysis of CT and MRI Images

by Celso Massahiro Ogawa, Everton Flaiban, Ana Lúcia Franco Ricardo, Diana Lorena Garcia Lopes, Lays Assolini Pinheiro de Oliveira, Bruna Maciel de Almeida, Adriana de Oliveira Lira, Kaan Orhan, Sérgio Lúcio Pereira de Castro Lopes and Andre Luiz Ferreira Costa

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 7020; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167020 - 10 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1526

Abstract

This study aims to compare computed tomography (CT) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by using texture analysis (TA) to detect condylar bone marrow changes associated with the flattening and erosion of cortical bone. A total of 47 patients from the Dentomaxillofacial Radiology Division at São Paulo State University were evaluated. Images from 250 CT and 250 MRI images were assessed by experienced radiologists employing OnDemand3D software. Texture parameters were extracted with MaZda software (version 4.6), and we focused on regions of interest within the condyles. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in texture parameters between the affected and control groups. CT images showed higher correlation values in cases of flattening, whereas MRI images demonstrated substantial changes in texture parameters for both flattening and erosion. These findings suggest that the texture analysis of CT and MRI images can effectively detect early and advanced degenerative changes in the TMJ, thus providing valuable insights into the underlying pathophysiology and aiding in early intervention and treatment planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry: Second Edition)

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11 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Color Variation after Two Brushing Protocols with Toothpastes Containing Different Whitening Technologies

by Angel Lobito, Catarina Colaço, Joana Costa, Jorge Caldeira, Luís Proença and José João Mendes

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4053; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104053 - 10 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1986

Abstract

The aim was to evaluate the effect of different whitening toothpastes on the enamel surface roughness and color variation. Twenty-four molars were sectioned and divided into eight groups (n = 3) considering the following two factors under study: toothpaste type (Colgate^® Total Original, Oral B^® 3D White Luxe Perfection, Curaprox^® Black is White, and Signal^® White Now) and brushing protocol (short- and long-term). Surface roughness was examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and color change (ΔE) was measured using the CIE L*a*b* system. Data were statistically analyzed using comparative parametric tests at a 5% significance level. In the short-term protocol, only the Signal^® White Now toothpaste increased surface roughness (p = 0.038) compared to the Colgate^® Total Original group. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in surface roughness in the long-term protocol. Regarding color variation, no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in either protocol. Overall, the whitening toothpastes did not affect enamel surface roughness or color, except for Signal^® White Now, which caused increased roughness in the short-term protocol. However, all toothpastes induced a visual change in color. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry: Second Edition)

11 pages, 2049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Gingival Fibroblasts Response to Different Endodontic Sealers: An In Vitro Study

by Rita Noites, Inês Tavares, Miguel Cardoso, Isabel M. Carreira, Maria Bartolomeu, Ana S. Duarte and Ilda P. Ribeiro

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10976; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910976 - 5 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1644

Abstract

Endodontic treatment aims to eliminate infection of the root canals and fill the dental pulp space. The biocompatibility studies of the sealers used in root canals obturation are crucial since they are applied in direct contact with periradicular tissues. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of three root canal sealers—AH Plus, Bio MTA+, and Bio C sealer—on immortalized human gingival fibroblasts. Methods: AH Plus, Bio MTA+, and Bio C sealers were evaluated through incubation in real-time and material-conditioned media. Cells were incubated for 24 h and 72 h, at three different concentrations (1, 10, and 100 mg/mL) of each sealer. The cytotoxic activity of the sealers was assessed by Methyl tetrazolium (MTT) and Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays. Cell morphology and cytogenetic alterations were studied microscopically. Results: MTT and SRB assays revealed similar results within both approaches. Cell culture exposed to sealers through incubation in real-time revealed a cytotoxic effect of AH Plus at 100 mg/mL. Material-conditioned media study revealed a cytotoxic effect of Bio MTA+ and Bio C, increasing with higher compound concentration and reaching 50% with 100 mg/mL. Regarding the cell’s morphology, Bio C sealer revealed a decrease in cell confluence and several morphological changes. AH Plus and Bio MTA+ did not seem to affect the cell confluence however morphology alterations were observed. In the cytogenetic study, a severe decrease of the mitotic index and a large number of chromosomal aberrations were observed. The present study represents an advance in the understanding of the biocompatibility of AH Plus, Bio MTA+, and Bio C sealers. These sealers demonstrated some cytotoxicity, depending on the concentration used. Although more validation studies are still needed, this study brings very relevant results in terms of cytotoxicity, cell morphology, and cytogenetic alterations. Conclusions: These results could help in the selection of the most appropriate compounds to be used in clinical practice as well as to determine the maximum recommended amounts of each sealer. Clinical Relevance: This study highlights the potential cytotoxic effects of three commonly used root canal sealers on human gingival fibroblasts, with varying degrees of impact depending on the concentration used. The results emphasize the importance of careful consideration when selecting and applying these materials in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry: Second Edition)

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Review

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13 pages, 4277 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multidisciplinary Applications of AI in Dentistry: Bibliometric Review

by Hela Allani, Ana Teresa Santos and Honorato Ribeiro-Vidal

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 7624; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177624 - 28 Aug 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3692

Abstract

This review explores the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in dentistry, reflecting on its potential to reshape traditional practices and meet the increasing demands for high-quality dental care. The aim of this research is to examine how AI has evolved in dentistry over the past two decades, driven by two pivotal questions: “What are the current emerging trends and developments in AI in dentistry?” and “What implications do these trends have for the future of AI in the dental field?”. Utilizing the Scopus database, a bibliometric analysis of the literature from 2000 to 2023 was conducted to address these inquiries. The findings reveal a significant increase in AI-related publications, especially between 2018 and 2023, underscoring a rapid expansion in AI applications that enhance diagnostic precision and treatment planning. Techniques such as Deep Learning (DL) and Neural Networks (NN) have transformed dental practices by enhancing diagnostic precision and reducing workload. AI technologies, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), have improved the accuracy of radiographic analysis, from detecting dental pathologies to automating cephalometric evaluations, thereby optimizing treatment outcomes. This advocacy is underpinned by the need for AI applications in dentistry to be both efficacious and ethically sound, ensuring that they not only improve clinical outcomes but also adhere to the highest standards of patient care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry: Second Edition)

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Other

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15 pages, 4997 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Modified Lip Repositioning Surgery in the Treatment of Gummy Smile

by Cesar Augusto Signori Arruda, Filipa Passos Sousa and Ricardo Castro Alves

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5580; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135580 - 27 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3734

Abstract

The smile is a characteristic that expresses emotions and affects interpersonal relationships, significantly impacting self-esteem and influencing personal and professional life. The growing emphasis on aesthetics has made patients increasingly well-informed and demanding regarding available procedures. Excessive gingival display (EGD) can result from various factors, such as altered passive eruption, vertical maxillary excess, and short or hyperactive upper lip, among others. In this case report, where EGD was caused by upper lip hypermobility, the proposed treatment involved the modified lip repositioning surgical technique (MLRS) using sutures in the modified horizontal mattress technique, aiming to limit muscle and tissue movement and to approximate the mucosal edges. The outcome was an improved aesthetic harmony of the smile, with a more suitable position of the upper lip during spontaneous smiling, as observed in a six-month follow-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry: Second Edition)

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19 pages, 810 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effect of the Incorporation of Compounds into Digitally Manufactured Dental Materials—A Systematic Review

by Ana Bettencourt, Catarina Jorge, Vitor Anes and Cristina Bettencourt Neves

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2931; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072931 - 30 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1462

Abstract

The aim of this review was to evaluate if the properties of digitally produced dental acrylic resins improved when reinforced with compounds. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for the past 10 years. Combinations of keywords were chosen to reflect the PICO question: Do digitally produced dental acrylic resins loaded with compounds have better mechanical, surface and/or biological properties than resins without compounds? The selection was carried out by two independent researchers according to the PRISMA flowchart and specific eligibility criteria. Results: The 19 in vitro studies included dealt with incorporated compounds such as zirconium dioxide nanoparticles, graphene nanoplatelets, and zwitterionic compounds. It was found that some compounds had a negative impact on the mechanical and surface properties, while others showed improvements. Most of the loaded resins had more effective antimicrobial activity compared to the controls. There were also differences in biocompatibility depending on the type of compound incorporated. The compounds affect the mechanical and surface properties of loaded acrylic resins, depending on the type and concentration of the compound. In the case of antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility, the results depended on other factors than the chemical composition of the compound included in the resin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry: Second Edition)

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