Novel Dental Materials for Caries Prevention

A special issue of Crystals (ISSN 2073-4352). This special issue belongs to the section "Hybrid and Composite Crystalline Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 700

Special Issue Editor

Department of Cariology and Operative Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8549, Japan
Interests: conservative dentistry; dental materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of dental materials is undergoing a transformative evolution, driven by advances in biomaterials science, nanotechnology, and digital dentistry. In this Special Issue, Novel Dental Materials for Caries Prevention, we aim to highlight cutting-edge research and innovative applications that enhance the performance, biocompatibility, and longevity of preventive dental materials. We welcome original research articles and reviews that explore novel composites, bioactive materials, and smart materials that contribute to improved clinical outcomes. By collating interdisciplinary insights, this Issue seeks to foster collaboration and inspire future developments in dental material science. We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions to this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

Dr. Go Inoue
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • bioactive materials
  • dental composites
  • smart materials
  • nanotechnology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1389 KB  
Article
Cavity Disinfection with Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles and Clp6-Functionalized MgONPs: Smear Layer Removal and Bond Strength to Caries-Affected Dentin
by Mohammad H. AlRefeai and Fahad Alkhudhairy
Crystals 2026, 16(4), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst16040240 - 3 Apr 2026
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Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine (CHX), chlorin p6-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT), magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs), and Clp6-functionalized MgONPs on smear layer removal and shear bond strength of a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive to caries-affected dentin. Seventy-five human permanent molars with [...] Read more.
The study aimed to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine (CHX), chlorin p6-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT), magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs), and Clp6-functionalized MgONPs on smear layer removal and shear bond strength of a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive to caries-affected dentin. Seventy-five human permanent molars with occlusal carious lesions and ICDAS scores of four and five were included. Twenty-five samples were used to prepare dentin discs 2 mm in thickness. The remaining samples, along with 25 discs, were arbitrarily allocated into five disinfectant groups, with n = 15 per group (10 teeth and 5 discs). Group I: Control, Group II: 2% CHX, Group III: Clp6-mediated PDT, Group IV: MgONPs, and Group V: Clp6-functionalized MgONPs. SL removal assessment, nanoparticle characterization, and EDX were performed using SEM. Fifty CAD were etched, followed by fifth-generation adhesive application and composite build-up. SBS and failure modes were evaluated with a universal testing machine and stereomicroscope, respectively. Group 4 (MgONPs) specimens displayed the maximum cleaning of SL (1.11 ± 0.13) and the highest SBS (10.32 ± 0.18 MPa). However, minimum SL removal (2.87 ± 0.94) and bond strength (7.42 ± 0.25 MPa) were exhibited by Group 1 (No disinfectant) samples. MgONPs possess the potential to be used as a cavity disinfectant, as they efficiently remove SL from CAD and augment the bond integrity outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Dental Materials for Caries Prevention)
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15 pages, 8086 KB  
Article
Exploring the Interplay Between Soaked Time, Exposed Area, and Solution Volume on Mineral Loss in Enamel and Dentin
by Boyu Ning, Xuefei Chen, Go Inoue, Ling Yu, Heba Elsubeihi, Morihiro Takamatsu, Lin Fan and Yasushi Shimada
Crystals 2026, 16(4), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst16040238 - 2 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Soaking bovine tooth blocks in demineralization solution is a widely used method to simulate caries-like demineralization for further experimental studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the degree and depth of mineral loss in bovine enamel and dentin blocks under various [...] Read more.
Soaking bovine tooth blocks in demineralization solution is a widely used method to simulate caries-like demineralization for further experimental studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the degree and depth of mineral loss in bovine enamel and dentin blocks under various controlled conditions and to investigate the relationships between these factors and mineral loss, providing guidance for researchers to achieve targeted demineralization outcomes. A total of 54 enamel blocks and 54 dentin blocks were divided into 18 groups according to the exposed area and solution volume and then immersed in demineralization solution. Micro-CT scans were performed before immersion, as well as after 1, 2, 3, 7, and 10 days of immersion. The results were analyzed using data analysis software and subsequently summarized into graphical representations. The analysis revealed that soaking time and solution volume showed positive correlations with mineral loss, whereas the exposed area was negatively correlated with mineral loss. Mean mineral loss increased significantly with immersion time in all groups (e.g., from 6314 to 25,670 vol%·μm in the dentin 3 × 3 mm2, 50 mL group, p < 0.05). After 7 days, specimens immersed in larger solution volumes showed significantly greater mineral loss than those immersed in smaller volumes (p < 0.05). In addition, larger exposed areas resulted in greater mineral loss after 3 days of immersion. Mean mineral loss followed a power function relationship with time when the solution volume was sufficiently high relative to the exposed surface area. In contrast, when the solution volume was limited, a logarithmic relationship between time and mineral loss was observed. Given its superior stability, the mean mineral loss appears to be a more reliable indicator for assessing tooth demineralization. Based on our results, more controlled and reproducible demineralization conditions can be achieved, which may contribute to improving the reliability of in vitro caries models and facilitating the evaluation of preventive and therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Dental Materials for Caries Prevention)
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