The aim of this review article is to present various material groups, including ceramics, composites and hybrid materials, currently utilized in the field of CAD/CAM. The described technology is amongst the most important in modern prosthetics. Materials that are applicable in this technique are constantly tested, evaluated and improved. Nowadays, research on dental materials is carried out in order to meet the increasing demand on highly aesthetic and functional indirect restorations. Recent studies present the long-term clinical success of restorations made with the help of both ceramic and composite materials in the CAD/CAM method. However, new materials are developed and introduced that do not have long-term in vivo observations. We can outline a monolithic polymer-infiltrated ceramic network and zirconia teeth support that show promising results to date but require further assessment. The materials will be compared with regard to their mechanical and clinical properties, purpose, advantages and limitations.

This review is an attempt to summarize current research on ozone, titanium dioxide (TiO2), silver (Ag), copper oxide CuO and platinum (Pt) nanoparticles (NPs). These agents can be used in various fields of dentistry such as conservative dentistry, endodontic, prosthetic or dental surgery. Nanotechnology and ozone can facilitate the dentist’s work by providing antimicrobial properties to dental materials or ensuring a decontaminated work area. However, the high potential of these agents for use in medicine should be confirmed in further research due to possible side effects, especially in long duration of observation so that the best way to apply them can be obtained.

Fluoride is one of the elements commonly present in the human environment. Due to its characteristics, it is very widely used in medicine, dentistry, industry or agriculture. On the other hand, its universality possesses a real threat to the human body in the form of acute and chronic poisoning. The aim of this paper is to characterize the properties of fluoride and its effects on the human body, as well as the sources of its occurrence. Particular emphasis is placed on the safety of its use and optimal dosage intake, which prevents accumulation and reduces its potential side effects. The positive effect of proper fluoride supply is widely described. In order to avoid overdose, it is best to consult a specialist to properly select the dosage.

Background: Recently, the defects of the tooth surface in the cervical region are often restored using composite filling materials. It should meet the needs of the patients regarding esthetics and material stability. The aim of the study was to analyze the tooth root surface at the cervical region after the removal of the composite filling material by means of the Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Er: YAG) laser or drill using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy. Materials and Methods: For the purposes of this study, 14 premolar teeth (n = 14) were removed due to orthodontic reasons. The rectangular shape cavities with 3 mm in width and 1.5 mm in height were prepared with a 0.8 mm bur on high-speed contra-angle in the tooth surface just below cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and filled with the composite material. The composite material was removed with the Er: YAG laser at a power of 3.4 W, energy 170 mJ, frequency 20 Hz, pulse duration 300 μs, tip diameter 0.8 mm, air/fluid cooling 3 mL/s, and time of irradiation: 6 sec, at a distance from teeth of 2 mm (G1 group, n = 7) or a high-speed contra-angle bur (G2 group, n = 7). After the removal of composite material, the surfaces of teeth were examined using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy. Results: The Er: YAG irradiation allowed to remove completely the composite material from the tooth cavity. The study confirmed, that the ends of collagen fibers were only partially denatured after the Er: YAG laser application. Conclusion: It has been proved that using the Er: YAG laser is an effective and safe method of composite removal for the dentin surface.

In recent years, nanomaterials have become increasingly present in medicine, especially in dentistry. Their characteristics are proving to be very useful in clinical cases. Due to the intense research in the field of biomaterials and nanotechnology, the efficacy and possibilities of dental procedures have immensely expanded over the years. The nano size of materials allows them to exhibit properties not present in their larger-in-scale counterparts. The medical procedures in endodontics are time-consuming and mostly require several visits to be able to achieve the proper result. In this field of dentistry, there are still major issues about the removal of the mostly bacterial infection from the dental root canals. It has been confirmed that nanoparticles are much more efficient than traditional materials and appear to have superior properties when it comes to surface chemistry and bonding. Their unique antibacterial properties are also promising features in every medical procedure, especially in endodontics. High versatility of use of nanomaterials makes them a powerful tool in dental clinics, in a plethora of endodontic procedures, including pulp regeneration, drug delivery, root repair, disinfection, obturation and canal filling. This study focuses on summing up the current knowledge about the utility of nanomaterials in endodontics, their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and provides a number of reasons why research in this field should be continued.