Nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HAp) is a biomaterial which is finding increasing application in dentistry due to its osteogenic properties and biocompatibility. The aim of the present study is to review the clinical applications of nano-HAp in dentistry. A literature search was performed in PubMeD and Scopus. In total, 154 articles were retrieved. Following title and abstract analysis, 122 articles were excluded. Further 6 articles were excluded through full-text analysis. The systematic review was conducted on 26 articles. In 3 studies, nano-HAp was employed for tissue remineralization, 8 studies applied nano-HAp for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, 2 studies evaluated the role of nano-HAp in orthodontics, 9 studies applied nano-HAp as a graft material, and 4 studies applied nano-HAp to periodontology and implantology. The available evidence supports the use of nano-HAp in the prevention of caries, as a desensitizing agent in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity and as a graft material. It should be, however, highlighted that further research appears mandatory in assessing and validating the full potential of nano-HAp in clinical dentistry.

Conservative dentistry in primary dentition aims to remove and repair existing carious lesions and to prevent secondary caries up until exfoliation of the primary tooth happens, in order to maintain the important role in terms of the space maintenance and guidance for eruption that deciduous teeth have. Many different materials are used, and some of them, recently commercialized, show bioactive properties able to prevent secondary caries. This trial’s primary focus is to evaluate the biological, functional, and aesthetic characteristics of Cention-N alkasite material compared to glass ionomer cement (GIC) through the use of standardized FDI criteria for direct restorations. A blinded, split-mouth study was designed for this purpose, including 112 deciduous molars in 45 children showing class II caries restored with either GIC or alkasite material. The data from this study indicates that the Cention-N alkasite material showed equal performance compared with Fuji IX GIC after one year. A thorough evaluation of exfoliated teeth restored with this material will provide long-term data and an evaluation on infiltration rates.

Primary dentition is crucial in influencing the emergence of permanent teeth. Premature primary tooth loss can result in undesired tooth motions and space loss in the permanent dentition. Typically, fixed or removable dental appliances are adopted to maintain edentulous space until the eruption of permanent teeth. However, traditional space maintainers have limitations in terms of variability in tooth anatomy, potential allergic reactions in some individuals (i.e., nickel sensitivity), difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene, and patient acceptance. The present study introduces a fully digital framework for the design and manufacturing of customized pediatric unilateral space maintainers using generative algorithms. The proposed approach overcomes the current challenges by using a biocompatible resin material and optimizing the device’s size, design, and color. The methodology involves intraoral scanning, surface selection, and trim, generative 3D modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and additive manufacturing (AM) through vat photopolymerization. FEA results demonstrate the device’s mechanical performance and reliability, while additive manufacturing ensures design freedom, high resolution, surface finishing, dimensional accuracy, and proper fit. The mechanical interlocking system facilitates easy and effective positioning of the device. This digital approach offers the potential for wider usage of space maintainers and can be further validated through experimental assessments and clinical studies.

Dentinal hypersensitivity represents one of the most widespread dental problems and symptoms in the general population. It mainly affects the age group between 18 and 65 years old, presents an incidence of 35%, and may negatively affect the oral health-related quality of life of these patients. This longitudinal study aims to measure dentinal hypersensitivity in adult patients after the use of domiciliary desensitizing devices. In this study, 52 patients were included (32 females and 20 males, mean age: 53 ± 9.4) At T0 (baseline), patients were instructed to use a desensitizing toothpaste and, at T1, 27 patients reported using sodium monofluorophosphate (1450 ppm) and arginine 8% product (product A), while 25 patients reported using a toothpaste containing n-HAp (nano-hydroxyapatite) in effective dose 2.25% and 0.15% fluoride (1500 ppm) (product B). The study was carried out through three follow up appointments, 14 days apart from one another (T1 and T2). Results showed that the air sensitivity test did not exhibit a significant difference between the time points (p > 0.05), while a significant improvement of DH was recorded for tactile, osmotic, cold thermic, acid, and omni-comprehensive tests in both groups. Both desensitizing agents were effective in reducing DH for different stimuli.

Muscular temporomandibular joint disorders (M-TMDs) encompass a wide range of painful muscular conditions, which can provoke functional limitation and severely affect quality of life. The aim of the present study was to assess the treatment outcomes in patients affected by M-TMDs in terms of pain scores assessed with pressure pain threshold (PPT). The levels of depression, anxiety, and the Oral Health Impact Profile were also assessed and compared to healthy controls. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of M-TMDs and a control group of healthy subjects were enrolled. At baseline, OHIP-14, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 were administered. PPT was registered at the level of masseter and temporalis muscles. The patients affected by M-TMDs were then treated with oral splints and physio-kinesiotherapy following a standardized treatment protocol. At the 6-month follow-up of M-TMD-affected patients, PPT was registered, and the questionnaires were re-administered to evaluate treatment outcomes. In total, sixty patients and sixty controls were enrolled. The treatment of M-TMDs produced a significant improvement in PPT at the level of the masseter muscle. OHIP-14 at baseline in the M-TMD group was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.05). At the 6-month follow-up, a significant reduction in OHIP-14 scores was registered, although with higher scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). PHQ-9 was significantly higher at baseline in the M-TMD group (p < 0.05) and decreased to values comparable to the control group after treatment. GAD-7 presented statistically significant differences between the control group and M-TMD patients at baseline (p < 0.05) and between pre- and post-treatment in the M-TMD group. Following treatment, the GAD-7 scores were comparable to the control group. The symptom burden associated with M-TMDs negatively affects quality of life, with higher oral health impairment and a tendency towards depression and anxiety compared to healthy subjects. Following treatment, an improvement in both PPT and quality of life was observed.

Objective: To evaluate the short-term clinical impact of daily use of calibrated interdental brushes (IDBs) on gingival bleeding among dental and dental hygiene students within academic curricula. Methods: A prospective cohort of 117 students from three Italian universities was followed over three months. All participants received personalized training and calibrated interdental brushes matched to their interdental spaces. The primary outcome was the percentage of interdental sites exhibiting bleeding on interdental brushing (BOIB), assessed at baseline (T0), one month (T1), and three months (T2). Adherence was self-reported. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon tests, multivariate regression, and adjusted ANCOVA models. Results: Median bleeding scores decreased from 50.0% [IQR: 26.9–69.2] at baseline to 15.4% [IQR: 3.8–30.8] at one month and further to 11.5% [IQR: 0.0–26.9] at three months (p < 0.001). Regular interdental brush users showed a 15 to 16 percentage point greater reduction in bleeding compared to occasional users (p < 0.001). Dental hygiene students had significantly lower baseline bleeding scores than dental students, but both groups experienced comparable benefits from the intervention. Adjusted analyses confirmed a sustained beneficial effect of regular interdental brushing. Initial weak and transient correlations between behavioral factors and bleeding likely reflect multifactorial influences and variable adherence. Conclusions: Daily use of calibrated interdental brushes produces a rapid, significant, and sustained reduction in gingival bleeding among dental students. Systematic integration of this protocol within dental education programs is feasible and effective, promoting early adoption and maintenance of essential preventive oral health behaviors.