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New Trends, Materials, and Technologies and Consolidating Best Practices in...
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New Trends, Materials, and Technologies and Consolidating Best Practices in Dentistry, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Clinics and Practice (ISSN 2039-7283).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 7557

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Federica Di Spirito

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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, 84126 Salerno, Italy
Interests: oral medicine and interconnected systemic disorders; oral microbiome, dysbiosis and interconnected systemic disorders; periodontology and implantology; applied technologies (disease prevention, teledentistry)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Maria Pia Di Palo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
Interests: implant dentistry; periodontology; oral surgery; oral medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue summarizes the recent advancements in several fields of dental clinical and surgical practice, empathizing emerging trends and consolidates best practices. Additionally, the Special Issue addresses the challenges of diagnosing, treatment planning, medication prescribing, managing special-care patients, and the intricate relationship between oral and systemic diseases.

We welcome reviews and original articles that delve into a broad spectrum of dental topics, including but not limited to the following:

  • Restorative Dentistry: new materials, techniques, and digital workflows.
  • Endodontics: advances in root canal therapies, including minimally invasive and 3D techniques.
  • Prosthodontics: modern approaches to prosthetics, such as CAD/CAM and 3D technologies.
  • Periodontics: advances in periodontal treatments, including regenerative and laser therapies.
  • Oral Surgery: minimally invasive and innovative techniques, advanced implant placement, and complex case management.
  • Orthodontics: state-of-the-art orthodontic treatments, including clear aligners and self-ligating braces.
  • Patient Care: strategies for managing patients’ special needs, addressing oral-systemic health connections, and medications.
  • Dental Technology: digital imaging, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and other robotic and informatic technological innovations transforming dental practice.

Dr. Federica Di Spirito
Dr. Maria Pia Di Palo
Guest Editors

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Clinics and Practice is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1600 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

  • dentistry
  • restorative dentistry
  • endodontics
  • prosthodontics
  • periodontics
  • oral surgery
  • implantology
  • orthodontics
  • dental technology
  • special needs

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

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2871 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Effects of Photobiomodulation on Bone Density After Placing Dental Implants: A Pilot Study Using Cone Beam CT Analysis
by Ruxandra-Elena Luca, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Ioana-Roxana Munteanu, Mădălin-Marius Margan and Carmen Darinca Todea
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15030064 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 301
Abstract
Background: One of the parameters of maximum interest regarding the quality of the intraoral hard tissues is represented by the bone density, with direct clinical implications. The evaluation of this extremely important clinical parameter can be achieved by several imaging methods, of which [...] Read more.
Background: One of the parameters of maximum interest regarding the quality of the intraoral hard tissues is represented by the bone density, with direct clinical implications. The evaluation of this extremely important clinical parameter can be achieved by several imaging methods, of which the most known in dentistry is represented by the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Objectives: The purpose of the study is to obtain a quantitative analysis of bone mineral density changes in patients who underwent treatments of photobiomodulation (PBM), as complementary to a surgical approach in oral surgery and implantology. Methods: The study included the retrospective analysis of maxillary cone beam computed tomography of 28 patients without pathology or medication known to affect bone metabolism or its qualitative and quantitative properties. All patients from the study group followed the same laser PBM treatment protocol after placing dental implants; the PBM protocol implied the intraoral use of a gallium aluminum arsenide laser (GaAlAs) of 808 nm, 450 mW, in pulsed mode, administering an energy of 6 J in 3 points corresponding to each inserted dental implant—mesial, distal, and apical—totaling 18 J/implant. Treatment sessions were performed immediately postoperatively and at a subsequent distance of 48 h for 2 weeks (a total of eight sessions). For every patient, bone density was analyzed before and after PBM treatment, in the same areas of interest, within the same anatomical landmarks. A comparison was also made between the results obtained for the anterior maxilla and the posterior maxilla. All the measurements made were analyzed statistically, the results being presented in the dedicated section. Results: Based on the data analysis, the comparison between the lasered and non-lasered groups reveals that patients who underwent PBM showed a statistically significant improvement in bone mineral density, with the mean increasing from 530.91 HU before treatment to 842.55 HU after treatment (t-test: p < 0.001). In contrast, the non-lasered group showed no significant improvement, with a slight decrease in bone mineral density, as the mean dropped from 495.19 HU before treatment to 462.16 HU after treatment (t-test: p = 0.47). Conclusions: The study demonstrated results with statistical significance regarding the mineral bone density improvement of patients who underwent laser PBM treatment. This positive effect of laser therapy has been shown, both at the level of the vestibular cortical bone and at level of the trabecular bone, independent of the patient’s sex, for the anterior maxilla and at the lateral areas also. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends, Materials, and Technologies and Consolidating Best Practices in Dentistry, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 11162 KiB  
Article
Innovative Damage Assessment of Endodontic Instruments Based on Digital Image Stacking
by Raúl Argüello-Sánchez, Ivette Alejandra Calderón-Alday, Antonio Hernández-Morales, Benjamín Gonzalo Rodríguez-Méndez, Diego Medina-Castro, Régulo López-Callejas and Carlo Eduardo Medina-Solís
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15010003 - 26 Dec 2024
Viewed by 3270
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The damage assessment of dental instruments, such as endodontic files, is crucial to ensure patient safety and treatment quality. Conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been the gold standard for this purpose; however, its limited accessibility and complex sample preparation protocols hinder [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The damage assessment of dental instruments, such as endodontic files, is crucial to ensure patient safety and treatment quality. Conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been the gold standard for this purpose; however, its limited accessibility and complex sample preparation protocols hinder its routine use in clinical settings. This study proposes a novel system that leverages digital photography and advanced image processing techniques as a viable alternative to SEM. Methods: Our system accurately detects early instrument damage by capitalizing on the high resolution of digital images. Its exceptionally user-friendly interface, portability, and key features make it highly suitable for daily clinical practice. Results: Our findings suggest that the proposed system provides image quality comparable to SEM. Conclusions: Image stacking provides a practical, efficient, and objective method for assessing endodontic instruments’ morphology. By detecting early damage, this system significantly improves the safety and quality of endodontic procedures, especially for reusable NiTi files, instilling confidence and security in its use. It offers a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative to traditional methods such as visual inspection and SEM, making it a comfortable and confident choice for both research and clinical settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends, Materials, and Technologies and Consolidating Best Practices in Dentistry, 2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 270 KiB  
Article
Clinical Success of Pulpotomies Using Intermediate Restorations and Preformed Metal Crowns in the Context of a Developing Country: A Retrospective Questionnaire-Based Investigation
by Ana Luisa Montero-Copoya, Norma Leticia Robles-Bermeo, Salvador Eduardo Lucas-Rincón, María de Lourdes Márquez-Corona, Saraí Carmina Guadarrama-Reyes, Nayeli Lovera-Rojas, Juan Fernando Casanova-Rosado, Juan José Villalobos-Rodelo, Mauricio Escoffié-Ramírez and Carlo Eduardo Medina-Solís
Clin. Pract. 2024, 14(6), 2580-2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract14060203 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1270
Abstract
Background: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent dental illnesses in children. Untreated severe caries can damage teeth, requiring pulpotomy to save them. Objective: To evaluate the clinical success rate of treatments involving pulpotomies + IRM (Intermediate Restorative Material, composed of reinforced [...] Read more.
Background: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent dental illnesses in children. Untreated severe caries can damage teeth, requiring pulpotomy to save them. Objective: To evaluate the clinical success rate of treatments involving pulpotomies + IRM (Intermediate Restorative Material, composed of reinforced zinc oxide–eugenol polymers) + preformed metal crowns (PMCs) in primary teeth of children treated at a public university in Mexico. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional ambispective study was conducted on children aged 10 years or younger, treated at a public university in Mexico. A total of 1281 medical records from February 2018 to June 2023 were reviewed, yielding a sample of 199 children treated with pulpotomy + IRM + PMC. Information was collected via telephone interviews with parents/caregivers to inquire about any symptoms following the pulpotomy and metal crown treatments. Success was defined as the absence of pain, inflammation, or infection. Results: During the study period, the number of teeth treated with pulpotomy + IRM + PMC was 414, with follow-ups ranging from 6 to 69 months. Most participants were girls (54.3%), while 45.7% were boys. Out of the 167 pulpotomy + IRM + PMC treatments included in the study, the clinical success rate was 98.2%. Conclusions: The clinical success rate of primary teeth treated with pulpotomy + IRM + PMCs was high, close to 100%, based on evidence and symptom reports from parents/caregivers. It would be beneficial to implement its use in public health institutions in countries such as Mexico. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends, Materials, and Technologies and Consolidating Best Practices in Dentistry, 2nd Edition)

Review

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13 pages, 6395 KiB  
Review
Enhancing Smile Aesthetics and Function with Lithium Disilicate Veneers: A Brief Review and Case Study
by Jose Villalobos-Tinoco, Franciele Floriani, Silvia Rojas-Rueda, Salwa Mekled, Clint Conner, Staley Colvert and Carlos A. Jurado
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15030066 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 412
Abstract
Background: Lithium disilicate ceramic veneers are considered the gold standard in aesthetic dentistry due to their translucency, strength, and adhesive bonding properties. This clinical case report details the aesthetic rehabilitation of a patient through the use of pressed lithium disilicate veneers, highlighting [...] Read more.
Background: Lithium disilicate ceramic veneers are considered the gold standard in aesthetic dentistry due to their translucency, strength, and adhesive bonding properties. This clinical case report details the aesthetic rehabilitation of a patient through the use of pressed lithium disilicate veneers, highlighting the treatment workflow, material selection rationale, and the long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes achieved. Methods: A review was conducted to evaluate the long-term success of lithium disilicate. A case study is presented that involves a 32-year-old female patient with anterior tooth discoloration, minor morphological discrepancies, and a desire for smile enhancement. A conservative approach using pressed lithium disilicate was chosen to restore harmony and enhance natural aesthetics. The treatment involved minimally invasive tooth preparation, digital smile design, and adhesive cementation using a total-etch technique with light-cured resin cement. High-resolution intra-oral and extra-oral photographs documented the case, capturing the preoperative, preparation, and final restoration stages. These images highlight shade matching, margin adaptation, and smile transformation after veneering. Results: Postoperative evaluation showed excellent aesthetic outcomes, color integration, and marginal adaptation, with the patient expressing high satisfaction. The veneers exhibited optimal translucency and strength, ensuring long-term durability. A one-year follow-up revealed no debonding, marginal discoloration, or surface degradation, confirming the clinical reliability of lithium disilicate veneers. Conclusions: Lithium disilicate provides predictability, durability, and high aesthetic results, making it an ideal choice for minimally invasive smile enhancement. The use of photographic documentation emphasizes the importance of case planning, precise preparation, and adhesive bonding for successful outcomes. Future research should focus on long-term survival rates and complication prevention to further refine material selection and bonding protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends, Materials, and Technologies and Consolidating Best Practices in Dentistry, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 3633 KiB  
Review
Efficiency and Applicability of Virtual Surgical Planning in Maxillofacial and Mandibular Bone Reconstruction: A Narrative Review
by Mohammed Mahmoud Shalabi, Khaldoun M. A. Darwich, Mohammad Naem Kheshfeh and Mohammad Younis Hajeer
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(3), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15030062 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 531
Abstract
Background: Facial structures are critical to aesthetics and function. Deformities can cause significant problems. Advances in surgical techniques, including three-dimensional (3D) computer simulation and virtual surgical planning (VSP), have improved outcomes. VSP accurately predicts surgical outcomes, revolutionizing facial reconstruction. This article reviews VSP [...] Read more.
Background: Facial structures are critical to aesthetics and function. Deformities can cause significant problems. Advances in surgical techniques, including three-dimensional (3D) computer simulation and virtual surgical planning (VSP), have improved outcomes. VSP accurately predicts surgical outcomes, revolutionizing facial reconstruction. This article reviews VSP in facial bone reconstruction, highlighting its advantages and accuracy over traditional methods. Methods: A systematic search using Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar revealed 1645 articles that addressed the topic of this study. Results: The systematic search yielded 64 articles that were highly relevant to the study objective, underscoring the critical importance of virtual surgical planning (VSP) in enhancing surgical precision and patient satisfaction. VSP has become a key player in improving surgical interventions and reducing complications, reinforcing its role as the preferred method in modern reconstructive surgery and thus improving functional and aesthetic outcomes, significantly enhancing patient satisfaction, and ensuring accurate interpretation of treatment plans. When compared to traditional surgical planning (TSP), VSP offers increased accuracy, shorter operating times, and superior aesthetic outcomes. Conclusions: VSP has been shown to effectively manage the complex challenges of facial anatomy and has significantly enhanced the planning and execution of reconstructive surgeries. This has been achieved by leveraging advanced imaging and computer-aided design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends, Materials, and Technologies and Consolidating Best Practices in Dentistry, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 2577 KiB  
Review
Mental Health and Malocclusion: A Comprehensive Review
by Osama A. Alsulaiman, Maha I. Alghannam, Dalal M. Almazroua, Abdulaziz S. Alamri, Suliman Y. Shahin, Essam A. Nassar, Naif N. Almasoud, Abdulrahman T. Alsulaiman and Ahmed A. Alsulaiman
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15030044 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 867
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to comprehensively review the relationship between malocclusion and anxiety and depression. While the physical implications of malocclusion are well documented, recent scholarship has shifted focus to examining the direct relationship between malocclusion and both anxiety and depression. [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to comprehensively review the relationship between malocclusion and anxiety and depression. While the physical implications of malocclusion are well documented, recent scholarship has shifted focus to examining the direct relationship between malocclusion and both anxiety and depression. It has been hypothesized that individuals with skeletal or dental malocclusion experience a range of psychological sequelae, including diminished quality of life (QoL), reduced oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), increased vulnerability and appearance-related bullying, and impaired body image. Furthermore, these factors are postulated to collectively contribute to overall mental health, with malocclusion potentially serving as a contributing etiological factor in the development of elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Contemporary scholarship has established a complex relationship between dentofacial deviations and the psychological well-being of affected individuals. Evidence shows that malocclusion may contribute to increased depression and anxiety levels in some individuals, influencing their social functioning and treatment-seeking behavior. Dentofacial disharmony has also been associated with altered self-perception, potentially impacting an individual’s OHQOL and overall quality of life. While the findings exhibit some inconsistency, a modest body of evidence indicates a possible correlation between pronounced skeletal or dental malocclusion and anxiety and depression. These adverse psychosocial impacts, in turn, contribute to an elevated risk of anxiety and depression, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of malocclusion beyond oral health. Therefore, clinicians need to consider these issues in their treatment plans, incorporating interdisciplinary approaches that address both orthodontic and psychological aspects of patient care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends, Materials, and Technologies and Consolidating Best Practices in Dentistry, 2nd Edition)
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Other

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12 pages, 2478 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Quantitative Systematic Review on the Analgesic Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Ketorolac in Third Molar Surgery
by Mario Alberto Isiordia-Espinoza, Othoniel Hugo Aragon-Martinez, Nicolás Addiel Serafín-Higuera, Sandra López-Verdín, Eduardo Gómez-Sánchez, Nelly Molina-Frechero, Ronell Bologna-Molina, Juan Manuel Guzmán-Flores and Itzel Joselyn Mora-Falcón
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(4), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15040081 - 18 Apr 2025
Viewed by 128
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the number needed to treat (NNT) of ketorolac in comparison to placebo after third molar surgery. Methods: Studies located in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool. Data [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the number needed to treat (NNT) of ketorolac in comparison to placebo after third molar surgery. Methods: Studies located in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool. Data on the onset of analgesia, the number of patients requiring rescue medication, the global or general evaluation of the study medication, and adverse effects were extracted. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software for Windows. Results: The qualitative assessment of the included studies showed that ketorolac was more effective than a placebo and the quantitative evaluation on the onset of analgesia (NNT = 1.6 (95%CIs = 1.4, 1.9), n = 301), the number of patients who took rescue analgesics (NNT = 3.6 (95%CIs = 2.8 to 4.9), n = 563), and the global evaluation of the treatments (NNT = 1.7 (95%CIs = 1.5 to 1.9), n = 475) showed estimates of analgesic efficacy with a statistical difference in favor of ketorolac when compared with a placebo. No statistical difference was observed in adverse effects between ketorolac and placebo (n = 739). Conclusions: There is scientific evidence of moderate quality that allows estimators of the analgesic efficacy of ketorolac to be calculated, which will significantly help the clinician who performs pharmacological treatment after third molar surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends, Materials, and Technologies and Consolidating Best Practices in Dentistry, 2nd Edition)
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