Digital Technologies, Materials and Telemedicine in Dentistry

A special issue of Prosthesis (ISSN 2673-1592).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 16729

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania, Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
Interests: temporomandibular disorders; TED; temporomandibular joint; orofacial pain; dentistry; telemedicine; tele dentistry; implant; prosthesis; oral surgery
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last few years, new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in dentistry have been developed, calling researchers and clinicians to keep up with all of the developments that are occurring in this field. New technologies, as well as digital devices, are available to enhance the effectiveness of the diagnostic process and increase the spectrum of treatments available. Moreover, new tools such as intraoral scanners, digital models, cone beam computerized tomography, digital smile design (DSD), facial scanning, photogrammetry, and artificial intelligence (AI) have gradually spread, improving prosthesis and oral rehabilitation. Furthermore, patients are becoming more careful in terms of treatment time and aesthetics, so techniques such as digital smile design (DSD), veneers, and implant rehabilitation are being used more frequently. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide evidence-based data on innovative advances and knowledge in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in the orofacial field. Studies that take innovative approaches or provide original information are of higher priority. Papers discussing prosthesis and dental materials, temporomandibular disorders, and rehabilitation procedures to manage craniofacial defects and malformations are encouraged, as well as those addressing digital technologies, and digital and telemedicine applications. In this regard, we are delighted to invite investigators to submit original research articles (trials, cohort studies, case–control and cross-sectional studies), high-quality case reports, communications, and reviews (narrative or systematic reviews and meta-analyses) in accordance with the fields previously indicated.

Dr. Giuseppe Minervini
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • prosthesis
  • technologies
  • materials
  • 3D printing
  • temporomandibular disorders
  • oral health
  • dentistry
  • dental materials
  • biomaterials
  • dental imaging
  • digital dentistry
  • artificial intelligence
  • new technologies
  • personalized medicine

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1836 KiB  
Article
In Vivo Analysis of Intraoral Scanner Precision Using Open-Source 3D Software
by Roberto Lo Giudice, Cosimo Galletti, João Paulo Mendes Tribst, Laia Perez Melenchón, Marco Matarese, Alessandra Miniello, Filippo Cucinotta and Fabio Salmeri
Prosthesis 2022, 4(4), 554-563; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis4040045 - 9 Oct 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3496
Abstract
Intraoral three-dimensional scanning techniques could be used to improve dental practice, leading to an improved overall quality of the prosthetic devices and improved comfort for the patient. An accurate and precise intraoral scanner allows proper diagnosis, follow-up evaluation, and prosthesis application. The aim [...] Read more.
Intraoral three-dimensional scanning techniques could be used to improve dental practice, leading to an improved overall quality of the prosthetic devices and improved comfort for the patient. An accurate and precise intraoral scanner allows proper diagnosis, follow-up evaluation, and prosthesis application. The aim of this research is to evaluate the precision of an intraoral scanners (Medit i500, Medit Corp., Seoul, Korea), using open-source software in the digital workflow. The precision was compared through repetitions of the scanning process of the upper dental arch, following superimpositions in the whole 3D arch area. It was possible to display colorimetric maps for qualitative comparison, and the deviations of the values were classified as clinically acceptable. Within the limitation of this study, the clinically acceptable in vivo frequency of points’ deviation, or the precision, was obtained in 98.8% ± 1.4%; therefore, the use of open-source software can be a viable option in the digital workflow, improving patient follow ups with the 3D model superimposition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies, Materials and Telemedicine in Dentistry)
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Review

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25 pages, 1002 KiB  
Review
Conventional versus Digital Dental Impression Techniques: What Is the Future? An Umbrella Review
by Francesco D’Ambrosio, Francesco Giordano, Giuseppe Sangiovanni, Maria Pia Di Palo and Massimo Amato
Prosthesis 2023, 5(3), 851-875; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis5030060 - 4 Sep 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6047
Abstract
A prosthetic rehabilitation, whether supported by implants, teeth, or mucous membranes, must be functionally and aesthetically adequate, so it is essential that the oral structures are reproduced as accurately as possible. The purpose of this overview is to evaluate the accuracy, time of [...] Read more.
A prosthetic rehabilitation, whether supported by implants, teeth, or mucous membranes, must be functionally and aesthetically adequate, so it is essential that the oral structures are reproduced as accurately as possible. The purpose of this overview is to evaluate the accuracy, time of digital impressions, and patient preference compared to those of conventional high-precision in vivo impressions. This umbrella review was developed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) statement and was registered in the PROSPERO systematic review registry. The search method and study selection were based on the PEO (Population–Exposure–Outcome) model, a modified version of the PICO model. Systematic reviews regarding the dental impression technique made using an intraoral scanner versus the analog impression technique made with high-precision impression materials were searched electronically up to 1 February 2023 among articles published in English, through numerous registries and databases, such as PROSPERO e, Scopus, MEDLINE/ PubMed, BioMed Central, and Cochrane Library. The records screened totaled 2942, but only 23 systematic reviews were included in this umbrella review. The Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2 tool was used to evaluate the quality assessment of the systematic reviews included in this umbrella review. Accuracy, time, and patient preference for digital impressions were compared with those of high-precision conventional impressions. A total of 23 systematic reviews were included in this umbrella review. From the analysis of this umbrella review, the data on the accuracy between the two methods of taking the impression are conflicting, especially as regards full-arch rehabilitations. However, the digital impression seems to be preferred over the analog one as regards time and patient preference. However, there is limited high-quality evidence available for studying conventional and digital implant impressions. The results obtained are limited to the type of review performed, and the type of studies included was limited by the settings and study designs. Furthermore, another important limitation highlighted was that the digital scanners analyzed in the various studies are not the same, and the number of missing teeth or implants inserted is not the same. More in vivo clinical studies and RCTs are needed to increase the level of evidence for impression procedures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies, Materials and Telemedicine in Dentistry)
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12 pages, 1428 KiB  
Review
Evaluation of the Effect of Digital Dentistry on the Accuracy of Implant Placement and Prosthesis Fabrication—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Naveen Reddy, Swetha Vempalli, Jayant Prakash, Mahesh Suganna, Srinivasa Iyer Meenakshi, Ganiga Channaiah Shivakumar, Salvatore Crimi and Giuseppe Minervini
Prosthesis 2023, 5(3), 666-677; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis5030047 - 24 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1908
Abstract
Digital dentistry has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to improve the accuracy of implant placement and prosthesis fabrication. However, the literature on its effectiveness remains controversial, and a systematic review and meta-analysis are necessary to evaluate the available [...] Read more.
Digital dentistry has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to improve the accuracy of implant placement and prosthesis fabrication. However, the literature on its effectiveness remains controversial, and a systematic review and meta-analysis are necessary to evaluate the available evidence. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple online databases using MeSH keywords and Boolean operators. Data extraction was performed, and a bias assessment was conducted based on modified CONSORT guidelines. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and risk ratios (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were then calculated. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the accuracy of implant placement and prosthesis fabrication between digital and conventional techniques (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.23 and RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.23). Subgroup analysis based on individual studies did not demonstrate consistent results. This review suggests that digital techniques do not significantly impact the accuracy of implant placement and prosthesis fabrication compared to conventional techniques in an in vitro setting. However, the overall evidence is limited by the small number of studies and the heterogeneity observed. Future well-designed studies, including randomized controlled trials and clinical studies, are needed to provide more robust evidence on the effectiveness of digital dentistry in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies, Materials and Telemedicine in Dentistry)
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Other

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10 pages, 3703 KiB  
Case Report
The Use of a Surgical Template for the Insertion of Dental Implants and Sinus Lift with the Summers Technique Based on Digital Planning: A Case Report
by Stefano Speroni, Floriana Bosco, Francesco Ferrini, Laura Pittari, Alessandro Nota and Simona Tecco
Prosthesis 2024, 6(1), 206-215; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis6010016 - 14 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1277
Abstract
(1) Background: Computer-guided surgery is now established as the main technique for implant placement, reducing intraoperative complications and helping the clinician avoid damaging sensitive anatomical structures, such as, for example, the maxillary sinus. (2) Methods: A complex case is discussed to suggest how [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Computer-guided surgery is now established as the main technique for implant placement, reducing intraoperative complications and helping the clinician avoid damaging sensitive anatomical structures, such as, for example, the maxillary sinus. (2) Methods: A complex case is discussed to suggest how computer-aided surgery can merge with freehand surgery, as a surgical guide can make a freehand surgical procedure less complicated and more predictable. (3) Results: A surgical procedure was executed following digital planning, except for sites 1.5 and 2.5, where a mixed approach was adopted: they were initially prepared with a milling depth of 1 mm from the base of the maxillary sinus and were then finished using osteotomes, according to the technique described by Summers. Radiography confirmed the correct positioning of the implants and the sinus lift. (4) Conclusions: A mixed digital/analogical approach used in complex cases increases the accuracy of the results and reduces complications and treatment time. The presence of a correctly digitally planned surgical guide helps in the freehand approach and not only in the digital approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies, Materials and Telemedicine in Dentistry)
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11 pages, 3503 KiB  
Case Report
Customized Facial Orthopedics: Proof of Concept for Generating 3D-Printed Extra-Oral Appliance for Early Intervention in Class III Malocclusion
by Vincenzo Ronsivalle, Giorgio Gastaldi, Gianluigi Fiorillo, Alessandra Amato, Carla Loreto, Rosalia Leonardi and Antonino Lo Giudice
Prosthesis 2024, 6(1), 135-145; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis6010011 - 1 Feb 2024
Viewed by 893
Abstract
Background: The present case report serves as a proof of concept for the fabrication and effective clinical administration of a 3D-printed chin cup tailored to the patient’s anatomical characteristics. Methods: An 11-year-old male with a Class III malocclusion was treated using a chin [...] Read more.
Background: The present case report serves as a proof of concept for the fabrication and effective clinical administration of a 3D-printed chin cup tailored to the patient’s anatomical characteristics. Methods: An 11-year-old male with a Class III malocclusion was treated using a chin cup appliance to intercept and control a Class III mandibular skeletal growing pattern early. Two tailored chin cup devices were designed using 3D face scanning and CBCT scanning and were produced with additive manufacturing techniques. The chin pads were digitally designed based on a 3D scan of the patient’s face. The 3D modeling of chin cup components was performed using 3Shape Appliance Designer and 3D printed with biocompatible resin. An analogic chin pad was also produced for the same patient. The treatment plan involved the patient wearing the chin cup for 13 h per day. The patient was instructed to use all three chin pads produced at intervals of 4 months. The patient’s experience was assessed by reporting the comfort experience via a VAS scale. The treatment strategy was effective in improving the skeletal Class III malocclusion. Additionally, the integration of 3D face scanning (or CBCT scanning), modeling, and printing enables the production of customized chin cups with superior fit and comfort, contributing to enhanced patient compliance and treatment efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies, Materials and Telemedicine in Dentistry)
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11 pages, 935 KiB  
Systematic Review
Antinociceptive Efficacy of 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2 Therapy in Response to Experimentally Induced Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Studies in Rats
by Fraser Hart, Dimitrios Michelogiannakis, P. Emile Rossouw and Fawad Javed
Prosthesis 2024, 6(1), 63-73; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis6010005 - 10 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1038
Abstract
The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the antinociceptive efficacy of 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) therapy in rats with experimentally induced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis. The focused question was “Is 15d-PGJ2 therapy effective in the management of [...] Read more.
The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the antinociceptive efficacy of 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) therapy in rats with experimentally induced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis. The focused question was “Is 15d-PGJ2 therapy effective in the management of TMJ nociception?” Indexed databases were searched without time and language restrictions up to and including September 2023 using different key words. Original studies were included. Risk of Bias (RoB) was assessed using the SYRCLE tool. Six studies performed in male Wistar rats with experimentally induced TMJ arthritis were included. The observation or follow-up period ranged between 45 min and 14 days. Four studies reported that 15d-PGJ2 therapy retards the production of proinflammatory cytokines in TMJ tissues. Four studies reported that 15d-PGJ2 therapy inhibits leukocyte migration and plasma extravasation in TMJ tissues. In one study, the expression of decay-accelerating factor in TMJ tissues increased after 15d-PGJ2 therapy. One study showed that 15d-PGJ2 inhibits nociception in a dose-dependent manner via the activation of peripheral kappa/delta opioid receptors. Prior sample-size-estimation (SSE) was performed in none of the studies and all studies had a high RoB. Due to a high RoB, methodological variations, and the absence of prior SSE within the included studies, it is demanding to derive an absolute verdict regarding the antinociceptive efficacy of 15d-PGJ2 therapy in response to experimentally induced TMJ arthritis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies, Materials and Telemedicine in Dentistry)
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13 pages, 6784 KiB  
Technical Note
Emergence Profile Creation with CAD Technology on Vertical Edgeless Preparation (VEP)
by Gaetano Noè, Andrea Toffoli, Roberto Bonfiglioli, Edoardo Foce, Edoardo Bianchi, Guido Maria Macaluso and Edoardo Manfredi
Prosthesis 2023, 5(4), 1369-1381; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis5040094 - 18 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 982
Abstract
This article proposes a digital procedure to create the emergence profile of prosthetic crowns for teeth prepared with the Vertical Edgeless Preparation (VEP) technique. This technique extends the tooth preparation below the gingival margin on the root surface of teeth with reduced periodontal [...] Read more.
This article proposes a digital procedure to create the emergence profile of prosthetic crowns for teeth prepared with the Vertical Edgeless Preparation (VEP) technique. This technique extends the tooth preparation below the gingival margin on the root surface of teeth with reduced periodontal attachment. The tooth prepared according to this technique does not present a defined prosthetic margin or the relative finishing line. Still, it shows an edgeless axial wall that emerges from the gingival sulcus. The digital procedure for creating a prosthetic emergence profile, although representing a novelty in absolute terms, is based on traditional concepts, as they have been known and described in the literature for a long time. This article will explain and review the various clinical and laboratory steps necessary to produce, through an entirely digital procedure, a fixed partial denture composed of three zirconia elements, which are going to be subsequently veneered in a traditional way on the vestibular side to improve the esthetic appearance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies, Materials and Telemedicine in Dentistry)
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