Surface analysis of dental caries using a wireless pH sensor and Raman spectroscopy for chairside diagnosis

Artificial Intelligence through Wireless Sensors Applied in Restorative Dentistry: A Systematic Review

The integration of wireless sensors with artificial intelligence could represent a transformative approach in restorative dentistry, offering a sophisticated means to enhance diagnostic precision, treatment planning, and patient outcomes. This systematic review was conducted to pinpoint and assess the efficacy of wireless sensors in restorative dentistry. The search methodology followed the guidelines outlined by PRISMA and involved the utilization of prominent scientific databases. Following the final phase of evaluating eligibility, the systematic review included six papers. Five experiments were conducted in vitro, while one was a randomized clinical trial. The investigations focused on wireless sensors for cavity diagnosis, toothbrush forces, facial mask applications, and physiological parameter detection from dental implants. All wireless sensors demonstrated efficacy in achieving the objectives established by each study and showed the validity, accuracy, and reproducibility of this device. The investigations examined in this systematic review illustrate the potential of wireless sensors in restorative dentistry, especially in the areas of caries detection, dental implant systems, face masks, and power brushes. These technologies hold promise for enhancing patient outcomes and alleviating the workload of dental practitioners.

Physicochemical understanding of biomineralization by molecular vibrational spectroscopy: From mechanism to nature

The process and mechanism of biomineralization and relevant physicochemical properties of mineral crystals are remarkably sophisticated multidisciplinary fields that include biology, chemistry, physics, and materials science. The components of the organic matter, structural construction of minerals, and related mechanical interaction, etc., could help to reveal the unique nature of the special mineralization process. Herein, the paper provides an overview of the biomineralization process from the perspective of molecular vibrational spectroscopy, including the physicochemical properties of biomineralized tissues, from physiological to applied mineralization. These physicochemical characteristics closely to the hierarchical mineralization process include biological crystal defects, chemical bonding, atomic doping, structural changes, and content changes in organic matter, along with the interface between biocrystals and organic matter as well as the specific mechanical effects for hardness and toughness. Based on those observations, the special physiological properties of mineralization for enamel and bone, as well as the possible mechanism of pathological mineralization and calcification such as atherosclerosis, tumor micro mineralization, and urolithiasis are also reviewed and discussed. Indeed, the clearly defined physicochemical properties of mineral crystals could pave the way for studies on the mechanisms and applications.

"Afterglow" Photodynamic Therapy Based on Carbon Dots Embedded Silica Nanoparticles for Nondestructive Teeth Whitening

Teeth staining is a common dental health challenge in many parts of the world. Traditional teeth whitening techniques often lead to enamel damage and soft tissue toxicity due to the use of bioincompatible whitening reagents and continuous strong light irradiation. Herein, an "afterglow" photodynamic therapy (aPDT) for teeth whitening is proposed, which is realized by energy transition pathways of intersystem crossing. The covalent and hydrogen bonds formed by carbon dots embedded in silica nanoparticles (CDs@SiO2) facilitate the passage of energy through intersystem crossing (ISC), thereby extending the half-life of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The degradation efficiency of aPDT on dyes was higher than 95% in all cases. It can thoroughly whiten teeth by eliminating stains deep in the enamel without damaging the enamel structure and causing any tissue toxicity. This study illustrates the superiority of aPDT for dental whitening and the approach to exploring carbon-dots-based nanostructures in the treatment of oral diseases.