This study evaluated the effect of the combination of three different onlay preparation designs and two restorative materials on the stress distribution, using 3D-finite element analysis. Six models of first lower molars were created according to three preparation designs: non-retentive (nRET), traditional with occlusal isthmus reduction (IST), and traditional without occlusal isthmus reduction (wIST); and according to two restorative materials: lithium-disilicate (LD) and nanoceramic resin (NR). A 600 N axial load was applied at the central fossa. All solids were considered isotropic, homogeneous, and linearly elastic. A static linear analysis was performed, and the Maximum Principal Stress (MPS) criteria were used to evaluate the results and compare the stress in MPa on the restoration, cement layer, and tooth structure (enamel and dentin). A novel statistical approach was used for quantitative analysis of the finite element analysis results. On restoration and cement layer, nRET showed a more homogeneous stress distribution, while the highest stress peaks were calculated for LD onlays (restoration: 69–110; cement layer: 10.2–13.3). On the tooth structure, the material had more influence, with better results for LD (27–38). It can be concluded that nRET design showed the best mechanical behavior compared to IST and wIST, with LD being more advantageous for tooth structure and NR for the restoration and cement layer.

58S-Bioactive glass-laden melt electrowritten polymeric scaffolds led to a significant increase in mineral nodule deposition and two-fold immunolabeling of angiogenic markers, positioning them as promising scaffolds for bone regeneration.

This study aimed to develop gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-injectable hydrogels incorporated with 58S bioactive glass/BG-doped with strontium for vital pulp therapy applications. GelMA hydrogels containing 0% (control), 5%, 10%, and 20% BG (w/v) were prepared. Their morphological and chemical properties were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy/SEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy/EDS, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy/FTIR (n = 3). Their swelling capacity and degradation ratio were also measured (n = 4). Cell viability (n = 8), mineralized matrix formation, cell adhesion, and spreading (n = 6) on DPSCs were evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA/post hoc tests (α = 5%). SEM and EDS characterization confirmed the incorporation of BG particles into the hydrogel matrix, showing GelMA’s (C, O) and BG’s (Si, Cl, Na, Sr) chemical elements. FTIR revealed the main chemical groups of GelMA and BG, as ~1000 cm⁻¹ corresponds to Si-O and ~1440 cm⁻¹ to C-H. All the formulations were degraded by day 12, with a lower degradation ratio observed for GelMA+BG20%. Increasing the concentration of BG resulted in a lower mass swelling ratio. Biologically, all the groups were compatible with cells (p > 0.6196), and cell adhesion increased over time, irrespective of BG concentration, indicating great biocompatibility. GelMA+BG5% demonstrated a higher deposition of mineral nodules over 21 days (p < 0.0001), evidencing the osteogenic potential of hydrogels. GelMA hydrogels incorporated with BG present great cytocompatibility, support cell adhesion, and have a clinically relevant degradation profile and suitable mineralization potential, supporting their therapeutic potential as promising biomaterials for pulp capping.

This study investigated gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) blend scaffolds incorporating cerium oxide (CeO) nanoparticles at concentrations of 0%, 5%, and 10% w/w via electrospinning for periodontal tissue engineering. The impact of photocrosslinking on these scaffolds was evaluated by comparing crosslinked (C) and non-crosslinked (NC) versions. Methods included Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for fiber morphology/diameters, and assessments of swelling capacity, degradation profile, and biomechanical properties. Biological evaluations with alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells (aBMSCs) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) encompassed tests for cell viability, mineralized nodule deposition (MND), and collagen production (CP). Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis or ANOVA/post-hoc tests (α = 5%). Results indicate that C scaffolds had larger fiber diameters (~250 nm) compared with NC scaffolds (~150 nm). NC scaffolds exhibited higher swelling capacities than C scaffolds, while both types demonstrated significant mass loss (~50%) after 60 days (p < 0.05). C scaffolds containing CeO showed increased Young’s modulus and tensile strength than NC scaffolds. Cells cultured on C scaffolds with 10% CeO exhibited significantly higher metabolic activity (>400%, p < 0.05) after 7 days among all groups. Furthermore, CeO-containing scaffolds promoted enhanced MND by aBMSCs (>120%, p < 0.05) and increased CP in 5% CeO scaffolds for both variants (>180%, p < 0.05). These findings underscore the promising biomechanical properties, biodegradability, cytocompatibility, and enhanced tissue regenerative potential of CeO-loaded GelMA/PCL scaffolds for periodontal applications.