Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry: New Insights and Future Directions

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Dentistry and Oral Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 22 June 2026 | Viewed by 1419

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Prosthodontic Unit, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40125 Bologna, Italy
Interests: restorative dentistry; prosthodontics

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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomotological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: restorative dentistry; endodontics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Prosthodontics and restorative dentistry have undergone remarkable advances in recent decades, driven by digital technologies, novel biomaterials, and a growing focus on personalized and minimally invasive treatments. These developments have transformed clinical protocols, enhanced patient outcomes, and opened new opportunities for interdisciplinary dentistry. The integration of CAD/CAM systems, digital workflows, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence is reshaping diagnostic and treatment planning strategies, while innovations in materials and adhesive techniques are expanding the range of durable and esthetic restorative options.

Despite this progress, several challenges remain. Long-term clinical evidence is still needed to validate many of the newly introduced technologies and materials, while the rapid pace of innovation raises questions about cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and accessibility across different healthcare contexts. Furthermore, the aging population and the increasing prevalence of complex oral health conditions require clinicians and researchers to refine restorative and prosthodontic approaches that balance durability, patient-centered care, and esthetics.

The goal of this Special Issue is to gather original research and systematic reviews that address the latest scientific and clinical insights in prosthodontics and restorative dentistry. Contributions are encouraged on topics such as digital and AI-assisted workflows, innovative techniques, long-term clinical outcomes, patient-reported measures, and future perspectives that will define the evolution of the field. By fostering a dialogue between researchers, clinicians, and industry, this collection aims to provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends and to outline future directions that will shape restorative and prosthodontic practice worldwide.

Dr. Edoardo Mancuso
Guest Editor

Dr. Mariangela Cernera
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • prosthodontics
  • restorative dentistry
  • digital dentistry
  • CAD/CAM and 3D Printing
  • adhesive dentistry
  • esthetics and function
  • personalized dentistry

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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18 pages, 895 KB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review of the Accuracy of Crowns Designed Using Artificial Intelligence Versus CAD/CAM and Traditional Methods
by Mohammed A. Alfaifi
Medicina 2026, 62(3), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62030567 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1086
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Advances in digital dentistry, particularly CAD-CAM, have improved the efficiency and precision of crown design and fabrication. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated CAD-CAM systems have enabled automated tooth morphology generation, margin detection, and occlusal analysis, enhancing consistency and accuracy. This systematic [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Advances in digital dentistry, particularly CAD-CAM, have improved the efficiency and precision of crown design and fabrication. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated CAD-CAM systems have enabled automated tooth morphology generation, margin detection, and occlusal analysis, enhancing consistency and accuracy. This systematic review evaluates the accuracy of AI-assisted crown design compared with conventional and CAD-CAM workflows. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and LILACS for studies published between January 2010 and December 2025 that assessed the marginal fit, internal adaptation, and occlusal contact accuracy of single crowns. Screening, full-text assessment, and data extraction followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the Modified CONSORT checklist for in vitro studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute tools for clinical studies. Results: Of 887 records identified, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine studies showed a moderate risk of bias, two moderate-to-high, and one low-to-moderate. AI-assisted crown design demonstrated clinically acceptable internal fit and marginal adaptation, comparable or superior to CAD-CAM systems. Occlusal contact accuracy was generally comparable to CAD-CAM and technician-designed crowns, though variability was observed across AI models. Conclusions: AI-assisted crown design provides a reliable fit and marginal adaptation, with occlusal accuracy approaching conventional CAD-CAM and technician workflows. While not a replacement for clinical expertise, AI serves as a valuable adjunct, enhancing reproducibility, precision, and overall quality in restorative dentistry. Further standardized clinical studies are needed to validate long-term outcomes and optimize occlusal performance. Full article
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