Biodegradable polymers contain chains that are hydrolytically or enzymatically cleaved, resulting in soluble degradation products. Biodegradability is particularly desired in biomedical applications, in which degradation of the polymer ensures clearance from the body and eliminates the need for retrieval or explant. In this study, a homologues series of poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(ethylene adipate)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-b-PEA-b-PCL) block copolymers, with constant PEA molar mass and different PCL sequence lengths was obtained. The starting point of these copolymers was a dihydroxy-PEA precursor with a molar mass (M_n) of 2500 g/mol. Mn values of the PCL varied between 1000 and 10,000 g/mol. Both the precursors and the copolymers were characterized using different physicochemical methods, such as: NMR, SEC, Maldi-TOFF, DSC, and ATG. The molecular characteristics of the copolymers were in a direct correlation with the sequence length of the PCL. Enzymatic degradability studies were also conducted by using cell-free extract containing Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 for 10 and 21 days, and it appeared that the presence of the PEA central sequence has an important influence on the biodegradability of the copolymer samples. In fact, copolymer PCL₇₀₀₀-PEA₂₅₀₀-PCL₇₀₀₀ had a weight loss of around 50% after 10 days whereas the weight loss of the homopolymer PCL, with a similar M_n of 14,000 g/mol, was only 6%. The results obtained in this study indicate that these copolymer samples can be further used for the preparation of drug delivery systems with modulated biodegradability.

Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), two biodegradable and biocompatible polymers that are commonly used for biomedical applications, are, respectively, the result of the ring-opening polymerization of LA and ε-CL, cyclic esters, which can be produced according to several mechanisms (cationic, monomer-activated cationic, anionic, and coordination-insertion), except for L-lactide, which is polymerized only by anionic, cationic, or coordination-insertion polymerization. A series of well-defined PLLA-b-PCL block copolymers have been obtained starting from the same PLLA homopolymer, having a molar mass of 2500 g·mol⁻¹, and being synthesized by coordination-insertion in the presence of tin octoate. PCL blocks were obtained via a cationic-activated monomer mechanism to limit transesterification reactions, and their molar masses varied from 1800 to 18,500 g·mol⁻¹. The physicochemical properties of the copolymers were determined by ¹H NMR, SEC, and DSC. Moreover, a series of nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared starting from these polyester-based copolymers by an emulsification/evaporation method. The sizes of the obtained NPs varied between 140 and 150 nm, as a function of the molar mass of the copolymers. Monomodal distribution curves with PDI values under 0.1 were obtained by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and their spherical shape was confirmed by TEM. The increase in the temperature from 25 to 37 °C induced only a very slight decrease in the NP sizes. The results obtained in this preliminary study indicate that NPs have a temperature stability, allowing us to consider their use as drug-loaded nanocarriers for biomedical applications.

Aim of the Study: Radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear dentistry represent a dynamic field, contributing significantly to the evolution of restorative dentistry. This comprehensive overview focuses on the advancements and applications of these radiopharmaceuticals, aiming to elucidate their role in modern dental practices. Nuclear Medicine (NM) imaging has emerged as a crucial tool for early disease diagnosis in recent decades, complementing conventional imaging modalities in the head and neck region. While conventional techniques like radiographs, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), and Computed Tomography (CT) are commonly used, NM is specifically employed for certain oral and maxillofacial pathologies. Utilizing radioactive isotopes emitting gamma (γ) rays, NM provides detailed insights into tissue metabolism and physiological processes, offering precise functional and biochemical information for accurate diagnosis. Despite not being a routine practice in dentistry, dental professionals should be acquainted with NM's various applications in the oral and maxillofacial region, as highlighted in this review. Material and Methods: Extensive research was conducted through systematic searches on electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The search targeted articles released from April onwards, with an exclusive focus on English-language publications. A comprehensive set of keywords, such as "radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear dentistry," "evolution," "applications," "advancements," "biocompatibility," "imaging techniques," "clinical outcomes," and "dental radiology," were employed to gather relevant information. Results: The exploration of radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear dentistry reveals their transformative potential as innovative tools in contemporary dental care. A comprehensive analysis of their evolution, applications, and advancements underscores their diverse benefits for both dental practitioners and patients. Conclusions: Continued research and development efforts are anticipated to further solidify the pivotal role of radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear dentistry. With their expanding applications and ongoing enhancements, these agents are poised to remain integral components in advancing dental care, offering substantial benefits to both practitioners and patients within the realm of dental radiology and treatments. n conclusion, Nuclear Medicine imaging emerges as a powerful adjunct in dentistry, offering unique insights into functional and biochemical aspects for precise oral and maxillofacial diagnoses. While not a daily practice, awareness of its applications is crucial for dental professionals to enhance their diagnostic capabilities and contribute to comprehensive patient care.

Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide obtained by deacetylation of chitin, which is naturally present in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, insect cuticles, and the cell walls of certain fungi. Its favorable biological properties, combined with a highly adaptable chemical structure, have made it one of the most promising polymers for biomedical use. These attributes have enabled the development of diverse biomaterial platforms, including hydrogels, nanoparticles, nanofibers, scaffolds, membranes, implant coatings, and drug delivery systems tailored for oral and dental applications. The objective of this review is to highlight recent advances in chitosan-based biomaterials for modern dentistry by combining bibliometric analysis with insights into molecular engineering, chemical functionalization, and biomaterial fabrication. The literature search was conducted in the Scopus database using the query “chitosan AND dent”, with the bibliometric analysis covering publications indexed from 1989 to 2025. It examines how structural modifications influence the physicochemical and biological properties of chitosan, with particular emphasis on antimicrobial activity, biofilm management, tissue regeneration, osseointegration, remineralization, and controlled drug release. The discussion covers current applications in implantology, periodontics, endodontics, restorative dentistry, oral wound healing, and localized therapy. The bibliometric analysis revealed a marked increase in scientific output, particularly in recent years, alongside growing interest in multifunctional chitosan-based platforms for antimicrobial therapy, tissue regeneration, remineralization, and localized drug delivery. Future studies should prioritize standardized material characterization and manufacturing, long-term in vivo validation, and well-designed clinical trials to facilitate clinical translation. By integrating recent advances in chemical functionalization, biomaterial engineering, and oral biomedical applications, this review offers a comprehensive overview of advanced chitosan-based platforms and highlights current strategies for designing multifunctional biomaterials that enhance therapeutic performance.

Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of dental cementation techniques, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches, as well as their impact on esthetics in restorative dentistry. Material and Methods: This study employed a systematic approach to gather relevant information, conducting extensive research using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Articles released from April onwards were targeted, focusing exclusively on English-language publications. A comprehensive set of keywords, including “dental cementation,” “advantages,” “disadvantages,” and “esthetic outcomes,” were utilized to ensure thorough coverage of the topic. Results: The analysis of dental cementation techniques revealed a range of advantages and disadvantages associated with different approaches. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact of various cementation methods on esthetic outcomes in restorative dentistry. Dental cements are engineered to secure restorations, appliances, and post-and-core systems in a stable and durable manner within the oral environment. Conventional glass ionomer and zinc phosphate cements are among the most widely used materials for luting metallic restorations and posts. In contrast, resin-based cements are favored for esthetic applications. The successful cementation of esthetic restorations largely depends on the proper treatment and silane application to the internal surface of the restoration. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the importance of carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages of dental cementation techniques in restorative dentistry. Understanding the impact of these methods on esthetic outcomes is crucial for optimizing patient care and treatment outcomes. Further research in this area is warranted to continue improving dental cementation practices and enhancing esthetic results for patients.

The optimal placement of dental implants significantly influences their long-term functional and aesthetic success. This article consolidates evidence-based strategies, emphasizing the importance of key factors such as soft tissue thickness, keratinized tissue presence, implant depth, three-dimensional positioning, and crown material selection. Results demonstrate that a minimum soft tissue thickness of 2 mm effectively reduces marginal bone loss by up to 0.8 mm and enhances implant stability. Similarly, at least 2 mm of keratinized tissue is essential for reducing peri-implant diseases and promoting tissue health. Implant placement 3-4 mm below the gingival margin, with sufficient buccal bone support, minimizes gingival recession and supports esthetic outcomes. Zirconia crowns and polished surfaces are shown to significantly lower plaque accumulation and inflammation, enhancing peri-implant health. Furthermore, platform switching consistently reduces bone loss by 0.3–0.8 mm, particularly in mechanically stressed regions, while custom healing abutments preserve soft tissue architecture and improve integration. These findings provide a comprehensive framework for achieving predictable and sustainable outcomes in implantology, integrating advanced techniques and precise clinical parameters.