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Applied Sciences
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Translational Research in Dentistry: Latest Advancements and Prospects
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Translational Research in Dentistry: Latest Advancements and Prospects

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Dentistry and Oral Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 2051

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Roberta Gasparro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: implantology; bioengineering; stem cells; hemocomponents
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Translational research has emerged as a pillar of innovation in modern dentistry, effectively bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and their application in clinical settings. This dynamic field integrates interdisciplinary knowledge from biomedical sciences, materials engineering, molecular biology, and clinical practice to accelerate the development of novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and regenerative strategies. As the demand for personalized and minimally invasive dental care grows, translational research plays a pivotal role in transforming promising scientific breakthroughs into viable solutions that enhance patient outcomes. Recent advances in stem cell therapies, biomimetic materials, digital dentistry, and microbiome research are reshaping the landscape of oral health care. Technologies such as 3D bioprinting, AI-driven diagnostics, and gene editing are no longer theoretical but are rapidly progressing toward clinical translation. This Special Issue invites high-quality contributions that highlight cutting-edge research, clinical trials, technological innovations, and future directions in translational dentistry. We aim to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and promote the dissemination of impactful studies that push the boundaries of dental science and practice. Join us in exploring how translational research continues to redefine the future of dentistry.

Dr. Roberta Gasparro
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • translational dentistry
  • dental innovation
  • regenerative dentistry
  • stem cell therapy
  • biomaterials
  • clinical applications
  • oral health research
  • precision dentistry

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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14 pages, 1853 KB  
Article
Diagnostic Performance of a Laser Fluorescence Device for the In Vivo Detection of Occlusal Caries in Permanent Teeth
by Yuyeon Jung and Jun-Hyuk Choi
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 10208; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151810208 - 19 Sep 2025
Viewed by 241
Abstract
Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent global diseases, and the early detection of occlusal lesions is critical because demineralization often begins deep within pits and fissures where conventional visual–tactile or radiographic inspection cannot detect it. SmarTooth, a newly introduced fluorescence device [...] Read more.
Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent global diseases, and the early detection of occlusal lesions is critical because demineralization often begins deep within pits and fissures where conventional visual–tactile or radiographic inspection cannot detect it. SmarTooth, a newly introduced fluorescence device that irradiates enamel with a 655 nm laser and records the reflected intensity, may provide more objective, quantitative diagnoses. This study assessed its diagnostic performance against the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). We examined 1421 occlusal surfaces from 153 adults, scored each surface with ICDAS codes 0–4, and recorded SmarTooth peak values. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to test the association between codes and peak values; one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc was used to compare mean values across codes; and sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were calculated at three diagnostic thresholds: D1 (0 vs. 1–4), D2 (0–2 vs. 3–4), and D3 (0–3 vs. 4). The SmarTooth values rose with lesion severity and correlated moderately with ICDAS (r = 0.495, p < 0.001). The AUROC ranged from 0.69 to 0.82, with the best accuracy observed at D2 (cut-off: 7.0; AUC: 0.82; sensitivity: 78.3%; specificity: 77.4%). These findings suggest that SmarTooth can complement ICDAS scoring as an adjunctive tool, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting early intervention for occlusal caries in general dental practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Research in Dentistry: Latest Advancements and Prospects)
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17 pages, 687 KB  
Systematic Review
Cold Plasma Treatment on Titanium Implants and Osseointegration: A Systematic Review
by Carlo Barausse, Subhi Tayeb, Gerardo Pellegrino, Martina Sansavini, Edoardo Mancuso, Claudia Mazzitelli and Pietro Felice
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10302; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910302 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 213
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Osseointegration of titanium dental implants is essential for the long-term success of prosthetic treatments. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) has recently emerged as a promising surface modification technique aimed at enhancing early osseointegration by improving implant surface properties and exerting antimicrobial [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Osseointegration of titanium dental implants is essential for the long-term success of prosthetic treatments. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) has recently emerged as a promising surface modification technique aimed at enhancing early osseointegration by improving implant surface properties and exerting antimicrobial effects. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the in vivo preclinical evidence on the effects of CAP or similar cold plasma treatments on titanium dental implant surfaces with regard to osseointegration outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases for preclinical in vivo studies published between 2005 and 2025 investigating the effects of cold plasma on titanium dental implant surfaces. The primary outcome assessed was the bone-to-implant contact (BIC), followed by secondary outcomes including implant stability quotient (ISQ), removal torque, bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO), peri-implant bone density (PIBD), interfacial bone density (IBD), bone-implant direct weight (BDWT) and bone loss measurements via histology and micro-CT. Risk of bias was evaluated using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. Results: Nine eligible studies involving 310 titanium implants in 71 animal models (dogs, pigs and mice) were included. CAP-treated implants consistently demonstrated significant improvements in early osseointegration parameters compared to controls, with statistically significant increases in BIC (up to +20%), BAFO and biomechanical fixation metrics (removal torque and ISQ). Micro-CT analyses revealed enhanced peri-implant bone density and architecture. No adverse biological events or implant failures related to plasma treatment were reported. However, heterogeneity in plasma protocols, animal species and short follow-up durations (2–12 weeks) limited comparability and long-term interpretation. Conclusions: Preclinical evidence seems to support CAP as a safe and potentially effective surface treatment for enhancing early osseointegration of titanium dental implants. Further standardized long-term studies involving functional loading and clinical trials in humans are needed to confirm clinical efficacy and optimize treatment protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Research in Dentistry: Latest Advancements and Prospects)
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16 pages, 3781 KB  
Systematic Review
Augmented Reality in Dental Extractions: Narrative Review and an AR-Guided Impacted Mandibular Third-Molar Case
by Gerardo Pellegrino, Carlo Barausse, Subhi Tayeb, Elisabetta Vignudelli, Martina Casaburi, Stefano Stradiotti, Fabrizio Ferretti, Laura Cercenelli, Emanuela Marcelli and Pietro Felice
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9723; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179723 - 4 Sep 2025
Viewed by 839
Abstract
Background: Augmented-reality (AR) navigation is emerging as a means of turning pre-operative cone-beam CT data into intuitive, in situ guidance for difficult tooth removal, yet the scattered evidence has never been consolidated nor illustrated with a full clinical workflow. Aims: This [...] Read more.
Background: Augmented-reality (AR) navigation is emerging as a means of turning pre-operative cone-beam CT data into intuitive, in situ guidance for difficult tooth removal, yet the scattered evidence has never been consolidated nor illustrated with a full clinical workflow. Aims: This study aims to narratively synthesise AR applications limited to dental extractions and to illustrate a full AR-guided clinical workflow. Methods: We performed a PRISMA-informed narrative search (PubMed + Cochrane, January 2015–June 2025) focused exclusively on AR applications in dental extractions and found nine eligible studies. Results: These pilot reports—covering impacted third molars, supernumerary incisors, canines, and cyst-associated teeth—all used marker-less registration on natural dental surfaces and achieved mean target-registration errors below 1 mm with headset set-up times under three minutes; the only translational series (six molars) recorded a mean surgical duration of 21 ± 6 min and a System Usability Scale score of 79. To translate these findings into practice, we describe a case of AR-guided mandibular third-molar extraction. A QR-referenced 3D-printed splint, intra-oral scan, and CBCT were fused to create a colour-coded hologram rendered on a Magic Leap 2 headset. The procedure took 19 min and required only a conservative osteotomy and accurate odontotomy that ended without neurosensory disturbance (VAS pain 2/10 at one week). Conclusions: Collectively, the literature synthesis and clinical demonstration suggest that current AR platforms deliver sub-millimetre accuracy, minimal workflow overhead, and high user acceptance in high-risk extractions while highlighting the need for larger, controlled trials to prove tangible patient benefit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Research in Dentistry: Latest Advancements and Prospects)
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