Innovative Dental Biomaterials for Advancing Oral Health Care

The complexity of the oral environment challenges the clinical longevity of dental materials. These challenges involve several aspects related to the mechanical and biological performance of these materials. Dental materials inside the oral cavity are subjected to repetitive cycles of stress and fatigue. This mechanical challenge is complicated by the frequent exposure to consumable drinks and salivary enzymes, which may accelerate the degradation process of such materials. In addition, the interaction between dental materials and oral biofilms is a complex and dynamic process that can have significant implications for oral health. Dental materials provide a surface for the attachment and growth of oral bacteria. The attached microbes can produce acids as metabolic byproducts, leading to the degradation of dental materials.

Such challenges have guided dental researchers to investigate advanced approaches to improve dental materials' mechanical and biological behavior. Applying nanotechnology in the dental field allows engineering dental materials with improved mechanical and physical properties. Besides, imparting bioactive compounds in dental materials contributes to the remineralization of tooth structure and the preservation of the surrounding soft tissues via releasing ions and diminishing the attachment of the oral microbes. The design of advanced dental materials with improved properties allows dental professionals to achieve superior treatment outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and provide more efficient and effective dental care.

This Research Topic focuses on original research papers and comprehensive reviews that delve into pioneering advancements in dental materials, particularly emphasizing their ability to adapt effectively to the dynamic oral environment. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The characterization and functionalization of dental materials

• The mechanical and physical assessment of dental materials

• The interaction of oral biofilms with dental materials

• The biocompatibility of dental materials with hard and soft dental tissues

• Behavior of dental materials under simulated oral conditions

• The long-term evaluation of dental materials