Evidence that nanoscale surface properties stimulate and guide various molecular and biological processes at the implant/tissue interface is fostering a new trend in designing implantable metals. Cutting-edge expertise and techniques drawn from widely separated fields, such as nanotechnology, materials engineering and biology, have been advantageously exploited to nanoengineer surfaces in ways that control and direct these processes in predictable manners. In this review, we present and discuss the state-of-the-art of nanotechnology-based approaches currently adopted to modify the surface of metals used for orthopedic and dental applications, and also briefly consider their use in the cardiovascular field. The effects of nanoengineered surfaces on various in vitro molecular and cellular events are firstly discussed. This review also provides an overview of in vivo and clinical studies with nanostructured metallic implants, and addresses the potential influence of nanotopography on biomechanical events at interfaces. Ultimately, the objective of this work is to give the readership a comprehensive picture of the current advances, future developments and challenges in the application of the infinitesimally small to biomedical surface science. We believe that an integrated understanding of the in vitro and particularly of the in vivo behavior is mandatory for the proper exploitation of nanostructured implantable metals and, indeed, of all biomaterials.

Rehabilitation of the edentulous posterior maxilla with dental implants can be difficult because of insufficient bone volume caused by pneumatization of the maxillary sinus and crestal bone resorption. Different biomaterials have been used for sinus augmentation. The aim of the study was to compare different materials in maxillary sinus augmentation in man. A total of 94 patients participated in this study. Inclusion criteria were maxillary partial (unilateral or bilateral) edentulism involving the premolar/molar areas, and the presence of 3–5-mm crestal bone between the sinus floor and alveolar ridge. A total of 362 implants were inserted. There were 9 biomaterials used in the sinus augmentation procedures. Each patient underwent 1 biopsy after 6 months. A total of 144 specimens were retrieved. None of the 94 patients had complications. All implants were stable, and x-ray examination showed dense bone around the implants. Mean follow-up was 4 years. There were 7 implants that failed. Histologic resultsshowed that almost all the particles of the different biomaterials (i.e., autologous bone, demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft Biocoral® [Inoteb, St. Gonnery, France], Bioglass® [US Biomaterials, Alachua, FL], Fisiograft® [Ghimas, Bologna, Italy], PepGen P-15TM [Dentsply Friadent CeraMed, Lakewood, CO], calcium sulfate, Bio-Oss® [Geistlich Pharma AG, Wohlhusen, Switzerland], and hydroxyapatite) were surrounded by bone. Some biomaterials were more resorbable than others. Included are the histomorphometry clarified features of the newly formed bone around the different grafted particles. All biomaterials examined resulted in being biocompatible and seemed to improve new bone formation in maxillary sinus lift. No signs of inflammation were present. The data are very encouraging because of the high number of successfully treated patients and the good quality of bone found in the retrieved specimens.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue classification

The recent advancements in digital technologies have led to exponential progress in dentistry. This narrative review aims to summarize the applications of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality in dentistry and describes future challenges in digitalization, such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality represent effective tools in the educational technology, as they can enhance students’ learning and clinical training. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality and can also be useful aids during clinical practice. Augmented Reality can be used to add digital data to real life clinical data. Clinicians can apply Virtual Reality for a digital wax-up that provides a pre-visualization of the final post treatment result. In addition, both these technologies may also be employed to eradicate dental phobia in patients and further enhance patient’s education. Similarly, they can be used to enhance communication between the dentist, patient, and technician. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics can also improve clinical practice. Artificial Intelligence is currently developed to improve dental diagnosis and provide more precise prognoses of dental diseases, whereas Robotics may be used to assist in daily practice.

Background: Placement of dental implants in the posterior maxilla has been associated with higher rates of failure that are due, in part, to the poor bone quality of this region. The purpose of the present study was the histologic and histomorphometric evaluation of the bone around a new implant surface treatment created by a deposition of nanometer‐sized calcium phosphate particles added to the dual acid‐etched surface.Methods: One custom‐made 2 × 10‐mm site evaluation implant (SEI) with this novel treatment surface (test) and one SEI with the dual acid‐etched surface without treatment (control) were placed in the posterior maxilla of 15 patients. All SEIs were retrieved after 2 months and evaluated under confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and by light microscopy for histomorphometric analysis of the bone–implant contact (BIC).Results: Histologic observations in control SEIs showed formation of new bone around the implant surface; however, it was not always in direct contact with the entire perimeter of the threads. The mean BIC was 19% ± 14.2%. Test SEIs showed peri‐implant bone tightly contacting the implant surface and better adapted to the threads. Three‐dimensional reconstruction of sections obtained using CLSM showed the intimacy of the contact between bone and test SEI surface through the entire thickness of the specimens. The mean BIC was 32.2% ± 18.5%.Conclusions: After 2 months of healing, comparison of the BIC values showed a statistically significant greater mean BIC for test SEIs than for controls. The clinical implications of these results included shortening of the implant healing period and earlier loading protocols.