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Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 November 2024) | Viewed by 19793

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Guest Editor
Division of Physical Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: theoretical modeling; quantum chemical calculations; bioactive coating; surface functionalization; surface characterization; structure–property relationship in dental materials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the development of new coatings for dental implants has seen great progress. A wide range of coating materials are being intensively researched, including bioactive inorganic materials such as calcium phosphates, hydroxyapatite, bioceramics and bioactive glasses. Surface modification of implants with organic coatings such as various extracellular matrix proteins (collagen, fibronectin, fibrinogen) has proven to be an effective approach to improving biocompatibility. A relatively new approach is bioactive hybrid inorganic–organic coatings, which can perform some unique functions. For example, hydroxyapatite has been improved with the addition of amino acids. Similarly, bioactive composites of glass and natural polymers (collagen, gelatin, silk fibroin, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, alginate and cellulose) enhance the mechanical properties of the final system, as well as its bioactivity and regenerative potential. In addition to all the recent studies on the subject, biomimetic coatings are increasingly becoming the focus of research.

Certain factors must be considered when selecting and using materials for biological applications, such as their mechanical behavior, their thermal and electrical conductivity, biostability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, permeability to body fluids, non-toxicity, and non-allergenicity. In addition, there is great interest in coatings for dental implants that initiate, promote, and accelerate the process of osseointegration. Although the advances in the novel biomaterials for coatings developed so far are remarkable, the search for new materials and manufacturing processes is not over yet. An integrated experimental–theoretical approach is of great benefit in elucidating the mechanism of coating formation on dental implant surfaces.

The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together original papers and comprehensive reviews that open new horizons in the field of dental implant coatings. The articles will cover various topics, including novel coating materials for dental implants, new methods of coating formation, characterization of functionalized implant surfaces, investigation of the coating mechanism, and the structural and functional connections between the functionalized implant and the surrounding bone tissue.

Dr. Ines Despotović
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • multifunctional dental biomaterials
  • bone tissue engineering approaches
  • mechanical behavior of dental biomaterials
  • biocompatibility
  • osteoinductivity
  • osteoconductivity
  • dental coatings
  • surface modification and surface characterization methods
  • anticorossion protection
  • computational modeling

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 7850 KiB  
Article
Composite Materials Used for Dental Fillings
by Joanna Wysokińska-Miszczuk, Katarzyna Piotrowska, Michał Paulo and Monika Madej
Materials 2024, 17(19), 4936; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194936 - 9 Oct 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2085
Abstract
This article explores the properties of composite materials employed in dental fillings. A traditional nano-hybrid composite containing nanofiller particles exceeding 82% by weight served as a benchmark. The remaining samples were fabricated from ormocer resin, maintaining an identical nanofiller content of 84%. In [...] Read more.
This article explores the properties of composite materials employed in dental fillings. A traditional nano-hybrid composite containing nanofiller particles exceeding 82% by weight served as a benchmark. The remaining samples were fabricated from ormocer resin, maintaining an identical nanofiller content of 84%. In all specimens, the nanoparticles were dispersed randomly within the matrix. This study presents findings from investigations into surface geometry, hardness, wettability, and tribological behavior. The microscopic observations revealed that ormocer-based samples exhibited greater surface roughness than those composed of the traditional composite. Hardness testing indicated that both ceramic addition and sample preparation significantly influenced mechanical properties. Ceramic-enhanced samples demonstrated superior hardness, surpassing the reference composite by 30% and 43%, respectively. Contact angle measurements revealed hydrophilic characteristics in the classic composite, contrasting with the hydrophobic nature of ceramic-containing samples. Tribological evaluations revealed the superiority of the classic composite in terms of friction coefficients and volumetric wear compared to ormocer-based materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications)
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11 pages, 755 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Selected Titanium Alloy Micro-Texture Parameters on Bacterial Adhesion
by Jolanta Szymańska, Monika Krzywicka, Zbigniew Kobus, Anna Malm and Agnieszka Grzegorczyk
Materials 2024, 17(19), 4765; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194765 - 28 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 882
Abstract
The colonization of microbes and the resulting formation of biofilms on dental implants are significant contributors to peri-implantitis and the failure of these implants. The aim of the research was to analyze the impact of density and depth of laser texturing of the [...] Read more.
The colonization of microbes and the resulting formation of biofilms on dental implants are significant contributors to peri-implantitis and the failure of these implants. The aim of the research was to analyze the impact of density and depth of laser texturing of the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy surface on the colonization of selected microorganisms and biofilm formation. Standard strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts from the American Type Culture Collection—ATCC—were used to demonstrate the ability to form single-species biofilms in vitro. The study evaluated three types of titanium samples with different texture density and depth. The colonization and biofilm formation abilities of the tested microorganisms were assessed. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis. Among the analyzed strains, L. rhamnosus showed the highest colonization of the tested surfaces. It was found that there is no relationship between the texture parameters and the number of colony-forming units (CFU/mL) for C. albicans, S. mutans, and L. rhamnosus. For the F. nucleatum strain, it was shown that the number of colony-forming bacteria is related to the texture density. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications)
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12 pages, 1773 KiB  
Article
Dimensional Accuracy of Novel Vinyl Polysiloxane Compared with Polyether Impression Materials: An In Vitro Study
by Moritz Waldecker, Stefan Rues, Peter Rammelsberg and Wolfgang Bömicke
Materials 2024, 17(17), 4221; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17174221 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1096
Abstract
Transferring the intraoral situation accurately to the dental laboratory is crucial for fabricating precise restorations. This study aimed to compare the dimensional accuracy of a new hydrophilic quadrofunctional vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) and polyether (PE), in combination with different impression techniques (mono-phase single step [...] Read more.
Transferring the intraoral situation accurately to the dental laboratory is crucial for fabricating precise restorations. This study aimed to compare the dimensional accuracy of a new hydrophilic quadrofunctional vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) and polyether (PE), in combination with different impression techniques (mono-phase single step or dual-phase single step). The reference model simulated a partially edentulous mandible. Stainless-steel precision balls were welded to specific teeth and were used to detect dimensional deviations. Fifteen impressions were made for each of the following four test groups: (1) VPS mono-phase, (2) PE mono-phase, (3) VPS dual-phase, and (4) PE dual-phase. Global accuracy was measured by deviations from the reference model, while local accuracy focused on the trueness and precision of abutment tooth surfaces. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA (α = 0.05). All distances were underestimated, with the highest global inaccuracies for the cross-arch distance, ranging from −82 µm to −109 µm. The abutment tooth surfaces showed excellent local accuracy for all the materials and techniques, with crown surface trueness < 10 µm and precision < 12 µm. Inlay surfaces had higher inaccuracies (trueness < 15 µm, precision < 26 µm). Within the limitations of this study, all impression materials and techniques can be used to produce models with clinically acceptable accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications)
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10 pages, 4153 KiB  
Article
Antibiofilm Efficacy of Calcium Silicate-Based Endodontic Sealers
by Matilde Ruiz-Linares, Vsevolod Fedoseev, Carmen Solana, Cecilia Muñoz-Sandoval and Carmen María Ferrer-Luque
Materials 2024, 17(16), 3937; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17163937 - 8 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3887
Abstract
Background: Using endodontic sealers with long-term antimicrobial properties can increase the success of endodontic treatment. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity over time of two calcium silicate (CS)-based sealers, AH Plus Bioceramic and BioRoot RCS, and to compare them with an [...] Read more.
Background: Using endodontic sealers with long-term antimicrobial properties can increase the success of endodontic treatment. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity over time of two calcium silicate (CS)-based sealers, AH Plus Bioceramic and BioRoot RCS, and to compare them with an epoxy resin-based sealer, AH Plus Jet, against mature polymicrobial biofilms grown on human radicular dentin. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of the sealers was tested using a direct contact test after 1 and 6 weeks of contact with the biofilms. Cell viability was determined by the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) method and flow cytometry (FC). The results of the ATP test were analyzed using an ANOVA with Welch’s correction, followed by the Games–Howell test. The number of cells with damaged membranes obtained by FC in each period was compared by means of an ANOVA and Duncan’s test. For the comparison between times, a Student’s t-test was used. Results: Globally, after a week of contact, the epoxy resin-based sealer obtained the best results. However, at 6 weeks, the two CSs showed the highest antimicrobial efficacy, with a significant increase in this activity over time. Conclusions: Calcium silicate-based sealers exert long-term antimicrobial activity against endodontic biofilms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications)
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22 pages, 9569 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Assessment of a New Block Design for Implant Crowns with Functional Gradient Fabricated with Resin Composite and Zirconia Insert
by Nicolás Gutiérrez Robledo, Miquel Punset Fuste, Alejandra Rodríguez-Contreras, Fernando García Marro, José María Manero Planella, Oscar Figueras-Álvarez and Miguel Roig Cayón
Materials 2024, 17(15), 3815; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153815 - 2 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1276
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate and compare the mechanical resistance, fatigue behavior and fracture behavior of different CAD/CAM materials for implant crowns. Eighty-eight implant crowns cemented-screwed with four sample groups: two monolithic G1 Zirconia (control) and G3 composite and two bi-layered G2 customized [...] Read more.
This study aims to evaluate and compare the mechanical resistance, fatigue behavior and fracture behavior of different CAD/CAM materials for implant crowns. Eighty-eight implant crowns cemented-screwed with four sample groups: two monolithic G1 Zirconia (control) and G3 composite and two bi-layered G2 customized zirconia/composite and G4 prefabricated zirconia/composite. All static and dynamic mechanical tests were conducted at 37 °C under wet conditions. The fractographic evaluation of deformed and/or fractured samples was evaluated via electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was conducted using Wallis tests, which were performed depending on the variables, with a confidence interval of 95%, (p < 0.05). The Maximum Fracture Strength values displayed by the four groups of samples showed no statistically significant differences. The crown–abutment material combination influenced the failure mode of the restoration, transitioning from a fatigue fracture type located at the abutment–analog connection for monolithic materials (G1 and G3) to a brittle fracture located in the crown for bi-layered materials (G2 and G4). The use of layered crown materials with functional gradients appears to protect the crown/abutment connection area by partially absorbing the applied mechanical loads. This prevents catastrophic mechanical failures, avoiding long chairside time to solve these kinds of complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications)
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15 pages, 3459 KiB  
Article
Alendronate as Bioactive Coating on Titanium Surfaces: An Investigation of CaP–Alendronate Interactions
by Ines Despotović, Željka Petrović, Jozefina Katić and Dajana Mikić
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2703; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112703 - 3 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1071
Abstract
The surface modification of dental implants plays an important role in establishing a successful interaction of the implant with the surrounding tissue, as the bioactivity and osseointegration properties are strongly dependent on the physicochemical properties of the implant surface. A surface coating with [...] Read more.
The surface modification of dental implants plays an important role in establishing a successful interaction of the implant with the surrounding tissue, as the bioactivity and osseointegration properties are strongly dependent on the physicochemical properties of the implant surface. A surface coating with bioactive molecules that stimulate the formation of a mineral calcium phosphate (CaP) layer has a positive effect on the bone bonding process, as biomineralization is crucial for improving the osseointegration process and rapid bone ingrowth. In this work, the spontaneous deposition of calcium phosphate on the titanium surface covered with chemically stable and covalently bound alendronate molecules was investigated using an integrated experimental and theoretical approach. The initial nucleation of CaP was investigated using quantum chemical calculations at the density functional theory (DFT) level. Negative Gibbs free energies show a spontaneous nucleation of CaP on the biomolecule-covered titanium oxide surface. The deposition of calcium and phosphate ions on the alendronate-modified titanium oxide surface is governed by Ca2+–phosphonate (-PO3H) interactions and supported by hydrogen bonding between the phosphate group of CaP and the amino group of the alendronate molecule. The morphological and structural properties of CaP deposit were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This integrated experimental–theoretical study highlights the spontaneous formation of CaP on the alendronate-coated titanium surface, confirming the bioactivity ability of the alendronate coating. The results provide valuable guidance for the promising forthcoming advancements in the development of biomaterials and surface modification of dental implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications)
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18 pages, 8957 KiB  
Article
Novel Strategy for Surface Modification of Titanium Implants towards the Improvement of Osseointegration Property and Antibiotic Local Delivery
by Isabela Rocha da Silva, Aline Tavares da Silva Barreto, Renata Santos Seixas, Paula Nunes Guimarães Paes, Juliana do Nascimento Lunz, Rossana Mara da Silva Moreira Thiré and Paula Mendes Jardim
Materials 2023, 16(7), 2755; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16072755 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2406
Abstract
The topography and chemical composition modification of titanium (Ti) implants play a decisive role in improving biocompatibility and bioactivity, accelerating osseointegration, and, thus, determining clinical success. In spite of the development of surface modification strategies, bacterial contamination is a common cause of failure. [...] Read more.
The topography and chemical composition modification of titanium (Ti) implants play a decisive role in improving biocompatibility and bioactivity, accelerating osseointegration, and, thus, determining clinical success. In spite of the development of surface modification strategies, bacterial contamination is a common cause of failure. The use of systemic antibiotic therapy does not guarantee action at the contaminated site. In this work, we proposed a surface treatment for Ti implants that aim to improve their osseointegration and reduce bacterial colonization in surgery sites due to the local release of antibiotic. The Ti discs were hydrothermally treated with 3M NaOH solution to form a nanostructured layer of titanate on the Ti surface. Metronidazole was impregnated on these nanostructured surfaces to enable its local release. The samples were coated with poly(vinyl alcohol)—PVA films with different thickness to evaluate a possible control of drug release. Gamma irradiation was used to crosslink the polymer chains to achieve hydrogel layer formation and to sterilize the samples. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, contact angle measurements, “in vitro” bioactivity, and drug release analysis. The alkaline hydrothermal treatment successfully produced intertwined, web-like nanostructures on the Ti surface, providing wettability and bioactivity to the Ti samples (Ti + TTNT samples). Metronidazole was successfully loaded and released from the Ti + TTNT samples coated or not with PVA. Although the polymeric film acted as a physical barrier to drug delivery, all groups reached the minimum inhibitory concentration for anaerobic bacteria. Thus, the surface modification method presented is a potential approach to improve the osseointegration of Ti implants and to associate local drug delivery with dental implants, preventing early infections and bone failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications)
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Review

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14 pages, 2385 KiB  
Review
Zirconia Dental Implant Designs and Surface Modifications: A Narrative Review
by Michał Ciszyński, Bartosz Chwaliszewski, Wojciech Simka, Marzena Dominiak, Tomasz Gedrange and Jakub Hadzik
Materials 2024, 17(17), 4202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17174202 - 25 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3285
Abstract
Titanium currently has a well-established position as the gold standard for manufacturing dental implants; however, it is not free of flaws. Mentions of possible soft-tissue discoloration, corrosion, and possible allergic reactions have led to the development of zirconia dental implants. Various techniques for [...] Read more.
Titanium currently has a well-established position as the gold standard for manufacturing dental implants; however, it is not free of flaws. Mentions of possible soft-tissue discoloration, corrosion, and possible allergic reactions have led to the development of zirconia dental implants. Various techniques for the surface modification of titanium have been applied to increase titanium implants’ ability to osseointegrate. Similarly, to achieve the best possible results, zirconia dental implants have also had their surface modified to promote proper healing and satisfactory long-term results. Despite zirconium oxide being a ceramic material, not simply a metal, there have been mentions of it being susceptible to corrosion too. In this article, we aim to review the literature available on zirconia implants, the available techniques for the surface modification of zirconia, and the effects of these techniques on zirconia’s biological properties. Zirconia’s biocompatibility and ability to osseointegrate appears unquestionably good. Despite some of its mechanical properties being, factually, inferior to those of titanium, the benefits seem to outweigh the drawbacks. Zirconia implants show very good success rates in clinical research. This is partially due to available methods of surface treatment, including nanotopography alterations, which allow for improved wettability, bone-to-implant contact, and osteointegration in general. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications)
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16 pages, 5166 KiB  
Review
From Tooth Adhesion to Bioadhesion: Development of Bioabsorbable Putty-like Artificial Bone with Adhesive to Bone Based on the New Material “Phosphorylated Pullulan”
by Ko Nakanishi, Tsukasa Akasaka, Hiroshi Hayashi, Kumiko Yoshihara, Teppei Nakamura, Mariko Nakamura, Bart Van Meerbeek and Yasuhiro Yoshida
Materials 2024, 17(15), 3671; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153671 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1224
Abstract
Bioabsorbable materials have a wide range of applications, such as scaffolds for regenerative medicine and cell transplantation therapy and carriers for drug delivery systems. Therefore, although many researchers are conducting their research and development, few of them have been used in clinical practice. [...] Read more.
Bioabsorbable materials have a wide range of applications, such as scaffolds for regenerative medicine and cell transplantation therapy and carriers for drug delivery systems. Therefore, although many researchers are conducting their research and development, few of them have been used in clinical practice. In addition, existing bioabsorbable materials cannot bind to the body’s tissues. If bioabsorbable materials with an adhesive ability to biological tissues can be made, they can ensure the mixture remains fixed to the affected area when mixed with artificial bone or other materials. In addition, if the filling material in the bone defect is soft and uncured, resorption is rapid, which is advantageous for bone regeneration. In this paper, the development and process of a new bioabsorbable material “Phosphorylated pullulan” and its capability as a bone replacement material were demonstrated. Phosphorylated pullulan, which was developed based on the tooth adhesion theory, is the only bioabsorbable material able to adhere to bone and teeth. The phosphorylated pullulan and β-TCP mixture is a non-hardening putty. It is useful as a new resorbable bone replacement material with an adhesive ability for bone defects around implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications)
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Other

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17 pages, 2171 KiB  
Systematic Review
Immediate Implant Placement with Soft Tissue Augmentation Using Acellular Dermal Matrix Versus Connective Tissue Graft: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Andrea Galve-Huertas, Louis Decadt, Susana García-González, Federico Hernández-Alfaro and Samir Aboul-Hosn Centenero
Materials 2024, 17(21), 5285; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215285 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1434
Abstract
This systematic review investigates the efficacy of using connective tissue grafting (CTG) versus an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for soft tissue management in immediate implant placement (IIP). The study focuses on comparing the soft tissue thickness (STT) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) changes [...] Read more.
This systematic review investigates the efficacy of using connective tissue grafting (CTG) versus an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for soft tissue management in immediate implant placement (IIP). The study focuses on comparing the soft tissue thickness (STT) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) changes post-implantation. Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted, targeting randomized clinical trials and cohort studies involving soft tissue grafting in conjunction with IIP. Data extraction and analysis focused on STT and KTW measurements from baseline to follow-up intervals of at least 6 months. The statistical analyses included the weighted mean differences and heterogeneity assessments among the studies. The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in the STT gain between CTG and ADM at 12 months, with the weighted mean differences favoring the control group but lacking statistical significance (CTG: 0.46 ± 0.53 mm, p = 0.338; ADM: 0.33 ± 0.44 mm, p = 0.459). The heterogeneity was high among the studies, with discrepancies notably influenced by individual study variations. Similarly, the changes in KTW were not significantly different between the two grafting materials. Conclusions: Both CTG and ADM are viable options for soft tissue management in IIP, with no significant difference in efficacy regarding the soft tissue thickness and keratinized tissue width outcomes. Future research should aim to minimize the heterogeneity and explore the long-term effects to better inform clinical decisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications)
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