Advances in Biomaterials and Regenerative Treatments for Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Dental Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 1696

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
Interests: dental implants; bone reconstruction; trauma; orthognatic surgery; oral health; medical AI

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Guest Editor
Department of Clinic and Therapy of Extensive Partial Edentulism, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa", Iasi, Romania
Interests: implantology; biomaterials; prosthodontics; oral surgery; dentistry; bone regeneration

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Guest Editor
Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, Iasi, Romania
Interests: surgical lasers; bone grafts; implantology; oral surgery; biomaterials

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Guest Editor
Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
Interests: biodentistry; biomaterials; pediatric dentistry; oral health education; dental public health; caries prevention
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue of the Journal of Functional Biomaterials, dedicated to cutting-edge research and clinical advances in biomaterials and regenerative strategies for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction.

This Special Issue welcomes submissions from across the spectrum of dental medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, tissue engineering, and biomaterials science. We seek high-quality original research, reviews, and case reports addressing the following topics:

  • Innovative biomaterials for hard and soft tissue repair;
  • Stem cell-based and growth factor-driven regenerative approaches;
  • Bioactive scaffolds and hybrid material systems;
  • 3D printing, bioprinting, and patient-specific implant design;
  • Nanotechnology for enhanced material performance;
  • Translational and clinical outcome studies.

Our goal is to create a multidisciplinary platform that bridges laboratory innovation with surgical practice, fostering collaboration between scientists, clinicians, and industry. By integrating diverse perspectives, this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive view of the latest trends, address current challenges, and highlight future directions in craniofacial reconstruction.

Join us in shaping the next generation of functional biomaterials and regenerative treatments that will transform patient care in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Prof. Dr. Mihai Juncar
Dr. Norina Consuela Forna
Dr. Doriana Agop Forna
Dr. Abel Emanuel Moca
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Journal of Functional Biomaterials 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 2700 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

  • craniofacial reconstruction
  • regenerative biomaterials
  • dental reconstruction
  • dental tissue engineering
  • aesthetic and functional rehabilitation
  • bone and soft tissue regeneration
  • 3D printing and bioprinting in surgery
  • plastic and reconstructive surgery

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 605 KB  
Article
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Self-Reported Practices Regarding Modern Adhesive Systems Among Romanian Dentists: A Cross-Sectional Survey
by Razvan Flueras, Ramona Amina Popovici, Aniela-Roxana Nodiți-Cuc, Andreea-Mihaela Kiș, Diana Marian, Dana Emanuela Pitic (Cot), Laria-Maria Trusculescu, Adina Feher, Andreea Salcudean, Aura Mara Bodnar, Ana Gabriela Seni, Norina Consuela Forna and Iustin Olariu
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(5), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17050243 - 12 May 2026
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Abstract
Background: The rapid evolution of dental adhesive systems presents both opportunities and challenges for clinical practice, particularly regarding the translation of emerging evidence into routine use. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices related to modern adhesive systems [...] Read more.
Background: The rapid evolution of dental adhesive systems presents both opportunities and challenges for clinical practice, particularly regarding the translation of emerging evidence into routine use. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices related to modern adhesive systems among Romanian dentists and to explore factors associated with their clinical decision-making. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2025 and February 2026 using a 115-item online questionnaire. A convenience sample of 372 Romanian dentists participated. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests, and multivariate models (multiple linear regression, binary logistic regression, and multinomial logistic regression). Internal consistency of the knowledge scale was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: The knowledge scale demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.873). Although 68.0% of respondents reported familiarity with universal adhesives, a discrepancy between awareness and reported clinical application was observed for several key concepts, including MMP inhibitors and hydrolytic stability. Notably, 14.8% of participants were unaware whether their preferred adhesive system contained 10-MDP. Continuing education frequency was the only independent predictor of higher knowledge scores (β = 1.63, p = 0.024), while greater clinical experience was inversely associated with rubber dam use (OR = 0.550, p = 0.024). Conclusions: The findings suggest a discrepancy between theoretical knowledge and the clinical implementation of modern adhesive concepts. Structured continuing education plays a critical role in improving knowledge and may help bridge this gap in clinical practice. Full article
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14 pages, 847 KB  
Article
From Lab to Chairside: Dentists’ Perception of Natural Nanomaterials and Smart Delivery Systems in Regenerative Dentistry
by Dana Emanuela Cot (Pitic), Andreea-Mihaela Kis, Diana Marian, Muntean Călin, Radu Dumitru Moleriu, Lavinia Cristina Moleriu, Adina Feher, Laria Maria Trușculescu, Aura Mara Bodnar and Ramona Amina Popovici
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(3), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17030130 - 9 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Background: The clinical translation of natural nanomaterials and smart delivery systems in regenerative dentistry relies heavily on practitioner acceptance; however, end-user perspectives remain under-investigated. Objective: This study evaluated dental practitioners’ self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers regarding these innovations. The questionnaire examined stated [...] Read more.
Background: The clinical translation of natural nanomaterials and smart delivery systems in regenerative dentistry relies heavily on practitioner acceptance; however, end-user perspectives remain under-investigated. Objective: This study evaluated dental practitioners’ self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers regarding these innovations. The questionnaire examined stated intention and self-reported willingness, not clinical behaviour. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted among 713 Romanian dentists. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests and odds ratio estimation to identify factors associated with willingness to adopt nano-formulations. Results: Self-reported familiarity was moderate, with only 19.1% of respondents describing themselves as “very familiar” with nanodentistry; nevertheless, 77.3% believed natural nano-formulations could match synthetic efficacy. High costs (36.5%), lack of long-term evidence (35.9%), and staining concerns (46.0%) were identified as primary perceived barriers. Experience with digital technologies (CAD/CAM) was significantly associated with a positive attitude toward adoption (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.41–2.98, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Respondents demonstrated a generally positive attitude toward integrating bioactive nanomaterials, though widespread adoption is currently limited by economic, educational, and evidentiary gaps. Future strategies should focus on establishing clear clinical protocols, providing robust long-term safety data, and improving the aesthetic stability of natural biomaterials. Full article
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