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Biomaterials for Restorative Dentistry

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 6378

Special Issue Editor

Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: dental resin composites; experimental composites; materials characterization; bioactive restorative materials; bioactive glass
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite numerous advances in biomaterials for restorative dentistry, each material still has its own particular weaknesses that need to be addressed. This drives the study of both experimental materials with a well-defined composition to address a specific hypothesis and commercially available materials that are studied as integrated systems with a predefined composition and multiple interacting components. As research in this field is progressing rapidly, many new materials are being developed and introduced to the dental market without a thorough understanding of their behavior under demanding conditions in the oral cavity.

We invite the submission of in vitro or clinical studies that address the mechanical, chemical, or biological properties of all types of biomaterials for restorative dentistry. However, this Special Issue is not limited to the topics mentioned above. All manuscripts dealing with relevant studies on biomaterials and their applications in dentistry will be considered.

Dr. Matej Par
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • restorative dentistry
  • biomaterials
  • resin composite
  • glass ionomer
  • bioactive materials
  • experimental materials

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 10485 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Stress Distribution and Fatigue Performance in Restored Teeth Using Different Thicknesses of Adhesive Materials and Different Restorative Materials: 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEM)
by Reza Mohammadi, Sinem Alkurt Kaplan, Abdulkadir Harmankaya and Hakan Yasin Gönder
Materials 2025, 18(16), 3888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163888 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to compare the stress distribution and fracture resistance of dental tissues and restorative materials with varying adhesive layer thicknesses and different restorative materials. Methods: A caries-free mandibular first molar (tooth #36) was scanned using CBCT. The scanned files were [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to compare the stress distribution and fracture resistance of dental tissues and restorative materials with varying adhesive layer thicknesses and different restorative materials. Methods: A caries-free mandibular first molar (tooth #36) was scanned using CBCT. The scanned files were processed in Mimics 12 software for segmentation of enamel, dentin, and pulp tissues and then exported to STP format. Cavity preparations (DO, MO, MOD, and O) were designed in SolidWorks 2023. Bulk-fill composite, conventional composite, and hybrid composite were used for restorations with adhesive layers of 10, 15, and 20 μm thick. Stress distribution and fracture resistance were analyzed using 3D finite element analysis. Results: The highest stress values in enamel, dentin, and adhesive material were observed in models restored with bulk-fill composite, while the highest stress values within the restoration were found in models restored with hybrid composite. As the adhesive layer thickness decreased, stress accumulation within the restorative material increased. Enamel fractures occurred first in models with bulk-fill composite. Among restorative materials, fractures initiated first in models restored with hybrid composite, while the latest fracture onset was observed in models with bulk-fill composite. Conclusions: Restorative materials with low Young’s modulus cause excessive stress accumulation in enamel and dentin, leading to early fracture of these tissues. In contrast, materials with a high Young’s modulus transfer more stress to the restoration, causing premature fracture of the restorative material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Restorative Dentistry)
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14 pages, 784 KiB  
Article
Cytotoxicity of Bulk-Fill Composites on Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth—An In Vitro Study
by Ralitsa Bogovska-Gigova, Nikolay Ishkitiev, Marina Miteva and Krasimir Hristov
Materials 2025, 18(16), 3863; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163863 - 18 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of bulk-fill composite materials compared to conventional compomers on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. Methods: 90 standardized resin composite discs (4 mm thick, 4 mm diameter) were fabricated using a 3D-printed plate, comprising [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of bulk-fill composite materials compared to conventional compomers on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. Methods: 90 standardized resin composite discs (4 mm thick, 4 mm diameter) were fabricated using a 3D-printed plate, comprising four bulk-fill composites (SDR, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk-Fill, VisCalor Bulk, Cention-N) and one compomer (Dyract XP). Samples were polymerized per the manufacturer’s instructions and sterilized. Stem cells were isolated from the pulp of exfoliated primary teeth. Cells were cultured and exposed to extracts of the composite materials soaked in culture medium for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT colorimetric assay, measuring cell viability via mitochondrial activity, and the Annexin V assay, quantifying apoptosis and necrosis via flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. Results: All materials significantly reduced cell viability compared to the control (p < 0.05), with optical density values indicating high cytotoxicity. Tetric EvoCeram exhibited the lowest necrosis and apoptosis levels, while Dyract XP showed the highest necrosis. Statistical analysis revealed no significant cytotoxicity differences among most bulk-fill composites (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Bulk-fill composites and conventional compomer tested exhibit comparable and significant cytotoxic effects on stem cells from human exfoliated primary teeth pulp. While these materials offer clinical advantages in pediatric dentistry due to ease and speed of application, their use underscores the dilemma of balancing operative efficiency with biological safety, and their cytotoxic profiles should be taken into consideration prior to application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Restorative Dentistry)
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13 pages, 1878 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Polymethyl Methacrylate as a Provisional Material in a Fully Digital Workflow for Immediate-Load Complete-Arch Implant-Supported Prostheses over Three Months
by Luis Carlos Garza, Eduardo Crooke, Marta Vallés, Joan Soliva, Xavier Rodríguez, Mariona Rodeja and Miguel Roig
Materials 2025, 18(3), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030562 - 26 Jan 2025
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Abstract
While complete-arch digital-implant-scanning protocols have been described, their clinical outcomes when using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as a provisional material remain insufficiently substantiated. This clinical study aims to integrate digital solutions into implant dentistry and establish PMMA as a reliable material for immediate-loaded protocols. [...] Read more.
While complete-arch digital-implant-scanning protocols have been described, their clinical outcomes when using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as a provisional material remain insufficiently substantiated. This clinical study aims to integrate digital solutions into implant dentistry and establish PMMA as a reliable material for immediate-loaded protocols. Fifty-six patients received 432 implants and 72 immediate fixed interim complete-arch prostheses, all fabricated using a fully digital workflow. Patients were followed up at 3 months to evaluate implant survival, prosthesis survival, and implant mean marginal bone loss using an interim PMMA prosthesis. Patients completed the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire to determine the implants’ impact on quality of life. Statistical analyses included analysis of variance, Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Of the 432 implants placed, only two failures were observed. Marginal bone loss (MBL) was significantly greater in male patients (p = 0.002) and older smokers (p = 0.016). Patient-reported outcomes, as measured by the OHIP questionnaire, demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life. PMMA is a reliable material for immediate-loading protocols in fixed interim complete-arch implant prostheses. Its combination of mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and esthetic properties, along with the accuracy of fully digital workflows, ensures predictable clinical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Restorative Dentistry)
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10 pages, 2625 KiB  
Article
Effect of Different Working Settings of Sandblasting on Resin Composite Repair Bond Strength
by Clemens Lechte, Erik Hohmann, Annette Wiegand and Philipp Kanzow
Materials 2025, 18(2), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020313 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1046
Abstract
To investigate the effect of different sandblasting settings on the shear bond strength (SBS) in the repair of resin composite, specimens (resin composite, enamel, and dentin; each group n = 16) were sandblasted by varying the parameters of air pressure (0.2/0.3/0.4 MPa), angle [...] Read more.
To investigate the effect of different sandblasting settings on the shear bond strength (SBS) in the repair of resin composite, specimens (resin composite, enamel, and dentin; each group n = 16) were sandblasted by varying the parameters of air pressure (0.2/0.3/0.4 MPa), angle (45/90°), particle size (27/50 μm), tip size (0.8/1.2 mm), and distance (2/5/10 mm) prior to the application of a universal adhesive (Adhese Universal) and resin composite (adhesive area: 7.07 mm2). The specimens were subjected to artificial aging (10,000 cycles, 5–55 °C) prior to (resin composite only) and after repair. Groups without mechanical pretreatment and resin composite incremental bond strength served as controls. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVAs, post hoc tests, and Chi2-tests (p < 0.05). Only air pressure and distance impacted SBS (p ≤ 0.049). However, resin composite SBS did not differ from the resin composite incremental SBS within all sandblasting settings (positive control: 21.0 ± 5.0 MPa, p ≥ 0.566). While sandblasting did not impact bond strength on enamel (control: 20.5 ± 5.1 MPa, p ≥ 0.999), most settings resulted in a lower bond strength on dentin (control: 20.1 ± 4.7 MPa, p ≤ 0.027). In conclusion, sandblasting significantly improves resin composite repair bond strength, while application parameters are of minor relevance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Restorative Dentistry)
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13 pages, 1290 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties of Alkasite Material with Different Curing Modes and Simulated Aging Conditions
by Visnja Negovetic Mandic, Laura Plancak, Danijela Marovic, Zrinka Tarle, Milena Trutina Gavran and Matej Par
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2777; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112777 - 6 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1409
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the micro-mechanical and macro-mechanical properties of self-cured and light-cured alkasite and to investigate how accelerated degradation in acidic, alkaline, and ethanol solutions affects the macro-mechanical properties of self-cured and light-cured alkasite. The specimens of the alkasite material (Cention [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the micro-mechanical and macro-mechanical properties of self-cured and light-cured alkasite and to investigate how accelerated degradation in acidic, alkaline, and ethanol solutions affects the macro-mechanical properties of self-cured and light-cured alkasite. The specimens of the alkasite material (Cention Forte, Ivoclar Vivadent) were prepared according to the following three curing modes: (1) light-cured immediately, (2) light-cured after a 5-min delay, and (3) self-cured. Microhardness was tested before and after immersion in absolute ethanol to indirectly determine crosslink density, while flexural strength and flexural modulus were measured using a three-point bending test after accelerated aging in the following solutions: (1) lactic acid solution (pH = 4.0), (2) NaOH solution (pH = 13.0), (3) phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH = 7.4), and (4) 75% ethanol solution. The data were statistically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. The results showed that the microhardness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus were significantly lower in self-cured specimens compared to light-cured specimens. A 5-min delay between the extrusion of the material from the capsule and light curing had no significant effect on any of the measured properties. A significant effect of the accelerated aging solutions on macro-mechanical properties was observed, with ethanol and alkaline solutions having a particularly detrimental effect. In conclusion, light curing was preferable to self-curing, as it resulted in significantly better micro- and macro-mechanical properties, while a 5-min delay between mixing the capsule and light curing had no negative effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Restorative Dentistry)
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Other

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18 pages, 691 KiB  
Systematic Review
Coating Materials to Prevent Screw Loosening in Single Dental Implant Crowns: A Systematic Review
by Lara Coelho, Maria-Cristina Manzanares-Céspedes, Joana Mendes, Victòria Tallón-Walton, Wilson Astudillo-Rozas, Carlos Aroso and José Manuel Mendes
Materials 2024, 17(20), 5053; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205053 - 16 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1748
Abstract
Oral rehabilitation with dental implants has resulted in high success rates. However, some complications have been described, such as the loss of the prosthetic screw. Some manufacturers sell screws with different coatings to avoid screw loosening, but even these types of screws can [...] Read more.
Oral rehabilitation with dental implants has resulted in high success rates. However, some complications have been described, such as the loss of the prosthetic screw. Some manufacturers sell screws with different coatings to avoid screw loosening, but even these types of screws can come loose. We aimed to investigate the screw coatings that can be applied during a dental appointment to avoid screw loosening. Following PRISMA Guidelines, we searched PubMed/Medline, Embase and Web of Science for studies published up to January 2024. All studies of single dental implant crowns, in which the prosthetic screw was coated with a lubricant and the preload and/or the removal torque value (RTV) was recorded, were analyzed. We excluded studies applying the finite element method (FEM) as well as studies without a control group. The risk of bias was assessed with a tool developed by our research group. Of the 1959 records identified, 19 were selected. Ten studies were considered to have a low risk of bias, and nine were considered to have a medium risk of bias. The coatings tested were adhesives, saliva, chlorhexidine, Vaseline, silicone gel, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape, blood, fluoride, Listerine® Mouthwash and normal saline. The preload, the RTV with and without cyclic loading and the percentage of RTV loss were recorded. Some coatings show promise, although there is no clear evidence that any option is superior in minimizing screw loosening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Restorative Dentistry)
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