Endodontic Materials at the Cutting Edge: Innovation, Evidence, and Ongoing Debates

Recent advances in materials science are reshaping endodontic practice, from the development of bioactive and bioceramic root canal sealers to the refinement of nickel-titanium alloys in rotary instrumentation. The pursuit of more predictable, durable, and biocompatible outcomes has catalyzed novel materials for regeneration, disinfection, and obturation. Yet, these innovations have also fueled scientific debate - regarding comparative performance, long-term stability, bioactivity, and cost-effectiveness.

This Research Topic invites contributions at the intersection of endodontics and dental materials science. We aim to showcase cutting-edge research on the development, characterization, and application of endodontic materials - and to critically address persistent controversies and open questions in the field.

Submissions are encouraged that address (but are not limited to):

▪ Comparative studies of root canal sealers (bioceramic, epoxy-resin, novel hybrids)
▪ Innovations in endodontic instruments (materials science of alloys and coatings)
▪ Advancements in irrigation solutions and delivery systems
▪ Biomaterials for regenerative endodontics, including scaffolds and bioactive molecules
▪ The effects of materials on the dentin–material interface and long-term sealing ability
▪ Material-related controversies (toxicity, antibacterial properties, clinical outcomes, cost-benefit analyses)
▪ Translational approaches bringing novel biomaterials from the lab to the clinic
▪ Environmental sustainability in endodontic material development

We welcome original research, reviews, and case-based reports spanning basic science to clinical studies, particularly those illuminating how advances in materials are transforming endodontic treatment and patient outcomes.

Our aim is to create a forum for material-driven innovation in endodontics: to highlight progress, stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue, and clarify ongoing debates - ensuring that material developments translate to meaningful advances in clinical care.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: endodontics, root canal sealers, bioceramics, regenerative endodontics, dental materials, rotary instruments, irrigation techniques, material-dentin interface

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.