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Endodontics and Restorative Sciences: 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Dentistry Journal (ISSN 2304-6767).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 11024

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Prof. Dr. Jorge N. R. Martins

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School of Dental Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1600-277 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: endodontics; tooth anatomy; NiTi instruments; NiTi alloys; cone-beam computed tomography; prevalence studies
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, the trends in dentistry tend to direct dental treatments towards more conservative and minimally invasive procedures. That said, endodontics and restorative sciences play major roles in the treatment plans and dental care currently provided to patients. These two areas have always complemented each other and should continue to do so in the future. In the field of endodontics, improvements in dental materials, such as reparative biomaterials or sealers, associated with new instruments, such as files manufactured using nickel–titanium heat treatments or new-generation ultrasonic tips or microscopes, and complemented with digital clinical and research techniques and tools, such as endodontics dynamic navigation, finite elements analysis or computer fluid dynamics, have given rise to improved treatment quality and outcomes. Similarly, multiple advancements have been made in restorative fields in the past decade. The introduction of new restorative materials and the incorporation of digital technologies, such as intra and extra-oral scanners or CAD/CAM technologies, have changed clinicians’ workflows and improved the standard of care provided to patients.

This Special Issue intends to give an overview of the latest advancements, tendencies and applications in multiple areas of endodontics and restorative fields. It is my pleasure to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, in which both research papers and reviews with a focus on the following potential topics are welcome.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

Novel dental applications;
Advancements in endodontics and restorative technical procedures;
New digital technologies and recent developments in dental care;
Recent improvements in materials science with applications to both endodontics and oral rehabilitation;
New concepts and historical and future perspectives in endodontics and restorative fields.

Prof. Dr. Jorge N. R. Martins
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 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. Dentistry Journal 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 2000 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

endodontics
oral rehabilitation
dentistry
restorative

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Related Special Issue

Endodontics and Restorative Sciences in Dentistry Journal (13 articles)

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 2382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Evaluation of Debris Removal from NiTi Rotary Endodontic Instruments After Different Cleaning Procedures

by Luigi Generali, Paolo Generali, Pio Bertani, Francesco Cavani, Vittorio Checchi, Tommaso Filippini and Federica Veneri

Dent. J. 2025, 13(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13020049 - 23 Jan 2025

Viewed by 741

Abstract

Objectives: Endodontic instruments require thorough decontamination and sterilization before use and reuse to ensure the safety and success of treatments. However, standardized protocols are lacking. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of different cleaning protocols in removing debris from NiTi rotary file surfaces. Methods: Forty-eight new Mtwo NiTi rotary instruments (sizes 10/.04, 15/.05, 20/.06, and 25/.06) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12). A set of new sterile instruments (Group I) served as the negative control. After usage for primary endodontic treatment, instruments underwent different cleaning protocols: steam sterilization without cleaning (Group II); ultrasonic cleaning + steam sterilization (Group III); and manual cleaning with a scouring sponge + ultrasonic cleaning + steam sterilization (Group IV). Back-scattered scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of the apical, middle, and coronal sections were processed using Fiji software (version 2.14.0) to quantify debris as a percentage of the total selected area. Results: No significant differences were found among the three sections within each group, although higher debris amounts were observed from coronal to apical in Groups I and II. Group I had the least debris, while Group II showed the most, with statistically significant differences compared to other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between Groups III and IV, though Group IV showed notably less debris. Conclusions: The combination of mechanical, chemical, and ultrasonic cleaning proved most effective at removing debris from endodontic instruments. Current cleaning methods, however, remain insufficient for complete debris removal, highlighting the need for further research to standardize and improve cleaning and sterilization protocols or preferably use single-use/single-patient instruments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Sciences: 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Outcomes and Complication Rates of Endodontically Treated Teeth with Fixed Dental Prostheses: A Retrospective Study

by Sarah Aloqayli, Hanin Alsalhi and Ali Alenezi

Dent. J. 2025, 13(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13010042 - 20 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1164

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Endodontically treated teeth (ETT) often have significant structural damage and require multiple reinforcing methods during the reconstruction process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complication rates of ETT with and without a post. Methods: The study investigated various clinical factors, including technical complications as well as biological complications. All patients who had previously received fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) were subjected to clinical and radiographical examinations during their follow-up visits. Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed to determine the cumulative survival rate, and life table survival analyses of FDPs in the presence of complications were performed. Results: A total of 287 ETT were evaluated in this study, in which 219 were placed in females and 68 in males, with an average follow-up time of 82.4 months. There were no significant differences between ETT with a post and ETT without a post regarding the complication rates. The complication rates of the FDPs without a post revealed a survival rate of 58% after 5 years, 44% after 10 years, and 29% after 15 years. On the other hand, the complication rates of the FDPs with a post revealed survival rates of 50%, 30%, and 21% after 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed no significant differences in the complication rates, regardless of the existing of the posts (p = 0.830). Conclusions: ETT restored with FDPs with or without a post can show similar complication rates in a long-term evaluation. Furthermore, the types of final restoration may not have an effect on the complication rate with ETT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Sciences: 2nd Edition)

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9 pages, 425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative in Vitro Study on the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Endodontic Sealers Against Common Oral Pathogens

by Csaba Dudás, Zsuzsanna Bardocz-Veres, Anita Iulia Gyulai, Silvia Izabella Pop, Melinda Székely, Bernadette Kerekes-Máthé and Mónika Kovács

Dent. J. 2025, 13(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13010017 - 30 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Microorganisms are the leading cause of infections in the root canal system, contributing to the failure of endodontic treatments. This in vitro study aimed to compare the antimicrobial effects of four different endodontic sealers: Endomethasone N (Septodont, Saint Maur-des-Fossés, France), Sealapex (Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA, USA), AH Plus Jet (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany), and MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil). Methods: The sealers were tested against common oral pathogens, including Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus mutans, using the agar diffusion method. Inhibition zones were measured at 24, 48, and 72 h to assess antimicrobial efficacy. Results: The results showed that Endomethasone was the most effective sealer against all tested microorganisms, demonstrating consistent inhibition across all time intervals. MTA Fillapex also exhibited a significant antimicrobial effect, particularly against Streptococcus mutans, with its efficacy increasing over time. AH Plus Jet displayed limited effectiveness, showing significant results only against Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: Overall, this study confirms the superior antimicrobial performance of Endomethasone, while the other materials, particularly MTA Fillapex and Sealapex, also showed notable effects in experimental conditions. The antimicrobial activity of all materials, except AH Plus Jet, increased over the 72-h period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Sciences: 2nd Edition)

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9 pages, 6452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Continuous Rotation and Optimal Torque Reverse Kinematics on the Cyclic Fatigue Strength of Endodontic NiTi Clockwise Cutting Rotary Instruments

by Jorge N. R. Martins, Emmanuel J. N. L. Silva, Duarte Marques and Marco A. Versiani

Dent. J. 2024, 12(10), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12100317 - 30 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1239

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cyclic fatigue strength of clockwise cutting rotary endodontic instruments when subjected to two different kinematics: continuous clockwise rotation and clockwise reciprocation movement under optimum torque reverse (OTR) motion. Methods: New ProTaper Next X1 (n = 20) and X2 (n = 20) instruments were randomly divided into two subgroups (n = 10) based on kinematics (continuous rotation or OTR). The specimens were tested using a custom-made device with a non-tapered stainless-steel artificial canal measuring 19 mm in length, featuring a 6 mm radius and an 86-degree curvature. All instruments were tested with a lubricant at room temperature until a fracture occurred. The time to fracture and the length of the separated fragment were recorded. Subsequently, the fractured instruments were inspected under a scanning electron microscope for signs of cyclic fatigue failure, plastic deformation, and/or crack propagation. The subgroup comparisons for time to fracture and instrument length were performed using the independent samples t-test, with the level of statistical significance set at 0.05. Results: When using OTR movement, the ProTaper Next X1 increased the time to fracture from 52.9 to 125.8 s (p < 0.001), while the ProTaper Next X2 increased from 45.4 to 66.0 s (p < 0.001). No subgroup exhibited plastic deformations, but both showed dimpling marks indicative of cyclic fatigue as the primary mode of failure. Additionally, OTR movement resulted in more metal alloy microcracks. Conclusions: The use of OTR motion extended the lifespan of the tested instruments and resulted in a higher number of metal microcracks. This suggests that OTR motion helped to distribute the mechanical stress more evenly across the instrument, thereby relieving localized tension. As a result, it delayed the formation of a single catastrophic crack, enhancing the overall performance of the instruments during the experimental procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Sciences: 2nd Edition)

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10 pages, 1440 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photothermal Effect of 970 nm Diode Laser Irradiation on Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms in Single-Rooted Teeth Ex Vivo

by Soraya Tanner, Anna Thibault, Julian Grégoire Leprince and Serge Bouillaguet

Dent. J. 2024, 12(10), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12100308 - 27 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1423

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the photothermal effect of a 970 nm diode laser on Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. Methods: 72 extracted human single-rooted teeth were prepared, sterilized, and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis to establish a two-week-old biofilm. The specimens were divided into six groups (n = 12): Group 1 (G1)—negative control (PBS—no laser), Group 2 (G2)—positive control (1% NaOCl rinse—no laser), Group 3 (G3)—a 970 nm laser in 1.5 W pulse mode, Group 4 (G4)—a 970 nm laser in 2 W pulse mode, Group 5 (G5)—a 970 nm laser in 1.5 W continuous mode, Group 6 (G6)—a 970 nm laser in 2 W continuous mode. Bacterial viability was evaluated using the LIVE/DEAD BacLight kit and analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Temperature changes on the root surface during irradiation were analyzed using a K-type thermocouple. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test (α = 0.05). Results: Bacterial viability was significantly reduced after laser irradiation in continuous mode using 1.5 W (21% of live bacteria) and 2 W (14% of live bacteria). When the pulsed mode was applied, the reduction in bacterial viability was less, with a mean survival of 53% (1.5 PF, whereas 29% of bacteria survived after 2 W irradiation). Conclusions: The 970 nm diode laser at 2 W continuous mode effectively reduced the viability of E. faecalis biofilms in root canals without causing unacceptable temperature rises at the root surface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Sciences: 2nd Edition)

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Review

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16 pages, 2826 KiB

Open AccessReview

Micro- and Macroabrasion in the Esthetic Zone: A Narrative Review and Case Study

by Jose Villalobos-Tinoco, Carlos A. Jurado, Silvia Rojas-Rueda, Nechama S. Citrin, Staley Colvert, Jose Luis Gutierrez-Quintero and Salwa Mekled

Dent. J. 2025, 13(5), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13050183 - 23 Apr 2025

Viewed by 282

Abstract

Background: Micro- and macroabrasion represent a minimally invasive treatment approach for stained teeth in the esthetic zone. Diagnosing the type of stain is crucial for selecting the appropriate treatment approach. These clinical procedures involve several meticulous steps that may be confusing for less experienced clinicians. Methods: The objective of this article is to provide an updated review of the literature on the clinical procedures for micro- and macroabrasion and to present a clinical case in which a minimally invasive macroabrasion procedure was applied to treat a female patient seeking to remove stains from her anterior teeth. Preliminary reviews were conducted of existing case reports and reviews evaluating the clinical procedures and outcomes of micro- and macroabrasion. Results: A review of the literature reveals minor differences in how stains on anterior teeth are addressed. Depending on the depth of the stain, microabrasion is typically used for superficial stains, while macroabrasion is employed for deeper stains. Clinicians often combine micro- or macroabrasion with tooth whitening procedures. Literature reviews agree that micro- and macroabrasion techniques are effective minimally invasive approaches that yield high esthetic results. The case study demonstrated each clinical step of microabrasion, achieving results that fully satisfied the patient’s esthetic demands. Conclusions: Micro- and macroabrasion can be effective and minimally invasive methods for treating stained anterior teeth. Superficial stains can be treated with microabrasion, while deeper stains may require macroabrasion. In some clinical scenarios, tooth whitening can also be combined with these treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Sciences: 2nd Edition)

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30 pages, 1344 KiB

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Bioceramics in Endodontics: Limitations and Future Innovations—A Review

by Peramune Arachchilage Amila Saman Prasad Kumara, Paul Roy Cooper, Peter Cathro, Maree Gould, George Dias and Jithendra Ratnayake

Dent. J. 2025, 13(4), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13040157 - 1 Apr 2025

Viewed by 1085

Abstract

Bioceramic materials for endodontic treatments have gradually transformed over the years into materials with enhanced biocompatibility and chemical and mechanical properties compared to earlier generations. In endodontics procedures, these materials are used as restorative material in applications such as root-end fillings, pulp capping, perforations repair, and apexification repair procedures. However, they have far from ideal mechanical and handling properties, biocompatibility issues, aesthetic concerns due to tooth discolouration, limited antibacterial activity, and affordability, which are amongst several key limitations. Notably, bioceramic materials are popular due to their biocompatibility, sealing ability, and durability, consequently surpassing traditional materials such as gutta-percha and zinc oxide–eugenol sealers. A lack of recent advancements in the field, combined with nanomaterials, has improved the formulations of these materials to overcome these limitations. The existing literature emphasises the benefits of bioceramics while underreporting their poor mechanical properties, handling difficulties, cost, and various other drawbacks. The key gaps identified in the literature are the insufficient coverage of emerging materials, narrow scope, limited insights into future developments, and underreporting of failures and complications of the existing materials. Consequently, this review aims to highlight the key limitations of various endodontic materials, primarily focusing on calcium silicate, calcium phosphate, and bioactive glass-based materials, which are the most abundantly used materials in dentistry. Based on the literature, bioceramic materials in endodontics have significantly improved over recent years, with different combinations of materials and technology compared to earlier generations while preserving many of their original properties, with some having affordable costs. This review also identified key innovations that could shape the future of endodontic materials, highlighting the ongoing evolution and advancements in endodontic treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Sciences: 2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 241 KiB

Open AccessReview

How to Deal with Pulpitis: An Overview of New Approaches

by Jakub Fiegler-Rudol, Wojciech Niemczyk, Katarzyna Janik, Anna Zawilska, Małgorzata Kępa and Marta Tanasiewicz

Dent. J. 2025, 13(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13010025 - 8 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1324

Abstract

Background: Traditional root canal therapy (RCT) effectively removes diseased or necrotic pulp tissue and replaces it with inorganic materials. Regenerative endodontics is an alternative to conventional RCT by using biologically based approaches to restore the pulp–dentin complex. This review explores emerging techniques, including autogenic and allogenic pulp transplantation, platelet-rich fibrin, human amniotic membrane scaffolds, specialized pro-resolving mediators, nanofibrous and bioceramic scaffolds, injectable hydrogels, dentin matrix proteins, and cell-homing strategies. These methods utilize stem cells, growth factors, and biomaterials to regenerate vascularized, functional pulp tissue. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to identify studies published between 2010 and 2023. In vitro, animal, and clinical studies focusing on innovative regenerative endodontic techniques were analyzed. Conclusions: Although regenerative endodontics demonstrates great potential, challenges remain in standardizing protocols, addressing biological variability, and achieving consistent clinical outcomes. Future research must focus on refining these techniques to ensure their safety, efficacy, and accessibility in routine practice. By addressing current limitations, regenerative endodontics could redefine the management of pulpitis, offering biologically based treatments that enhance tooth vitality, structural integrity, and long-term prognosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Sciences: 2nd Edition)

11 pages, 234 KiB

Open AccessReview

Evaluating Treatment Modalities for Reducing Recurrence in Central Giant Cell Granuloma: A Narrative Review

by Flamur Aliu, Donika Bajrami Shabani, Iliriana Aliu, Etleva Droboniku Qeli, Gerta Kaçani, Luca Fiorillo and Aida Meto

Dent. J. 2024, 12(9), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12090295 - 19 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2024

Abstract

Treating central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is challenging due to high recurrence rates and variable therapy responses. This study examines the efficacy of various treatments in reducing CGCG recurrence. A literature review explored outcomes of surgical excision, curettage, intralesional corticosteroid injection, and adjuvant therapy, considering factors like lesion location, size, and histological features. Aggressive surgical techniques such as en bloc resection were found to potentially lower recurrence rates compared to conservative approaches. However, treatment should be tailored to individual patient needs. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and improve treatment strategies. A concise literature review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, focusing on papers published from 1986 to 2024. Search terms included “central giant cell granuloma”, “recurrence”, “treatment modalities”, and “surgical excision”. Studies reporting recurrence rates and treatment outcomes for CGCG were analyzed. Twenty-nine studies were reviewed, including six studies on surgical excision and curettage, eight studies on intralesional corticosteroid injections, six studies on calcitonin therapy, five studies on interferon-alpha therapy, and four studies on the therapy with denosumab. Analysis indicated that aggressive surgical treatments like en bloc resection were associated with lower recurrence rates compared to conservative methods. Predictors of recurrence included lesion size (>3 cm), location (mandible), and aggressive histopathological features. Aggressive surgical excision combined with nonsurgical methods may lower recurrence rates, while conservative techniques remain viable in some cases. Further prospective research is needed to validate these findings and enhance CGCG treatment options. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontics and Restorative Sciences: 2nd Edition)

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