State of the Art in Dentistry and Oral Health Materials: Translational Perspective

A special issue of Oral (ISSN 2673-6373).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2026) | Viewed by 2654

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology (DIPSCOMI), University of Verona, Piazzale L.A, Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
Interests: dental hygiene; oral health; non-surgical periodontal therapy; topical agent; laser; photodynamic therapy; periodontal pathogens
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Head and Neck Department, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
Interests: digital flow in dental surgery; computerized dentistry; tissue engineering; oral and facial pain; genetics; quality of life; dental implantology; head and neck aesthetic medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Oral, titled “State of the Art in Dentistry and Oral Health Materials: Translational Perspective”, aims to present recent findings in the materials and treatment in dentistry with a translational approach to basic research on clinical aspects.

The fields of dentistry and oral health materials have experienced significant advancements in recent years, driven by a translational approach that bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications.

The potential topics are as follows:

  • Materials used in non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment.
  • Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has facilitated the production of custom-designed dental implants and prosthetics with enhanced fit and functionality.
  • Biomaterials such as bioactive glasses and nanocomposites are transforming dental restorations by promoting tissue regeneration and enhancing durability.
  • Smart materials capable of responding to environmental stimuli are being developed for targeted drug delivery and the controlled release of therapeutic agents in the oral cavity.
  • Novel antimicrobial coatings and surface modifications are being investigated to combat oral infections and to improve the longevity of dental devices.
  • Virtual reality in dentistry, computer guided implant surgical, and AI-assisted diagnostics in dentistry.

Dr. Alessia Pardo
Prof. Dr. Daniele De Santis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • dentistry
  • oral health materials
  • translational research
  • 3D printing
  • biomaterials
  • smart materials
  • antimicrobial coatings
  • dental virtual reality
  • computer-guided implant surgery
  • AI-assisted diagnostics

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 9115 KB  
Article
Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts as a Novel Bioactive Material for Vital Pulp Therapy: A Comparative In Vitro and In Vivo Study
by Mustafa F. Abd Al-Hussein, Nada E. Shafiq, Anas F. Mahdee, Mohammed Taha Ahmed Baban and Sarhang S. Gul
Oral 2026, 6(3), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral6030050 - 29 Apr 2026
Viewed by 955
Abstract
Objectives: The primary objective of vital pulp therapy (VPT) is to induce the formation of tertiary dentin bridge through the application of bioactive materials to maintain pulp vitality. This study aimed to evaluate the odontogenic potential of Moringa oleifera ethanolic and aqueous extracts [...] Read more.
Objectives: The primary objective of vital pulp therapy (VPT) is to induce the formation of tertiary dentin bridge through the application of bioactive materials to maintain pulp vitality. This study aimed to evaluate the odontogenic potential of Moringa oleifera ethanolic and aqueous extracts as sustainable herbal pulp capping materials in comparison to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and a bioceramic putty. The evaluation was conducted in vitro on human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and in vivo using a rat model of direct pulp capping. Methods: Moringa leaf extracts were prepared and the cytotoxicity assessed using MTT assay to measure the IC50, and their odontogenic potential was further evaluated in vitro by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and performing Alizarin Red staining for mineralization in comparison to MTA. For the in vivo study, the exposed rat pulps were capped with the extracts, MTA, the bioceramic putty, or a plain collagen sponge (control). Histological analysis was performed to evaluate inflammation and tertiary dentin bridge formation. Results: The ethanolic, aqueous extracts and MTA showed low cytotoxicity, though the ethanolic extract had significantly enhanced ALP expression (p < 0.05) and mineralized nodule formation (p < 0.05) compared to the other groups. In the in vivo study, the plain collagen sponges failed, resulting in necrosis. Conversely, MTA and the ethanolic extract exhibited the best outcomes, inducing the lowest inflammatory response (mainly score 1 and 2) and the successful formation of an irregular dentin bridge by odontoblast-like cells, whereas the aqueous extract and bioceramic putty showed intermediate results, with higher inflammation levels. Conclusions: Ethanolic Moringa oleifera extract is a highly biocompatible material with potent odontogenic induction capabilities, primarily driven by its flavonoid content. It is a promising, novel, and cost-effective material for use in the VPT as an effective alternative to MTA. Full article
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13 pages, 249 KB  
Article
Salivary Nickel and Chromium Levels in Orthodontic Patients with and Without Fixed Metallic Appliances
by Youssouf Ouédraogo, Abdoul Karim Sakira, Soumaïla Kindo, Abdoul Azize Zallé, Moussa Ouédraogo, Ahia Monique Lydie Beugré-Kouassi and Jean Bertin Beugré
Oral 2026, 6(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral6010004 - 5 Jan 2026
Viewed by 830
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dental malocclusions are often treated with appliances made of metal alloys. These alloys biodegrade in oral cavity and release toxic metals such as nickel and chromium. This study aimed to assess nickel and chromium content in the saliva of patients with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dental malocclusions are often treated with appliances made of metal alloys. These alloys biodegrade in oral cavity and release toxic metals such as nickel and chromium. This study aimed to assess nickel and chromium content in the saliva of patients with and without fixed metallic orthodontic appliances. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study aiming to assess nickel and chromium content in saliva. A survey was conducted to record socio-demographic characteristics and clinical signs due to the wearing of fixed metallic orthodontic appliances. A 10 mL saliva sample was used to measure salivary pH and assess nickel and chromium concentrations using atomic emission spectrophotometry. A Student’s t-test compared saliva metal levels in non-wearers and wearers of metal orthodontic appliances. A Chi-square test was used to assess the influence of pH on metal release in patients. Results: A total of 92 participants, divided in two groups; 46 without appliance and 46 wearing appliance were received during the study period. Their mean age was 17.05 ± 6.46 years. Patients’ mean saliva pH was 6.97 ± 0.44. The mean nickel concentration was 4.39 ± 4.01 µg/L in the saliva of non-appliance wearers and 20.41 ± 18.56 µg/L in the saliva of appliance wearers, respectively. The chromium mean concentration was 1.3 ± 1.33 µg/L for non-appliance wearers and 9.38 ± 19.49 µg/L and for appliance wearers. Metal release is influenced by the pH of foods. Conclusions: Metal orthodontic appliances increase the release of nickel and chromium in saliva. It is necessary to monitor the risk of intolerance and optimize treatment duration. Full article
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