Search Results (101)

Background: In modern dentistry, alveolar socket preservation after tooth extraction plays a critical role in maintaining the alveolar ridge for future dental implants. This retrospective clinical study evaluated bone-level changes 15 years after immediate implant placement, coupled with alveolar ridge preservation. Methods: Fifty non-smoking patients aged 25 to 75 (30 males and 20 females) who underwent single-implant rehabilitation in both anterior and posterior regions of the upper and lower jaws were included. The study examined bone levels and implant survival over time, using standardized intraoral radiographs at 1, 5, and 15 years post-loading. Implants were placed immediately after atraumatic extraction, and the residual gap was grafted with bovine hydroxyapatite and covered with a collagen membrane. The primary outcome was bone-level stability, while secondary outcomes included implant failure. No temporary crowns or removable dentures were provided during healing. Radiographs were digitized for detailed analysis. Results: The results for 50 patients with immediate implant placement showed that bone-resorption levels were significantly higher in the upper jaw than in the lower jaw. Conclusions: Posterior implants exhibited greater bone loss than anterior implants, particularly at 1 year and 15 years, while no implant failures occurred. Full article

Natural biomaterials have gained significant attention in modern dentistry due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. These materials, including alginate, cellulose, chitosan, collagen, and hydroxyapatite, have been widely explored for their applications in stomatology. They play a crucial role in periodontal disease treatment, caries prevention, and implantology, providing an alternative to synthetic materials. Natural polymers such as chitosan and cellulose are utilized in drug delivery systems and tissue regeneration, while hydroxyapatite serves as a bone substitute due to its osteoconductive properties. Collagen-based scaffolds and coatings enhance periodontal and bone tissue regeneration. Additionally, bioengineered and chemically modified biomaterials offer improved mechanical and biological characteristics, expanding their clinical applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the biological properties, advantages, and limitations of selected natural biomaterials in dentistry. It explores their applications in various aspects of stomatology, including periodontal disease prevention and regeneration, dental caries prevention, bone substitutes in implantology, and dental implant coating. Although natural biomaterials exhibit promising properties, further research is necessary to refine their performance, enhance stability, and ensure long-term safety. Advancements in nanotechnology and bioengineering continue to drive the development of innovative natural biomaterials, paving the way for more effective and biocompatible dental therapies. Full article

(1) Background: Alveolar bone regeneration in dentistry has become important with the evolution of implantology. Biomaterials used for bone grafting are increasingly used to provide resistant bone support that is favorable for the insertion of dental implants. The aim of the study was to analyze the degree of biocompatibility and bone neoformation of two biomaterials compared to natural healing. (2) Methods: Bone defects of 3 mm diameter were created in the calvaria of 15 adult male Wistar rats. Three groups were created: group A, in which natural healing was achieved; group B, in which porcine xenograft was added; and group C, in which experimental synthetic bone based on hydroxyapatite reinforced with titanium particles was added. Samples were collected at 2 and 4 months postoperatively and analyzed microscopically and histologically. (3) Results: Data were obtained on the healing pattern of the created cavities, as well as the degree of their filling with newly formed bone tissue. Following the results obtained from the stereomicroscope analysis and histological analysis, statistically significant differences were observed between the two biomaterials regarding the time required for the transformation process of the graft particles into bone. Thus, the porcine xenograft was incorporated more quickly into the native bone, while the synthetic bone required a longer period of time. (4) Conclusions: The bone graft materials used acted as scaffolds for the newly formed bone, but each biomaterial required a different amount of time for the particles to be incorporated into the native bone. Full article

Minimizing the risk of secondary caries in dentistry is achieved by using adhesive systems that provide a strong bond between the natural hard tissue and the restorative material. Evaluating the effectiveness of these systems requires studying both their interaction with dentin and enamel and their behavior in environments with varying acidity. In this work, the interaction of a reactive monomer, 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitic anhydride (4-META), used in adhesive systems with both dentin-like hydroxyapatite (HA) and hydroxyapatite ceramics, was investigated. Kinetic studies showed that under experimental conditions, 4-META was hydrolyzed and amorphized. Dentin-like HA possessed greater adsorption capacity to 4-META than ceramic HA. Immersion of HA into a solution of 4-META led to formation of an acidic calcium phosphate phase over time in both systems. Studies on the solubility of the synthetic nanosized hydroxyapatite and its derivative with 4-META in 0.1 mol/L lactic acid, also containing CaCl₂, Na₂HPO₄, and NaF (pH 4.5), and in distilled water (pH 6.3) indicated the occurrence of dissolution, complexation, and crystallization processes, causing changes in the liquid and solid phases. The total Ca²⁺ concentration upon dissolution of hybrid HA-4-META in a lactic acid solution was three times lower than the total Ca²⁺ concentration upon dissolution of pure HA. This suggested that 4-META-treated dentin-like surfaces demonstrate greater resistance to dissolution in acidic environments compared to untreated surfaces, highlighting the potential for these hybrids in dental applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Materials with an apatite structure were investigated in vitro in dental bone augmentation procedures. This scientific study aimed to compare nanosized hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and fluorapatite (nFAp) materials in the form of tablets in in vitro studies, including cytotoxicity assessment and fluoride release. Methods: The nHAp and nFAp nanosized materials were obtained using the microwave hydrothermal method. Subsequently, the tablets were prepared from these nanosized powders as further studied materials. Cytotoxicity tests were conducted on Balb/3T3 fibroblast cells and L929 cells. Fluoride ion release was tested at 3, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h periods. Results: Both materials presented viability levels above 70%, indicating a lack of cytotoxic potential. The amount of fluoride (F⁻) ions released and accumulated from nFAp was greatly higher than from nHAp. The release of F⁻ ions in both samples was the highest in the first 3 h of exposition. The accumulation of F⁻ ions reached the highest values in the deionized water. The most significant differences in the released or cumulated fluoride ions were observed between deionized water and lower 4.5 pH AS (artificial saliva) samples. Conclusions: Both nanosized hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite materials are biocompatible, and their in vitro examination showed promising results for their future in vivo application. Full article

Synthetic bone substitutes based on hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) are widely used in regenerative dentistry due to their favorable biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties. This study aimed to evaluate, through laboratory-based analyses, the porosity and surface characteristics of the Nanosynt Block (FGM Dental Group®) for bone regeneration applications. The Nanosynt Block, consisting of 60% HA and 40% β-TCP, was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology characterization, micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) for internal structure evaluation, and mercury intrusion porosimetry for porosity assessment. SEM imaging followed the ASTM E1829-02 standard, while Micro-CT and porosimetry provided detailed quantitative data. SEM analysis revealed a homogeneous pore distribution on the surface. Micro-CT indicated high structural stability and consistent volumetric porosity, ranging from 73.27% to 77.08%. Porosimetry indicated a total porosity of 94.9%, with a median pore diameter of 799 nm, characteristics suitable for promoting cellular adhesion and fluid infiltration. The structural and morphological properties of the Nanosynt Block highlight its potential to support initial bone formation and mechanical stability in clinical applications. These findings provide a robust basis for subsequent in vivo investigations to validate its clinical efficacy. Full article

Repairing hard tissues, such as bones, remains a significant challenge, especially in adverse clinical conditions. Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), a calcium phosphate (CaP), has structural and chemical characteristics similar to the mineral structure of human bones and teeth, offering bioactivity and biocompatibility properties. Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses light to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue healing. This systematic review analyzes the combination of CaHA and PBM from 25 studies extracted from the PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases, using the keywords “hydroxyapatite AND photobiomodulation”, “calcium hydroxyapatite AND photobiomodulation”, and “low-level laser therapy AND calcium phosphate.” All studies focused on bone regeneration, with no mention of soft tissue applications. The most commonly used calcium-based material was biphasic calcium phosphate (76%), a combination of CaHA and β-tricalcium phosphate, while 16% of the studies did not specify the brand or product used. With regard to PBM, the most commonly used wavelengths (48% of cases, with a tie of 24% for each) were infrared lasers at 808 nm and 780 nm, with 20% of studies not mentioning the brand or manufacturer. The results underscore the predominant focus on bone regeneration, highlighting the need for further investigations into soft tissue applications and the establishment of standardized protocols. The combination of CaHA and PBM shows promise in regenerative medicine and dentistry, although more research is needed to expand its experimental and clinical use. Full article

The lack of bone grafts represents a major issue in the orthopedic field, reconstructive surgery, and dentistry. There are several bone conditions that often demand the use of grafts, such as fractures, infections, and bone cancer. The number of bone cancer cases increased in the past few decades and along with it, the need for bone grafting materials. To avoid the use of autografts and allografts there has been an increased interest towards synthetic grafts. This research aims to develop some collagen/hydroxyapatite (Coll/HAp) scaffolds cross-linked with three different agents that could be used in bone tissue engineering (BTE). These scaffolds were obtained with a freeze-drying method after the in situ formation of hydroxyapatite inside the collagen matrix. They were structurally and morphologically characterized and evaluated in terms of antimicrobial activity on E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains. The results revealed that the scaffolds have porous structures with interconnected pores of suitable dimensions and well-distributed inorganic phases. Coll/HAp samples showed great antibacterial activity even without the use of typically used antibacterial agents. These findings allow us to conclude that these scaffolds are promising candidates for use in BTE and bone cancer treatment after the incorporation of specific antitumoral drugs. Full article

Background: Regeneration dentistry demonstrates significant challenges due to the complexity of different dental structures. This study aimed to investigate osteogenic differentiation of human pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) cultured on a 3D-printed poly lactic acid (PLA) scaffold coated with nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) and naringin (NAR) as a model for a dental regenerative. Methods: PLA scaffolds were 3D printed into circular discs (10 × 1 mm) and coated with nHA, NAR, or both. Scaffolds were cultured with hDPTCs to identify cellular morphological changes and adhesion over incubation periods of 3, 7, and 21 days using SEM. Then, the osteogenic potential of PLA, PLA/nHA/NAR, or PLA scaffolds coated with MTA elutes (PLA/MTA scaffolds) were evaluated by measuring mineralized tissue deposition using calcium concentration assays and alizarin red staining (ARS). Also, immunofluorescence labelling of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) within cultured cells were evaluated. Results: The highest cellular attachment was identified on the PLA/nHA/NAR scaffold, with morphological changes reflecting cellular differentiation. The highest calcium deposition and ARS were recognized in the PLA/nHA/NAR culture, with statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to PLA/MTA. Also, ALP and DSPP markers showed statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05) immunoreactivity in cells cultured within PLA/nHA/NAR compared to PLA/MTA. Conclusions: The results confirm the osteogenic potential of PLA scaffolds coated with nHA/NAR for future animal and human investigations. Full article

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) inserts minimize restoration contraction by constituting a major part of the restoration; however, their effect on the relaxation of tooth tissues has not been previously tested. Finite element analysis was employed to estimate stress and displacement when HAP inserts with a thickness of 1.7 mm or 4.7 mm and a diameter of 4.7 mm were used to substitute for dentin. The volumetric contraction of the composite during polymerization, simulated through steady-state heat transfer analysis, yielded a contraction rate of 3.7%. Descriptive statistics revealed that the incorporation of HAP inserts reduced the displacement of dentin, enamel, and restoration caused by contraction by 44.4% to 66.7%, while maximal stress was reduced by 8.1% to 52%. Subsequent loading on the occlusal tooth surface showed that displacement values decreased by 12.1% to 33.3%, while maximum von Mises stress in enamel decreased by 32.8% to 40.6% with the use of HAP inserts. Although the maximum stress values in dentin were not significantly decreased (3% to 8.8%), the stress located at the bottom of the cavity was notably reduced, particularly in deep cavities at root canal entrances. The use of HAP inserts in restorative dentistry provides benefits for the preservation of prepared teeth, especially in preventing irreparable vertical root fractures of endodontically treated teeth. Full article

The development and analysis of the properties of a new material based on UV-curable acrylate monomers with silicon-containing hydroxyapatite and zinc oxide nanoparticles as an antibacterial component and gelatin was carried out. Using this material in orthopedics and dentistry is very convenient because it covers any surface geometry of metal implants and hardens under ultraviolet light. In this work, sorption properties, changes in porosity, and mechanical properties of the material were investigated. The conditions for obtaining hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles and the presence of silicon oxide nanoparticles and organic for the shell in an aqueous medium were studied for the pH of the medium, the sequence of administration and concentration of the material components, as well as antibacterial properties. This polymer material is partially resorbable. That supports not only the growth of bone cells but also serves as a protective layer. It reduces friction between organic tissues and a metal implant and can be a solution to the problem of the aseptic instability of metal implants. The material can also be used to repair damaged bones and cartilage tissues, especially in cases where the application and curing procedure is performed using laparoscopic methods. In this work, the authors propose a simple and quite cheap method for obtaining material based on photopolymerizable acrylates and natural gelatin with nanoparticles of HA, zinc oxide, and silicon oxide. The method allows one to obtain a composite material with different nanoparticles in a polymer matrix which retain the requisite properties needed such as active-sized HA, antibacterial ZnO, and structure-forming and stability-improving SiO2 nanoparticles. Full article

Background: The reparative regeneration of jawbone defects poses a significant challenge within the field of dentistry. Despite being the gold standard, autogenous bone materials are not without drawbacks, including a heightened risk of postoperative infections. Consequently, the development of innovative materials that can surpass the osteogenic capabilities of autologous bone has emerged as a pivotal area of research. Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), known for their multilineage differentiation potential, were isolated from human umbilical cords and transfected with miR-181a. The osteogenic differentiation of miR-181a/MSC was investigated. Then, physicochemical properties of miR-181a/MSC-loaded nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAC) scaffolds were characterized, and their efficacy and underlying mechanism in rat calvarial defect repair were explored. Results: miR-181a overexpression in MSCs significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by increased alkaline phosphatase activity and expression of osteogenic markers. The miR-181a/MSC-loaded nHAC scaffolds exhibited favorable bioactivity and accelerated bone tissue repair and collagen secretion in vivo. Mechanistic studies reveal that miR-181a directly targeted the TP53/SLC7A11 pathway, inhibiting ferroptosis and enhancing the osteogenic capacity of MSCs. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that miR-181a/MSC-loaded nHAC scaffolds significantly enhance the repair of bone defects by promoting osteogenic differentiation and inhibiting ferroptosis. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating MSC osteogenesis and offer a promising therapeutic strategy for bone defect repair. Full article

Modern dentistry is turning towards natural sources to overcome the immunological, toxicological, aesthetic, and durability drawbacks of synthetic materials. Among the first biomaterials used as endosseous dental implants, mollusk shells also display unique features, such as high mechanical strength, superior toughness, hierarchical architecture, and layered, microporous structure. This review focusses on hydroxyapatite—a bioactive, osteoconductive, calcium-based material crucial for bone healing and regeneration. Mollusk-derived hydroxyapatite is widely available, cost-effective, sustainable, and a low-impact biomaterial. Thermal treatment coupled with wet chemical precipitation and hydrothermal synthesis are the most common methods used for its recovery since they provide efficiency, scalability, and the ability to produce highly crystalline and pure resulting materials. Several factors, such as temperature, pH, and sintering parameters, modulate the size, purity, and crystallinity of the final product. Experimental and clinical data support that mollusk shell-derived hydroxyapatite and its carbonated derivatives, especially their nanocrystaline forms, display notable bioactivity, osteoconductivity, and osteoinductivity without causing adverse immune reactions. These biomaterials are therefore highly relevant for specific dental applications, such as bone graft substitutes or dental implant coatings. However, continued research and clinical validation is needed to optimize the synthesis of mollusk shell-derived hydroxyapatite and determine its applicability to regenerative dentistry and beyond. Full article

Filling post-extraction alveoli with hydroxyapatite-based materials is becoming an increasingly common procedure in veterinary dentistry. In dogs, tooth roots vary in structure depending on the weight of the dog, but data on tooth length and volume have not yet been described. This study aimed to establish reference data on tooth root length and post-extraction alveolar volume for mature maxillary and mandibular incisors and canines in dogs. We determined the mean length and volume of these teeth in dogs in the weight ranges of 1–5 kg, 5–10 kg, 10–20 kg, and over 20 kg. The obtained values given showed a correlation between tooth length and alveolar volume in a specific weight range. A review of the commercially available hydroxyapatite-based bone substitute materials was then conducted. A table is presented which shows how to calculate the volume of bone substitute material required to fill a post-extraction alveolus with a given material. Statistics were used to assess significant differences between the mass of the bone substitute product used (μL) for specific weight ranges and to demonstrate the correlation between tooth length and alveolar volume for a specific weight range. The data obtained in this study can serve as reference values for tooth crown length and alveolar volume, allowing operators to plan a specific volume of bone substitute material for filling post-extraction alveoli. This research is interesting because it shows that the weight of an animal is an important aspect in planning the amount of bone substitute material for tooth extraction. In clinical work, it is much easier to weigh an animal than it is to make calculations based on the length of the tooth root. Full article

Bone infections, particularly osteomyelitis, present significant clinical challenges due to their resistance to treatment and risk of progressing to chronic disease. Conventional therapies, including systemic antibiotics and surgical debridement, often prove insufficient, especially in cases where biofilms form or infection sites are difficult to access. As an alternative, calcium phosphate bioceramics have emerged as a promising strategy for treating bone infections. These materials offer key advantages such as biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and the ability to be engineered for controlled drug delivery. Calcium phosphate bioceramics can serve as scaffolds for bone regeneration while simultaneously delivering antibiotics locally, thus addressing the limitations of systemic therapies and reducing infection recurrence. This review provides an overview of osteomyelitis, including its pathogenesis and conventional treatment approaches, while exploring the diverse therapeutic possibilities presented by calcium phosphate bioceramics. Special attention is given to hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, and their composites, with a focus on their therapeutic potential in the treatment of bone infections. The discussion highlights their mechanisms of action, integration with antimicrobial agents, and clinical efficacy. The dual capacity of calcium phosphate bioceramics to promote both bone healing and infection management is critically evaluated, highlighting opportunities for future research to address current challenges and enhance their clinical application in orthopedics and dentistry. Future research directions should focus on developing calcium phosphate bioceramic composites with enhanced antibacterial properties, optimizing drug-loading capacities, and advancing minimally invasive delivery methods to improve clinical outcomes. Further in vivo studies are essential to validate the long-term efficacy and safety of calcium phosphate bioceramic applications, with an emphasis on patient-specific formulations and rapid prototyping technologies that can personalize treatment for diverse osteomyelitis cases. Full article