Role of Dental Biomaterials in Promoting Oral Health

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 8650

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Health Sciences and Pediatric Dentistry, University State of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
Interests: tooth tissue as substrate for dental materials adhesion (enamel and dentin); preventive and restorative dental materials; dentin permeability; chemical, mechanical and biological degradation of dental materials; tooth substrate and tooth/material interfaces; mineralization and biomineralization of enamel and dentin; artificial caries producing methods; tissue regeneration; bioactive materials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the Guest Editor for this Special Issue, ‘Role of Dental Biomaterials in Promoting Oral Health’, I am pleased to invite submissions of manuscripts that highlight cutting-edge research pushing the boundaries of knowledge in this vital field. 

This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in dental biomaterials and their profound impact on oral health. We welcome contributions that span a spectrum of topics, from innovative materials and fabrication techniques to clinical applications and case studies. 

The manuscripts could address the following subjects: 

  • Novel Biomaterials: New materials with enhanced biocompatibility, durability, and functionality for various dental applications;
  • Clinical Applications: Practical implementation and clinical outcomes of dental biomaterials in restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, and beyond;
  • Biomechanical Considerations: Mechanical properties and structural integrity of dental biomaterials for optimal performance;
  • Emerging Technologies: The use of cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printing and nanotechnology, in advancing dental biomaterial research.

All manuscripts should be submitted online via the journal's submission system, indicating the name of this Special Issue ‘Role of Dental Biomaterials in Promoting Oral Health.’ 

I look forward to you receiving valuable contributions, which will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of dental biomaterials and contribute to advancements in oral health.

Prof. Dr. Regina Maria Puppin-Rontani
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. 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

  • novel biomaterials
  • clinical applications
  • biomechanical considerations
  • emerging technologies

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3453 KiB  
Article
Multiple Recessions Coverage Using the Modified Tunnel Technique and Connective Tissue Graft with or Without Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid: 2-Year Outcomes of RCT
by Bartłomiej Górski, Izabela Maria Skierska, Andrea Gelemanović, Marija Roguljić and Darko Bozic
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(3), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16030087 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 2375
Abstract
There is continuing interest in using biologics in root coverage procedures. The aim of the present study was to explore the 2-year outcomes following multiple gingival recessions (GRs) coverage using the application of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) in combination with modified coronally advanced [...] Read more.
There is continuing interest in using biologics in root coverage procedures. The aim of the present study was to explore the 2-year outcomes following multiple gingival recessions (GRs) coverage using the application of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) in combination with modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) together with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). Adopting a split-mouth design, 266 GRs were randomly allocated to either a test (MCAT + SCTG + HA) or control group (MCAT + SCTG). The main outcome variable was the stability of the obtained mean root coverage from 6 months to 24 months. Twenty-four patients were evaluated at the 2-year follow-up. Comparisons between test and control sides at the same time points were evaluated using the t-test for independent variables. The changes in time were compared by one-way analysis of variance with the Tukey post hoc test separately for the test and control groups. The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05045586). At 2 years, around ninety percent of recessions showed complete root coverage (87.02% of the test group and 91.90% of the control group). Mean root coverage did not differ between the two sides, with 81.37 ± 37.17% (test) and 84.63 ± 35.33% (control), respectively. Significant improvements in the reduction of gingival recession height, clinical attachment level gain, gingival thickness increase, and the root esthetic score were found in both groups after 2 years, but no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. The adjunctive application of HA significantly improved soft tissue texture (STT, 0.94 ± 0.23 for the test group vs. 0.71 ± 0.46 for the control group). Treatment of multiple gingival recessions with MCAT + SCTG with or without HA yielded marked and comparable 2-year clinical outcomes, which could be maintained over a period of 24 months. The clinical relevance of the demonstrated significant difference in STT between groups may be minimal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Dental Biomaterials in Promoting Oral Health)
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12 pages, 3194 KiB  
Article
Preventing Oral Dual Biofilm Development with Innovative Bioactive Varnishes
by Tainá de Lima Costa, Regina Maria Puppin-Rontani and Aline Rogéria Freire de Castilho
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(2), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16020070 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 595
Abstract
This study introduces innovative varnishes incorporating natural bioactive compounds to inhibit the formation of oral dual biofilms, a critical contributor to dental caries and other oral diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bioactive varnishes containing tt-farnesol, [...] Read more.
This study introduces innovative varnishes incorporating natural bioactive compounds to inhibit the formation of oral dual biofilms, a critical contributor to dental caries and other oral diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bioactive varnishes containing tt-farnesol, quercetin, and theobromine in inhibiting the formation of mixed Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans biofilms. Mixed biofilms of Streptococcus mutans UA159 and Candida albicans SC5314 were grown in 96-well plates containing a specialized culture medium. Approximately 0.2 mL of experimental varnishes with A—1.5% or B—4.5% concentrations of tt-farnesol, quercetin, and theobromine were separately added to the wells using a disposable applicator, with a vehicle varnish (lacking bioactives) serving as the control. Biofilms were incubated at 37 °C with 5% CO2 for 24 h. Microbial viability was determined in terms of colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL), and biofilm morphology was evaluated qualitatively via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA/Tukey tests at a 5% significance level. Varnishes A and B achieved significant reductions in microbial populations within the biofilms (p < 0.05) compared to the vehicle control (C). SEM imaging revealed marked structural disruptions in the biofilms, validating the quantitative results. Higher bioactive concentrations demonstrated enhanced inhibitory effects. Bioactive varnishes enriched with theobromine, quercetin, and tt-farnesol represent a novel and effective strategy for inhibiting oral dual biofilm development, offering a promising advancement in preventive dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Dental Biomaterials in Promoting Oral Health)
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18 pages, 2089 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Effect of Different Universal Adhesives on Remineralized Enamel by Shear Bond Strength and Fe-SEM/EDX Analysis
by Beyza Arslandaş Dinçtürk and Cemile Kedici Alp
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16010023 - 13 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2765
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the shear bond strength of different universal adhesives applied to intact, demineralized, and remineralized enamel surfaces with total-etch and self-etch modes and to examine the effect of universal adhesives on the Ca/P mineral atomic and [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the shear bond strength of different universal adhesives applied to intact, demineralized, and remineralized enamel surfaces with total-etch and self-etch modes and to examine the effect of universal adhesives on the Ca/P mineral atomic and mass ratios of these enamel with FE-SEM/EDX (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy) analysis. For this study, 264 bovine incisors were used. Samples in the demineralized and remineralized groups were kept in demineralization solution at 37 °C for 96 h to make an artificial initial carious lesion. After demineralization, half of the demineralized samples were remineralized with MI Paste Plus. For shear bond strength (n = 144) and FE-SEM/EDX analysis (n = 120), G-Premio Bond and Clearfil S3 Bond Universal were applied on enamel surfaces with total-etch and self-etch modes, and bond strength samples were restored with resin composite. All samples were tested. The results were evaluated statistically by a three-way ANOVA test. The shear bond strength of the remineralized enamel showed high bond strength values comparable to intact enamel for universal adhesive systems. The Ca/P mineral atomic and mass ratios in remineralized enamel showed higher values than demineralized enamel, similar to intact enamel for universal adhesive systems. Initial carious lesion surfaces are unsuitable enamel surfaces for restoration. The remineralization of this surface layer before adhesive procedures may positively affect bond strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Dental Biomaterials in Promoting Oral Health)
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14 pages, 5007 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Cement Thickness within the Cap on Stress Distribution for Dental Implants
by Mario Ceddia, Tea Romasco, Luca Comuzzi, Alessandro Cipollina, Adriano Piattelli, Gianna Dipalma, Angelo Michele Inchingolo, Francesco Inchingolo, Natalia Di Pietro and Bartolomeo Trentadue
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(7), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15070199 - 21 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1608
Abstract
The purpose of this finite element analysis (FEA) was to evaluate the stress distribution within the prosthetic components and bone in relation to varying cement thicknesses (from 20 to 60 μm) utilized to attach a zirconia crown on a conometric cap. The study [...] Read more.
The purpose of this finite element analysis (FEA) was to evaluate the stress distribution within the prosthetic components and bone in relation to varying cement thicknesses (from 20 to 60 μm) utilized to attach a zirconia crown on a conometric cap. The study focused on two types of implants (Cyroth and TAC, AoN Implants, Grisignano di Zocco, Italy) featuring a Morse cone connection. Detailed three-dimensional (3D) models were developed to represent the bone structure (cortical and trabecular) and the prosthetic components, including the crown, cement, cap, abutment, and the implant. Both implants were placed 1.5 mm subcrestally and subjected to a 200 N load at a 45° inclination on the crown. The results indicated that an increase in cement thickness led to a reduction in von Mises stress on the cortical bone for both Cyroth and TAC implants, while the decrease in stress on the trabecular bone (apical zone) was relatively less pronounced. However, the TAC implant exhibited a higher stress field in the apical area compared to the Cyroth implant. In summary, this study investigated the influence of cement thickness on stress transmission across prosthetic components and peri-implant tissues through FEA analysis, emphasizing that the 60 μm cement layer demonstrated higher stress values approaching the material strength limit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Dental Biomaterials in Promoting Oral Health)
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Review

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24 pages, 692 KiB  
Review
Polymer-Based Scaffolds as an Implantable Material in Regenerative Dentistry: A Review
by Lubos Lesko, Petra Jungova, Martina Culenova, Andrej Thurzo and Lubos Danisovic
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(3), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16030080 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 769
Abstract
Polymer-based scaffolds have emerged as transformative materials in regenerative dentistry, enabling the restoration and replacement of dental tissues through tissue engineering approaches. These scaffolds, derived from natural and synthetic polymers, mimic the extracellular matrix to promote cellular attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Natural polymers [...] Read more.
Polymer-based scaffolds have emerged as transformative materials in regenerative dentistry, enabling the restoration and replacement of dental tissues through tissue engineering approaches. These scaffolds, derived from natural and synthetic polymers, mimic the extracellular matrix to promote cellular attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Natural polymers such as collagen, chitosan, and alginate offer biocompatibility and bioactivity, while synthetic alternatives like polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) provide tunable mechanical properties and degradation rates. Recent advancements highlight the integration of bioactive molecules and nanotechnology to enhance the regenerative potential of these materials. Furthermore, developing hybrid scaffolds combining natural and synthetic polymers addresses biocompatibility and mechanical strength challenges, paving the way for patient-specific treatments. Innovations in 3D bioprinting and stimuli-responsive biomaterials are expected to refine scaffold design further, improving therapeutic precision and clinical outcomes. This review underscores the critical role of polymer-based scaffolds in advancing regenerative dentistry, focusing on their applications, advantages, and limitations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Dental Biomaterials in Promoting Oral Health)
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