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.

Azim AA, Shabbir J, Khurshid Z, Zafar MS, Ghabbani HM, Dummer PMH. Clinical endodontic management during the COVID-19 pandemic: a literature review and clinical recommendations.

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The widespread use of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices has increased concerns regarding using electronic apex locators in patients with these devices. This systematic review investigated the effects and safety of using electronic apex locators in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices.Methods: An electronic search in the Cochrane Library, PubMed (MEDLINE), ScienceDirect, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) databases for relevant articles published between December 2000 and December 2018 was performed. The search strategy centered on terms related to electronic apex locators use during root canal treatment in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices.Results: Seven studies (five in vitro and two in vivo) fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. It was found that electronic apex locators can be used safely in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, when general precautions are followed.Conclusions: Although the present review suggests that electronic apex locators can be used safely in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators, consultation with patients’ cardiologists remains advisable.

Bisphosphonates are stable structural analogs of pyrophosphate, which suppress the activity of osteoclasts, leading to decreased bone resorption. They are essential medications in the treatment of osteoporosis. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a serious adverse effect of bisphosphonate therapy. The prevalence of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw varies from 0% to 28%, and it can be triggered by dental extraction and trauma. Root canal therapy can delay, or even eliminate, the need for tooth extraction, and therefore, may reduce the risk of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. We suggest that this might be the best treatment for teeth with pulpal and/or periapical disease.