Alexandra Popa

Dr. Alexandra Popa


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 December 2024 in Polymers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Florentina RusFlorentina Rus
Florentina Rus
C(Cristina Stanciu (Neculau)
Cristina Stanciu (Neculau)
MIMarina Imre
Marina Imre
FDFlorentina Duica
Florentina Duica
APAlexandra Popa
Alexandra Popa
SPSilviu Mirel Pițuru
Silviu Mirel Pițuru
In the latter part of the 20th century, remarkable developments in new dental materials and technologies were achieved. However, regarding the impact of dental resin-based materials 3D-printed on cellular responses, there have been a limited number of published studies recently. The biocompatibility of dental restorative materials is a controversial topic, especially when discussing modern manufacturing technologies. Three-dimensional printing generates the release of residual monomers due to incomplete polymerization of materials and involves the use of potentially toxic substances in post-printing processes that cannot be completely eliminated. Considering the issue of biocompatibility, this article aims to establish an overview of this aspect, summarizing the different types of biocompatibility tests performed on materials used in 3D printing in dentistry. In order to create this comprehensive review, articles dealing with the issue of 3D printing in dentistry were analysed by accessing the main specialized search engines using specific keywords. Relevant data referring to types of materials used in 3DP to manufacture various dental devices, polymerization methods, factors affecting monomer release, cytotoxicity of unreacted products or post-curing treatments, and methods for assessing biocompatibility were analysed. Although the introduction of new restorative materials used in dental treatments is subject to national and international regulations and standards, it is necessary to investigate them regarding biocompatibility in order to support or deny the manufacturers’ statements regarding this aspect.

29 May 2025 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Lucian Toma CiocanLucian Toma Ciocan
Lucian Toma Ciocan
MIHAELA PANTEAMIHAELA PANTEA
MIHAELA PANTEA
VVVlad Gabriel Vasilescu
Vlad Gabriel Vasilescu
Ana Maria Cristina ȚâncuAna Maria Cristina Țâncu
Ana Maria Cristina Țâncu
Ionela Ruxandra SfeatcuIonela Ruxandra Sfeatcu
Ionela Ruxandra Sfeatcu
MIMarina Imre
Marina Imre
Background/Objectives: The integration of digital technologies into dental education is becoming increasingly important, particularly in prosthodontics, where digital design tools offer enhanced precision and efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate second-year dental students’ perceptions regarding conventional versus digital design in prosthodontics, assessing their theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and attitudes toward these approaches. Methods: A total of 141 dental students enrolled in Faculty of Dentistry from “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, participated in an online survey consisting of 19 questions evaluating their understanding, preferences, attitudes, and expectations regarding digital and conventional prosthodontic workflows. Additionally, students’ practical exam grades and task completion times for both conventional and digital design methods were evaluated. Results: Participating students reported sufficient understanding of theoretical concepts in both conventional (92.9%) and digital design (91.5%). A significant proportion (78.7%) felt confident in their practical skills for conventional design, while 78% expressed the same for digital design. Statistically significant correlations indicated that students who believed digital design could replace conventional methods associated digital design with greater accuracy (p = 0.020), predictability (p = 0.048), and sustainability (p = 0.032). Students who believed they had acquired enough skills in digital design responded more frequently that the time allocation for digital design by the university was sufficient (p < 0.001). Moreover, students scored significantly higher in digital design practical exams compared to conventional design (p < 0.001). Task completion times were also shorter for digital workflows, further supporting their efficiency. Conclusions: The findings suggest that students are highly receptive to digital technologies in prosthodontics, favoring digital workflows over conventional techniques. These results highlight the need for continued integration of digital tools into dental curricula to enhance students’ competency and prepare them for modern clinical practice.

19 December 2024 in Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RRRadu Radulescu
Radu Radulescu
MIMarina Imre
Marina Imre
ARALEXANDRA RIPSZKY
ALEXANDRA RIPSZKY
Florentina RusFlorentina Rus
Florentina Rus
APAlexandra Popa
Alexandra Popa
SPSilviu Mirel Pițuru
Silviu Mirel Pițuru
Tooth loss replacement using dental implants is becoming more frequent. Traditional dental implant materials such as commercially pure titanium and titanium aluminum vanadium alloys have well-proven mechanical and biological properties. New titanium alloying metals such as niobium provide improved mechanical properties such as lower elastic modulus while displaying comparable or even better biocompatibility. Hydroxyapatite coatings are a well-documented and widely used method for enhancing dental implants’ surface characteristics and properties and could provide a useful tool for further enhancing titanium–niobium implant properties like osteointegration. Among several coating techniques, physical deposition methods and, in particular, vapour deposition ones are the most used due to their advantages compared to wet deposition techniques for hydroxyapatite coating of metallic surfaces like that of dental implants. Considering the scarcity of data concerning the in vivo evaluation of titanium–niobium biocompatibility and osteointegration and the lack of studies investigating coating these new proposed alloys with hydroxyapatite, this review aims to further knowledge on hydroxyapatite-coated titanium niobium alloys.

11 December 2024 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MBMihai Butucescu
Mihai Butucescu
MIMarina Imre
Marina Imre
Florentina RusFlorentina Rus
Florentina Rus
Bianca Voicu BălașeaBianca Voicu Bălașea
Bianca Voicu Bălașea
APAlexandra Popa
Alexandra Popa
SPSimona Pârvu
Simona Pârvu
Periimplantitis represents an inflammatory disease of the soft and hard tissues surrounding the osseointegrated dental implant, triggering progressive damage to the alveolar bone. Cumulative data have revealed that periimplantitis plays a crucial part in implant failure. Due to the strategic roles of autophagy and its upstream coordinator, the AKT/mTOR pathway, in inflammatory responses, the crosstalk between them in the context of periimplantitis should become a key research target, as it opens up an area of interesting data with clinical significance. Therefore, in this article, we aimed to briefly review the existing data concerning the complex roles played by ROS in the interplay between the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy in periimplantitis, in each of the main cell types involved in periimplantitis pathogenesis and evolution. Knowing how to modulate specifically the autophagic machinery in each of the cellular types involved in the healing and osseointegration steps post implant surgery can help the clinician to make the most appropriate post-surgery decisions. These decisions might be crucial in order to prevent the occurrence of periimplantitis and ensure the proper conditions for effective osseointegration, depending on patients’ clinical particularities.

13 January 2026 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SRSabina Ana Răuță
Sabina Ana Răuță
VVVlad Gabriel Vasilescu
Vlad Gabriel Vasilescu
Lucian Toma CiocanLucian Toma Ciocan
Lucian Toma Ciocan
APAlexandra Popa
Alexandra Popa
Ana Maria Cristina ȚâncuAna Maria Cristina Țâncu
Ana Maria Cristina Țâncu
MIMarina Imre
Marina Imre
Background: Digital intraoral scanning has become an essential component of modern restorative dentistry, offering enhanced accuracy, workflow efficiency, and patient comfort compared to conventional impression techniques. Despite these advantages, the accuracy of intraoral scanners (IOS) can be affected by multiple parameters, among which scanning strategy and device design are particularly influential. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different scanning strategies on scan accuracy and precision, focusing on two widely used intraoral scanners (Medit i700 and Trios 5) in a controlled in vitro environment. Materials and Methods: A standardized digital test object was created according to ISO 20896-1 specifications to ensure uniformity and comparability. The object was printed using a high-precision 3D printer and scanned multiple times with both IOS systems, employing distinct scanning strategies under identical environmental conditions. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and comparative statistics, including Mean, Median, Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Standard Deviation (SD), and Variance, to evaluate trueness and precision. Results: The Medit i700 consistently exhibited lower deviation values and greater precision compared with the Trios 5, reflecting higher trueness and precision. Scanning strategy influenced scan outcomes; structured, systematic scanning paths produced more stable and accurate datasets. The Trios 5 demonstrated higher variability, suggesting increased sensitivity to operator motion and scanning trajectory. Conclusions: Both the scanner type and scanning strategy substantially affect intraoral scan accuracy. The superior performance of the Medit i700 indicates greater robustness and operator-independent stability. Clinically, these results underscore the importance of standardized scanning protocols, as operator consistency may be a key determinant of digital impression accuracy and, consequently, of clinical outcomes.

9 May 2026 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
APAlexandra Popa
Alexandra Popa
RRRadu Radulescu
Radu Radulescu
Florentina RusFlorentina Rus
Florentina Rus
VVVlad Gabriel Vasilescu
Vlad Gabriel Vasilescu
Lucian Toma CiocanLucian Toma Ciocan
Lucian Toma Ciocan
EAEcaterina Andronescu
Ecaterina Andronescu
Background/Objectives: Root perforation treatment is essential for restoring the tightness of the root system, preventing periradicular inflammation and tooth loss. The present study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility of Ketac™ Molar EasyMix as well as conduct a thorough morphological and structural characterization of the material, considering its potential use in managing root perforations. Methods: Morpho-structural characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Biocompatibility tests were performed on osteosarcoma cell line (ATCC—G 292 CRL-1423), monitoring metabolic activity and cell viability (MTT, n = 3), as well as the inflammatory response (nitric oxide—NO, n = 6), after 24 and 48 h of incubation. The control group consisted of cells unexposed to the material. Results: Microstructurally, the material exhibits a heterogeneous structure, along with pores and cracks. The specific bonds of the material, including both organic acid (COO−, O-H) and the glass components (Si-O-Al, Ca-O, C-F), were identified by FT-IR, while the crystalline phase composed of calcium fluorolanthanate was determined by XRD. Moreover, in vitro metabolic activity and viability test (MTT) showed a decrease of ~28% (p = 0.029) and ~30% (p = 0.150) after 24 and 48 h for samples incubated with Ketac™ Molar EasyMix. The statistically significantly increased levels of NO (p = 0.002, p = 0.004) suggest that the cells are trying to adapt to the environment that they have been exposed to. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study, under the tested conditions, our results suggest that Ketac™ Molar EasyMix maintained cell viability close to the 70% threshold defined by ISO 10993-5:2009, indicating a borderline biological response, a feature that may be influenced by the composition and behavior of the material.