Applications of Biomedical Engineering in Dentistry

Recent advances in nanodentistry is discussed followed by a chapter on the applications of stem cell-encapsulated hydrogel in dentistry.Periodontal regeneration is a challenging issue in dentistry, and thus, is going to be considered separately to understand the efforts and achievements of tissue engineers in this matter.  Oral mucosa grafting is a practical approach in engineering and treatment of tissues in ophthalmology, which is the subject of another chapter. Microfluidic approaches became more popular in biomedical engineering during the last decade; hence, one chapter focuses on the advanced topic of microfluidics technologies using oral factors as saliva-based studies.  Injectable gels in endodontics is a new theme in dentistry that bioengineering skills can advance its development, specifically by producing clinically safe and effective gels with regeneration and antibacterial properties.  Engineered products often need to be tested before being clinical in dentistry; thus, one chapter is dedicated to reviewing applicable animal models in dental research. The last chapter covers the progress on the whole tooth bioengineering as a valuable and ultimate goal of many dental researchers.