Biomaterials Applied in Dental Sciences

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2025) | Viewed by 4029

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health, A. T. Still University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
Interests: biomaterials; biocompatibility; soft tissue; connective tissue graft; PRF; autologous platelet concentration; osteoblasts; bone tissue engineering; bone grafts and related treatments; bone mineralization; tissue engineering; tissue regeneration; implant dentistry; scaffolds; calcium phosphates, hydroxyapatites; osteogenic differentiation; bioceramics; periodontics; oral surgery; biocompatible materials; biomimetic materials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The progress in biomaterials applied in dental sciences associated with bioengineering has permitted the evolution of the materials used for graft procedures (bone or soft tissue), reconstructions (implants and plates), composites, ceramics, and other applications. New biomaterials are being developed or modified to show improvements and tests are necessary to test the properties and biocompatibility of these materials.

Comprehension of the advances in biomaterials would lead to appropriate applications in clinical cases and successful strategies to improve dental treatment outcomes to better serve patients. Choosing the appropriate biomaterial and its successful clinical use directly affect treatment outcome and long-term results.

The objectives of all these biomaterials and technologies are not only to replace missing or damaged tooth tissues but are also now to promote tissue regeneration and protect healthy tooth tissue. There are many areas of research that can benefit from the use of biomaterials. They offer potential for tissue regeneration, such as the use of stem cells, which facilitates tissue repair.

Thus, we invite articles studying biomaterials applied to any area of dentistry in other to increase our knowledge and clinical capability.

Dr. Gustavo Fernandes
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • tissue engineering
  • tissue regeneration
  • scaffolds
  • periodontics
  • implant dentistry
  • biocompatibility

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 9228 KB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength Between Monolithic Zirconia and Three Different Core Build-Up Materials
by Ayben Şentürk, Bora Akat, Fehmi Gönüldaş, Onur Alp Halaçlı, Selin Kartal and Mehmet Ali Kılıçarslan
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(9), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16090355 - 21 Sep 2025
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Abstract
This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) between monolithic zirconia (MZ) and different core build-up materials. Sixty cylindrical MZ specimens were fabricated and divided into three groups (n = 20) based on the type of [...] Read more.
This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) between monolithic zirconia (MZ) and different core build-up materials. Sixty cylindrical MZ specimens were fabricated and divided into three groups (n = 20) based on the type of core build-up material: nanohybrid composite resin (NHCR), glass ionomer cement (GIC), and zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer cement (zirconomer). All specimens were subjected to airborne-particle abrasion with aluminum oxide and bonded using a self-adhesive dual-cure resin cement. After 24 h of storage in distilled water at 37 °C, SBS testing was performed using a universal testing machine. Failure modes were examined under a stereomicroscope and classified as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. The NHCR group exhibited the highest SBS values (48.32 ± 12.49 MPa), followed by the Zirkonomer group (14.19 ± 3.66 MPa), and the GIC group (10.37 ± 4.21 MPa). The SBS of NHCR was significantly higher than that of both Zirconomer and GIC (p < 0.001). Although no significant difference was found between Zirconomer and GIC, Zirconomer demonstrated higher mean bond strength. Within the limitations of this study, NHCR showed the highest bond strength to monolithic zirconia. Zirconomer performed better than conventional GIC; however, further investigations involving different surface treatments and long-term clinical conditions are recommended to enhance its bonding efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials Applied in Dental Sciences)
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12 pages, 1363 KB  
Article
Antibacterial Characteristics of Nanoclay-Infused Cavit Temporary Filling Material: In Vitro Study
by Bahareh Nazemi Salman, Ayda Notash, Ali Ramazani, Shaghayegh Niaz, Seyed Mohammadrasoul Naeimi, Shayan Darvish and Ionut Luchian
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(8), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16080299 - 19 Aug 2025
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Abstract
In pediatric endodontic procedures, final crown placement is often delayed, requiring the use of temporary filling materials to seal the access cavity. Given the importance of antibacterial properties in temporary restorations and the known antimicrobial effects of nanoclay particles, this study aimed to [...] Read more.
In pediatric endodontic procedures, final crown placement is often delayed, requiring the use of temporary filling materials to seal the access cavity. Given the importance of antibacterial properties in temporary restorations and the known antimicrobial effects of nanoclay particles, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of a nanoclay-infused temporary dressing against cariogenic and residual intracanal bacteria. A commercial temporary material (CAVISOL, Tehran, Iran) was blended with nanoclay (SOUTHERN, Gonzalez, TX, USA; average size 95 nm), using eugenol as a wetting agent. The antibacterial effects on Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli were assessed using disc diffusion, well diffusion, and microtiter plate assays after 24 h of incubation at 37 °C (six material groups, three bacterial strains, three replications for each antibacterial test). Statistical analyses were performed using Shapiro–Wilk and ANOVA tests (p < 0.05). The results showed that formulations containing 60% and 80% nanoclay significantly inhibited the growth of all tested bacteria, outperforming pure Cavit (p < 0.05). The most substantial inhibition was observed in E. coli, while S. mutans exhibited the least susceptibility (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that incorporating nanoclay into temporary fillings may enhance efficacy to increase the success rate of pediatric endodontic treatments, although further physicochemical and clinical evaluations are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials Applied in Dental Sciences)
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12 pages, 5719 KB  
Article
Characteristics of Occlusal Force and Masticatory Performance in Female Patients Who Selected Implant Treatment for a Missing Mandibular Second Molar: A Retrospective Study
by Takashi Abe, Motohiro Munakata, Takumi Yokoi, Kikue Yamaguchi, Daisuke Sato and Kazuyoshi Baba
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(6), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16060211 - 5 Jun 2025
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Abstract
Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between a patient’s selection of implant treatment for a missing mandibular second molar and the magnitude of occlusal force, masticatory ability, mandibular morphology, and age before treatment intervention. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively [...] Read more.
Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between a patient’s selection of implant treatment for a missing mandibular second molar and the magnitude of occlusal force, masticatory ability, mandibular morphology, and age before treatment intervention. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively assessed occlusal force, masticatory performance, and mandibular morphology in female patients who either selected or declined implant treatment for a missing unilateral mandibular second molar. Results: Thirty-three women (mean age of 56.1 ± 9.7 years) were divided into an implant treatment (IT) group and a no-treatment (NT) group. The IT group showed significantly higher occlusal force (p = 0.021 < 0.05), while masticatory performance and gonial angle demonstrated no significant difference. Conclusion: The IT group had significantly higher occlusal force, and age had no significant effect on it. Notably, masticatory performance in the IT group increased significantly with age (p = 0.047 < 0.05). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials Applied in Dental Sciences)
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18 pages, 7250 KB  
Article
The Influence of Thermocycling and Ultraviolet Aging on Surface Characteristics and the Repair Bond Strength of CAD/CAM Resin Nanoceramics
by Beyza Unalan Degirmenci, Alperen Degirmenci and Zelal Seyfioglu Polat
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(5), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16050156 - 28 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 789
Abstract
Background: The durability of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin nanoceramics in the oral environment is influenced by aging factors such as thermocycling and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. This study investigates the impact of these aging processes on surface characteristics and repair bond strength. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: The durability of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin nanoceramics in the oral environment is influenced by aging factors such as thermocycling and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. This study investigates the impact of these aging processes on surface characteristics and repair bond strength. Methods: CAD/CAM resin nanoceramic samples were divided into the following five groups: control (non-aged), 1-year and 5-year thermocycling, and 1-year and 5-year UV aging (n = 12). For the thermocycling procedure, the parameters employed were a temperature range of 5–55 °C with dwell times of 20 s per bath and 10,000 and 50,000 cycles; for the ultraviolet aging process, the parameters were established at a wavelength of 340 nm, an intensity of 0.55 W/m², and durations of 300 h and 1500 h. Surface roughness, microhardness, and repair bond strength were analyzed through profilometry, Vickers microhardness testing, and shear bond strength assessment, respectively. SEM, AFM, and XRD analyses were performed for structural evaluation. Results: Both thermocycling and UV aging significantly increased surface roughness (p < 0.001) while reducing microhardness and repair bond strength (p < 0.001). UV aging had a more pronounced effect, particularly after five years, leading to the highest surface roughness (Ra: 61.77 μm; Rz: 271.57 μm) and lowest microhardness properties (63.13). EDAX analysis indicated matrix degradation and an increase in inorganic filler exposure. Conclusions: Aging significantly affects the surface characteristics of CAD/CAM resin nanoceramics, with UV aging exhibiting the most detrimental impact. These findings highlight the necessity of considering long-term material stability in dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials Applied in Dental Sciences)
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18 pages, 3573 KB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Implant Silver Coatings on Bone Formation in Animal Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Ali Alenezi
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(10), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100369 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
Background/Objective: Clinical statistics show that bacterial infection is a major driver of implant failure. To enhance antibacterial performance, some metallic elements, such as silver (Ag), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), are commonly used to modify the titanium surface. Despite the promising antibacterial performance [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Clinical statistics show that bacterial infection is a major driver of implant failure. To enhance antibacterial performance, some metallic elements, such as silver (Ag), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), are commonly used to modify the titanium surface. Despite the promising antibacterial performance of Ag, concerns persist regarding dose-dependent cytotoxicity, systemic accumulation, and potential effects on local bone metabolism. This review aimed to investigate the effects of incorporating or coating titanium (Ti) implant surfaces with Ag on bone formation around implants. Methods: A search was undertaken using three main databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus). The search was limited to studies published within the last 20 years that involved animal experiments using endosseous implants coated with or incorporating Ag. Meta-analyses were performed for bone-to-implant contact (BIC), bone formation (BA), and bone volume (BV/TV) around the implant in control and test groups. The compared groups were subjected to similar implant surface treatments aside from the presence of silver in the test group. Results: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria in this study and were included. The analysis of BIC values revealed a statistically significant overall effect in favor of silver-coated implants (Z = 2.01, p = 0.04), along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The BA analysis found no significant difference between silver-coated and control implants (Z = 1.09, p = 0.28). The BV/TV analysis also showed no statistically significant overall difference (Z = 0.35, p = 0.73). Conclusions: In animal models, silver-coated Ti implants improve bone–implant contact without altering peri-implant bone volume metrics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials Applied in Dental Sciences)
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