Biomimetic has emerged as a multi-disciplinary science in several biomedical subjects in recent decades, including biomaterials and dentistry. In restorative dentistry, biomimetic approaches have been applied for a range of applications, such as restoring tooth defects using bioinspired peptides to achieve remineralization, bioactive and biomimetic biomaterials, and tissue engineering for regeneration. Advancements in the modern adhesive restorative materials, understanding of biomaterial–tissue interaction at the nano and microscale further enhanced the restorative materials’ properties (such as color, morphology, and strength) to mimic natural teeth. In addition, the tissue-engineering approaches resulted in regeneration of lost or damaged dental tissues mimicking their natural counterpart. The aim of the present article is to review various biomimetic approaches used to replace lost or damaged dental tissues using restorative biomaterials and tissue-engineering techniques. In addition, tooth structure, and various biomimetic properties of dental restorative materials and tissue-engineering scaffold materials, are discussed.

In the last few decades, biomimetic concepts have been widely adopted in various biomedical fields, including clinical dentistry. Endodontics is an important sub-branch of dentistry which deals with the different conditions of pulp to prevent tooth loss. Traditionally, common procedures, namely pulp capping, root canal treatment, apexification, and apexigonesis, have been considered for the treatment of different pulp conditions using selected materials. However, clinically to regenerate dental pulp, tissue engineering has been advocated as a feasible approach. Currently, new trends are emerging in terms of regenerative endodontics which have led to the replacement of diseased and non-vital teeth into the functional and healthy dentine-pulp complex. Root- canal therapy is the standard management option when dental pulp is damaged irreversibly. This treatment modality involves soft-tissue removal and then filling that gap through the obturation technique with a synthetic material. The formation of tubular dentine and pulp-like tissue formation occurs when stem cells are transplanted into the root canal with an appropriate scaffold material. To sum up tissue engineering approach includes three components: (1) scaffold, (2) differentiation, growth, and factors, and (3) the recruitment of stem cells within the pulp or from the periapical region. The aim of this paper is to thoroughly review and discuss various pulp-regenerative approaches and materials used in regenerative endodontics which may highlight the current trends and future research prospects in this particular area.

Rmed on the curved canals of the mesial roots of mandibular extracted molars (n = 32). Canal curvatures ranged from 20° to 30° according to the Schneider method. PTN and TF NiTi instruments were used for this purpose. The surface parameters of NiTi instruments were evaluated before and after the root canal instrumentation using a Dektak three-dimensional nanoscale surface profiler. An analysis of variance and Student's t-test were used to determine the significance of various parameters of the NiTi instruments before and after the root canal instrumentation. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: There were no significant differences in the root mean square roughness (Sq), average roughness value (Sa), and peak to valley height (Sz) in flutes between the instruments (P > 0.05) or in the Sq in blade location. However, the Sa and Sz in blade location were significantly greater for TF than PTN. The TF instruments had greater surface roughness than PTN. The PTN instruments exhibited minor surface cracks, while TF instruments exhibited cracks and microcavities. Conclusion: Endodontic instrumentation altered the surface characteristics; the surface distortion was significantly greater for the TF instruments than the PTN instruments....

Diagnostically, vertical root fractures (VRFs) can be a frustrating experience for the dentist. Misdiagnosis could result in significant time and effort losses involved in erroneously intervening endodontically and/or periodontally. Certainly, diagnosing VRFs is often very difficult, and diagnoses based on speculations have led to the extraction of many salvageable teeth. This study was conducted in the radiology unit of College of Dentistry, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, between December 2021 and June 2022 to evaluate the ability to detect VRFs following the use of a novel radio-opaque dye using periapical radiographs (PARs) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). After carefully inducing VRFs on extracted, single-rooted, virgin premolars (n = 26), they were assigned to control (n = 2) and experimental groups (n = 24). The fracture site of the tooth in the control group received methylene blue dye, whereas the experimental group received a novel dye. Two differently angled PARs were obtained for all the teeth, followed by a CBCT image. Three blinded investigators participated in scoring a Likert scale form with a set of questions. Inter-/intra-examiner reliability showed excellent consistency using Cronbach’s alpha test. The Z-test revealed CBCT and PAR to be equally adept at detecting VRFs, with the mean values showing no statistically significant differences. The extent of the VRFs and dye penetration were significantly better when angled radiographs and axial view CBCT were evaluated. Within the limitations of this study, the dye tested showed promising initial results as an aid in radiographically detecting VRFs. The use of such minimally invasive methods is critically needed for diagnosing and managing VRFs. However, further testing should be performed prior to its clinical use.

Background: The integration of Quick Response (QR) codes into healthcare offers a modern solution for efficient and cost-effective information dissemination. Given Saudi Arabia’s high smartphone penetration rate, QR codes hold significant potential for enhancing preventive oral healthcare. Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of QR codes in providing preventive oral health information leaflets (PILs), focusing on patient awareness, ease of use, and preferences compared to traditional paper leaflets. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 118 participants, predominantly middle-aged and well-educated. The study assessed familiarity with QR codes, their actual usage, and patient preferences for accessing healthcare information via mobile technology or paper PILs. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the associations between demographics and preferences. Results: The study found universal awareness of QR codes among participants, with 44.1% reporting prior usage. A majority (91.5%) preferred accessing healthcare information via mobile devices, with 80.5% favoring QR codes over leaflets for their convenience and accessibility. No significant differences were observed in preferences across gender or educational levels, although women were more likely to require assistance. Participants highlighted the ease of sharing healthcare information through QR codes (87.3%). Conclusion: QR codes are widely recognized as effective tools for patient education, particularly in preventive oral healthcare. Their ease of use, accessibility, and strong preference over traditional methods underscore their potential in healthcare communication. Further research is needed to address barriers to broader adoption and assess long-term impacts.