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New Restorative Technologies in the Management and Characterization Techniques of...
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New Restorative Technologies in the Management and Characterization Techniques of the Hard and Soft Tissues of Oral Cavity

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 6225

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ilaria Giovannacci

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Guest Editor
Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery Laser Unit, University Centre of Dentistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Interests: oral medicine and surgery; aesthetic dentistry; adhesive dentistry; auto fluorescente applications in dentistry; laser in dentistry
Prof. Dr. Silvia Pizzi

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Guest Editor
Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 3100 Parma, Italy
Interests: dentistry; endodontics; conservative dentistry
Prof. Dr. Careri Maria

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
Interests: material characterization techniques; surface analysis techniques; electron microscopy; environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM)

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of new technologies for studying the surfaces of oral tissues has made enormous progress in research and the production of novel devices. The Special Issue “New Restorative Technologies in Management and Characterization Techniques of the Hard and Soft Tissues of the Oral Cavity” intends to collect and present the most recent practical applications of lasers and new technologies in daily oral surgery.

We aim to delve deeper into surface analysis methods of mineralized oral tissues and mucous membranes to explain how new technologies, including lasers, make procedures more efficient and comfortable.

This Special Issue aims to cover a variety of topics, including the latest microscopy analysis systems; the use of lasers and new technologies in restorative, prosthetic, and aesthetic; periodontal applications, oral surgery, and photodynamic therapy; integration of autofluorescence and artificial intelligence in the diagnostic procedures of oncological diseases of the jaw bone and oral mucosa.

We invite contributions that include physical, chemical, and histological studies, literature reviews, detailed case reports, and case series highlighting real laser applications and new dental technologies. This Special Issue guides dental and maxillofacial surgery professionals, helping them understand biological action and integrate the latest technologies and advances in artificial intelligence into their clinical practice.

Dr. Ilaria Giovannacci
Prof. Dr. Silvia Pizzi
Prof. Dr. Careri Maria
Guest Editors

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. Life 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 2600 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

  • microscopy analysis imaging
  • jaw bone
  • oral mucosa
  • autofluorescence
  • adhesive dentistry
  • oral surgery
  • regenerative medicine
  • lasers

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 268 KB  
Article
Impact of Functional Therapy on Skeletal Structures and Airways in Patients with Class II Malocclusion: Comparison of Treatment in Prepubertal and Pubertal Phases
by Gianna Dipalma, Grazia Marinelli, Paola Bassi, Rosalba Lagioia, Francesca Calò, Mirka Cavino, Francesco Inchingolo, Franceska Vinjolli, Ioana Roxana Bordea, Giuseppe Minervini, Sabina Saccomanno, Andrea Palermo, Cinzia Maria Norma Maspero, Alessio Danilo Inchingolo and Angelo Michele Inchingolo
Life 2025, 15(7), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071144 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 708
Abstract
This study aimed to assess skeletal and upper airway modifications induced by the Twin Block appliance in patients with Class II malocclusion due to mandibular retrusion, using two-dimensional imaging techniques. A total of 11 patients (6 males, 5 females) were included and stratified [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess skeletal and upper airway modifications induced by the Twin Block appliance in patients with Class II malocclusion due to mandibular retrusion, using two-dimensional imaging techniques. A total of 11 patients (6 males, 5 females) were included and stratified into two groups (Pre-Peak and Peak) based on skeletal maturity evaluated through the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained at the beginning (T0) and end (T1) of treatment and analyzed using DeltaDent software. The appliance was worn full-time, except during meals and oral hygiene procedures, with monthly follow-ups. Significant changes were observed between T0 and T1 across the sample. Comparison between groups revealed statistically significant differences only in the H-C3a1 and vertical height (th) parameters (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the Twin Block appliance proved effective in enhancing mandibular and dental positioning, while also exerting a favorable influence on upper airway development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Restorative Technologies in the Management and Characterization Techniques of the Hard and Soft Tissues of Oral Cavity)
14 pages, 7469 KB  
Article
Autofluorescence-Guided Surgery in the Management of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: Correlation Between Bone Autofluorescence and Histopathological Findings in 56 Samples
by Ilaria Giovannacci, Aurora Andrea Venuti, Luigi Corcione, Samir Nammour and Paolo Vescovi
Life 2025, 15(5), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15050686 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 787
Abstract
(1) Background: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) remains a challenging condition without a universally accepted treatment protocol. Surgical therapy, particularly Er:YAG laser-assisted surgery, has shown more predictable long-term results compared with non-surgical options. However, the identification of resection margins in ONJ surgery is [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) remains a challenging condition without a universally accepted treatment protocol. Surgical therapy, particularly Er:YAG laser-assisted surgery, has shown more predictable long-term results compared with non-surgical options. However, the identification of resection margins in ONJ surgery is complex and currently relies on the surgeon’s intraoperative assessment, without standardization. Bone autofluorescence (AF) has been proposed as an intraoperative diagnostic tool for visualizing necrotic bone; under VELscope (LED Medical Diagnostics Inc., Barnaby, BC, Canada) illumination, healthy bone exhibits hyperfluorescence, while pathological bone appears dark brown/black (loss of autofluorescence, LAF). (2) Methods: 22 patients with ONJ requiring surgical therapy were included. After bone exposure, VELscope system was used to induce and visualize bone AF. Areas exhibiting absent or pale AF were identified as necrotic and removed; additional samples were collected from adjacent hyperfluorescent regions. (3) Results: Histopathologic evaluation of 56 specimens were conducted; 35 hypofluorescent samples were found to be necrotic bone tissue; in the 21 hyperfluorescent samples, 86% demonstrated normal, vital bone. The correlation between fluorescence and bone vitality was highly significant (p < 0.0000001). (4) Conclusions: Our data show that AF-guided surgical resection, combined with Er:YAG laser-assisted surgery, may improve clinical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Restorative Technologies in the Management and Characterization Techniques of the Hard and Soft Tissues of Oral Cavity)
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12 pages, 2025 KB  
Article
3D Spheroid Cultures for Salivary Gland Tissue Engineering: Effects of Fibroblast on Epithelial Cell Function
by Lan Thi Phuong Nguyen, Joo Hyun Kim, Jiwon Son, Sung Sik Hur, Minyong Lee, Hyung Kwon Byeon, Jin-Young Kim, Myung Jin Ban, Joo Hyun Kim, Man Ryul Lee, Jae Hong Park and Yongsung Hwang
Life 2025, 15(4), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15040607 - 5 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1547
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cultures are crucial for modeling salivary gland (SG) morphogenesis and advancing regenerative medicine. This study evaluated the effects of varying ratios of mouse SG-derived epithelial cells co-cultured with human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs), identifying a 2:1 ratio (spheroids containing 67% EpCAM [...] Read more.
Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cultures are crucial for modeling salivary gland (SG) morphogenesis and advancing regenerative medicine. This study evaluated the effects of varying ratios of mouse SG-derived epithelial cells co-cultured with human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs), identifying a 2:1 ratio (spheroids containing 67% EpCAMpos cells with 33% hDFs) as optimal for preserving native SG-derived epithelial cell phenotypes. At this ratio, 67% EpCAMpos spheroids maintained structural integrity and demonstrated a significant reduction in apoptosis and senescence markers, specifically, cleaved caspase-3 (Cc3) and Serpine1, alongside an enhanced expression of the progenitor marker Keratin 5 (KRT5). This highlights the pivotal role of fibroblasts in supporting epithelial cell function in 3D cultures. These spheroids provide a useful model for developing SG tissues that closely mimic physiological properties. Despite promising results, these findings are preliminary and require further validation under diverse conditions and across different SG models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Restorative Technologies in the Management and Characterization Techniques of the Hard and Soft Tissues of Oral Cavity)
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Review

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11 pages, 650 KB  
Review
Extraneural Soft Tissue Perineurioma of the Oral Cavity: A Rare Case with Medico-Legal Implications and Literature Review
by Daniele Pergolini, Mohamed Mohsen, Simona Zaami, Lina De Paola, Federica Rocchetti, Cinzia Angileri, Eduardo Troiani, Cira Rosaria Tiziana Di Gioia, Giulia Coppola and Gaspare Palaia
Life 2025, 15(9), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15091343 - 25 Aug 2025
Viewed by 503
Abstract
Perineuriomas are a rare form of peripheral nerve sheath tumors, with occurrences in the oral cavity being exceptionally uncommon. This scarcity underscores the clinical significance of each documented case, as it facilitates enhanced diagnostic precision among oral health professionals. We hereby present a [...] Read more.
Perineuriomas are a rare form of peripheral nerve sheath tumors, with occurrences in the oral cavity being exceptionally uncommon. This scarcity underscores the clinical significance of each documented case, as it facilitates enhanced diagnostic precision among oral health professionals. We hereby present a case involving a 68-year-old female patient with an extraneural perineurioma (EPN) located on the mandibular region. A laser-assisted excisional biopsy was performed, and the diagnosis of EPN was confirmed through histopathological examination complemented by immunohistochemical analysis. The lesion was surgically excised, and no recurrence was observed during a one-year follow-up period. Accurate recognition of EPNs in the oral cavity is crucial to prevent unnecessary aggressive surgical interventions. Misdiagnoses may occur in cases of fibromas, neurofibromas, schwannomas, ossifying fibromas, or low-grade malignancies, which can potentially result in overtreatment that may compromise both function and aesthetics. Given the rarity of oral EPN, precise diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to avoid unwarranted invasive procedures and to mitigate potential medico-legal implications originating from misdiagnosis or suboptimal treatment. Ensuring comprehensive informed consent and meticulous documentation is also vital in minimizing medico-legal risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Restorative Technologies in the Management and Characterization Techniques of the Hard and Soft Tissues of Oral Cavity)
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19 pages, 1115 KB  
Review
The Therapeutic Approaches Dealing with Malocclusion Type III—Narrative Review
by Zdenka Stojanovic, Nadica Đorđević, Marija Bubalo, Milos Stepovic, Nemanja Rancic, Miroslav Misovic, Milka Gardasevic, Maja Vulovic, Ivana Zivanovic Macuzic, Vesna Rosic, Nikola Vunjak, Simonida Delic, Kristijan Jovanovic, Melanija Tepavcevic, Ivona Marinkovic and Zlata Rajkovic Pavlovic
Life 2025, 15(6), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060840 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 2188
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, malocclusion type III is third, most important oral health problem. It may be the least prevalent malocclusion, but it is the most noticeable and challenging for orthodontic therapy. With this narrative review, we wanted to give a [...] Read more.
According to the World Health Organization, malocclusion type III is third, most important oral health problem. It may be the least prevalent malocclusion, but it is the most noticeable and challenging for orthodontic therapy. With this narrative review, we wanted to give a summation of the most current knowledge about diagnostics, different therapy options, limitations, and additional factors that can influence the therapy of class III malocclusion to help clinicians and researchers focus on the specific approaches. Therapy options were divided into the following groups: orthopedic, orthodontic, and surgical. The SNA, SNB, and ANB angles (cephalometric values) are the best ones to examine improvements in different skeletal improvements, while dentoalveolar improvements were also described, emphasizing the limitation of orthopedic therapy to change the skeletal discrepancy. Eruption-guided appliances and chin cups are more effective in early childhood, mixed dentition, during permanent teeth eruption, with no significant skeletal discrepancy. If a discrepancy exists, a face mask is the first therapy choice. The therapy of an underdeveloped maxilla can be solved with different palate expanders. Bulkiness, lack of long-term results, and duration of therapy make fixed orthodontic appliances with braces and elastic traction favorable nowadays. If the skeletal discrepancy is major, a surgical approach should be considered. One of the main limitations in articles is the combination of different therapy approaches, ages, and dentition preferred for device application, duration of therapy, and lack of information about long-term outcomes. On the other hand, the lack of original articles is noticeable, so further research should be done. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Restorative Technologies in the Management and Characterization Techniques of the Hard and Soft Tissues of Oral Cavity)
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