Surface Properties of Dental Materials and Instruments, 3rd Edition

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactive Coatings and Biointerfaces".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 3893

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dental materials and instruments are constantly being improved. Additionally, every day new products are being introduced onto the market. This Special Issue will evaluate the antimicrobial, chemical, tribological, and mechanical surface properties of commercially available/experimental dental materials and instruments.

These products undergo chemical and mechanical degradation during use. As a result, the properties of these products may change significantly, adversely affecting their clinical performance. Moreover, the influence of surface properties on clinical performance and durability, related to ion/molecule migration due to wear and corrosion into the oral environment, is an important topic of interest.

Dental materials and instruments are subjected to microbial biofilm. Therefore, the evaluation and enhancement of dental products’ antimicrobial properties set new trends in the development of material sciences. Additionally, research on the subsequent effect of microbial action on materials may contribute to further scientific development.

Dental materials such as adhesive systems, composite resins, ceramics, implants, alloys, and acrylic resins are exposed to oral environments and undergo chemical changes and mechanical factors. Moreover, instruments such as endodontic files and burs are subjected to varying conditions during use and sterilization processes.

Reviews and research on both experimental and commercially available products are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Monika Lukomska-Szymanska
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • surface properties
  • surface topography
  • surface wear
  • antimicrobial properties
  • dental materials
  • dental instruments

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 6535 KB  
Article
SEM/EDS and Roughness Analysis on Current Titanium Implant Decontamination Systems: In Vitro Study
by Marco Lattari, Andrea Butera, Simone Roatti, Maurizio Pascadopoli, Beatrice Alberti, Saverio Cosola, Mario Alovisi and Andrea Scribante
Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101114 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 188
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different decontamination treatments on the surface roughness and elemental deposition of pristine dental implants using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). We divided 110 dental implants into 21 [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different decontamination treatments on the surface roughness and elemental deposition of pristine dental implants using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). We divided 110 dental implants into 21 groups based on the decontamination method used in vitro. One group was the untreated control. Roughness values (Ra) were analyzed with a profilometer, while elemental deposition was assessed through EDS. Results were obtained for each treatment and for macrogroups (control, ultrasound, curettes, powders, brushes, gels). Significantly lower Ra values were found in the neck zone with respect to the thread zone (p < 0.05). EDS analysis revealed a non-significant higher presence of carbon and calcium in certain treatments, denoting a certain deposition of the decontaminating products (p > 0.05). Although there were various significant differences among the groups, roughness values were low and no decontaminating methods macroscopically affected implant surfaces, so decontaminating procedures can be considered safe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Properties of Dental Materials and Instruments, 3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 4508 KB  
Article
Remineralizing Effect of Three Fluorinated Varnishes on Dental Enamel Analyzed by Raman Spectroscopy, Roughness, and Hardness Surface
by Karla Itzel Pineda-Domínguez, Samuel Eloy Morales-Gonzalez, Sandra E. Rodil, Isela Lizbeth Arredondo-Velazquez, Nelly Rivera-Yañez, Cesar Adolfo Callejas-Gomez, Oscar Nieto-Yañez and Cecilia Carlota Barera-Ortega
Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091091 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 285
Abstract
Dental caries is a prevalent health condition affecting 87% of the population. The application of fluorinated varnishes to incipient lesions promotes remineralization. To evaluate the remineralizing effect of three fluorinated varnishes through chemical and physical characterization of incipient enamel lesions in vitro, a [...] Read more.
Dental caries is a prevalent health condition affecting 87% of the population. The application of fluorinated varnishes to incipient lesions promotes remineralization. To evaluate the remineralizing effect of three fluorinated varnishes through chemical and physical characterization of incipient enamel lesions in vitro, a total of 150 enamel surfaces were randomly divided into five groups (n = 30): healthy enamel, initial lesion, Fluor-Protector, β-Clinpro-White-Varnish, and Duraphat. All groups, except for the healthy enamel, were immersed in a demineralizing solution (pH 4.4) for 96 h. Remineralization was assessed using a pH cycling model over 5, 10, and 15 days. Fluoride release was measured via ISE-F, and enamel was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy (PO43−), roughness, and Vickers hardness. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and a post hoc test (Tukey). Ion Selective Electron-Fluor showed a residual F concentration of 0.40 ppm for the Fluor-Protector remineralizing solution: 40.00 ppm for Clinpro-White-Varnish, and 50.0 ppm for Duraphat. Raman analysis confirmed PO43− at 956 cm−1 mainly in CDu group. Roughness decreased with varnish application: Fluor-Protector (0.36 µm), β-Clinpro-White-Varnish (0.73 µm), and Duraphat (0.65 µm). Hardness increased with Fluor-Protector. Statistically significant differences were found between FP and other types of varnish. Fluorinated varnishes enhance remineralization and reduce enamel roughness and demineralization. Fluor Protector and β-Clinpro-White-Varnish showed the most favorable results, suggesting their recommendation for high-risk pediatric patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Properties of Dental Materials and Instruments, 3rd Edition)
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22 pages, 904 KB  
Article
Effects of Surface Finishing Procedures, Coffee Immersion, and Simulated Tooth-Brushing on the Surface Roughness, Surface Gloss, and Color Stability of a Resin Matrix Ceramic
by Esra Kaynak Öztürk, Ebru Binici Aygün, Elif Su Çiçek, Gaye Sağlam, Bilge Turhan Bal, Seçil Karakoca Nemli and Merve Bankoğlu Güngör
Coatings 2025, 15(6), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15060627 - 23 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1336
Abstract
The color stability of dental ceramics in the oral cavity is influenced by multiple factors, including the patient’s dietary habits and oral hygiene practices, which can affect the optical and surface properties of resin-containing dental restorative materials. The purpose of this study was [...] Read more.
The color stability of dental ceramics in the oral cavity is influenced by multiple factors, including the patient’s dietary habits and oral hygiene practices, which can affect the optical and surface properties of resin-containing dental restorative materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of surface finishing procedures and simulated tooth-brushing on the surface roughness, surface gloss, and color stability of resin matrix ceramics before and after coffee immersion. Forty specimens were prepared from a resin matrix ceramic and divided into four experimental groups according to surface finishing procedures, coffee immersion, and simulated tooth-brushing. The surface roughness, surface gloss, and color stability of the tested material were measured, and the data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of p < 0.05. The surface finishing procedures, measurement times, and application sequences affected surface roughness, surface gloss, and color stability. The most significant color differences occurred after coffee immersion; however, tooth-brushing had a more significant effect on the surface roughness and surface gloss. Coffee caused perceivable and clinically unacceptable color differences in the resin matrix ceramics. Tooth-brushing had a positive impact on the tested parameters. This study presents a novel approach by integrating both chemical (coffee immersion) and mechanical (tooth-brushing simulation) degradation processes to assess their combined and isolated effects on a resin matrix ceramic material. The findings provide clinically relevant insights into how finishing procedures and oral hygiene may influence the long-term esthetic performance of such restorative materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Properties of Dental Materials and Instruments, 3rd Edition)
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16 pages, 3950 KB  
Article
Are Dental Prophylaxis Protocols Safe for CAD-CAM Restorative Materials? Surface Characteristics and Fatigue Strength
by Lucas Saldanha da Rosa, Luiza Freitas Brum Souza, Rafaela Oliveira Pilecco, Thaís Andressa Cavalcante Kluch, Felipe Somavilla Binotto, Vitória Zanetti Henriques, Cornelis Johannes Kleverlaan, Gabriel Kalil Rocha Pereira and João Paulo Mendes Tribst
Coatings 2024, 14(12), 1510; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14121510 - 30 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1199
Abstract
The surface of dental materials is exposed to various prophylaxis protocols during routine dental care. However, the impact of these protocols on the functional properties of the material’s surface remains unclear. This study investigates the influence of different dental prophylaxis protocols on the [...] Read more.
The surface of dental materials is exposed to various prophylaxis protocols during routine dental care. However, the impact of these protocols on the functional properties of the material’s surface remains unclear. This study investigates the influence of different dental prophylaxis protocols on the surface properties and their effect on the mechanical performance of CAD-CAM restorative materials. Discs (Ø = 15 mm, thickness = 1.2 mm) were fabricated from resin composite (RC, Tetric CAD), leucite-reinforced (LEU, IPS Empress CAD), lithium disilicate (LD, IPS e.max CAD), and zirconia ceramics (ZIR, IPS e.max ZirCAD MT). The materials were subjected to six prophylactic treatments: untreated (CTRL), prophylactic paste fine (PPF), prophylactic paste coarse (PPC), pumice stone (PS), air abrasion with sodium bicarbonate jet (BJ), and ultrasonic scaling (US). Biaxial flexural fatigue tests, along with fractographic, roughness, and topographic analyses, were conducted. No significant changes in fatigue strength were observed for RC, LD, and ZIR under any prophylaxis protocols. However, LEU subjected to BJ treatment exhibited significantly reduced fatigue strength (p = 0.004), with a 22% strength reduction compared to the monotonic test and substantial surface alterations. Surface roughness analyses revealed increased roughness for RC treated with PPF, PPC, and PS compared to CTRL (p < 0.05), while LD exhibited decreased roughness following PPF, PS, and US treatments (p < 0.05). In ZIR, only the BJ protocol increased roughness (p = 0.001). In conclusion, dental prophylaxis protocols do not significantly affect the mechanical strength of RC, LD, and ZIR materials, thus allowing any protocol to be used for these materials. However, for LEU ceramics, the BJ protocol should be avoided due to its effect of reducing fatigue strength and damaging the surface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Properties of Dental Materials and Instruments, 3rd Edition)
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