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Dental Tribune International

Wed. 16. April 2025

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This year’s Dentsply Sirona (DS) World Dubai, held at Grand Hyatt Dubai in the UAE on 2 and 3 February, marked an important industry event for the digital dentistry community. One of the most important contributors to the meeting, and to the field as a whole, was Prof. Simone Grandini. He is professor of endodontics and restorative dentistry at the University of Siena in Italy and an established and important figure in the advancement of dental education and clinical research. At DS World Dubai 2025, he offered a hands-on workshop on efficient workflows for composite restorations as well as an insightful lecture on the topic of the restoration of endodontically treated teeth. In this interview, Prof. Grandini shares his insights into the ongoing evolution of restorative dentistry and the centrality of Dentsply Sirona products to his clinical workflow.

Prof. Grandini, having accompanied the evolution of restorative dentistry, how would you assess the clinical impact of Smart Dentin Replacement (SDR) technology over the past 15 years? What do you believe has made SDR flow+ stand out as the benchmark among bulk-fill composites?
The answer is quite simple: SDR was the first product of its kind. We’d been taught for years that we must limit ourselves to 2 mm depth. It became clear to me how revolutionary the SDR technology was when I saw the research by Prof. Reinhard Hickel from LMU Munich which demonstrated that SDR could be applied in 4 mm increments. This technology revolutionised restorative dentistry by addressing some of the long-standing challenges associated with bulk-fill composites. Its introduction marked a paradigm shift in how we approach direct restorations, particularly for posterior teeth.

SDR has really surprised me. We’ve also come to realise that it’s an intelligent dentine substitute. We now refer to it as “stress decreasing resin”. Let me explain why: shrinkage stress is a major challenge in restorative therapy. SDR solves this problem with its self-levelling properties and lower polymerisation stress, ensuring superior cavity adaptation and reducing the risk of marginal leakage and secondary caries. Alongside that, reduced shrinkage stress not only minimises postoperative sensitivity but also enhances the longevity of the restoration.

SDR has evolved beyond the original formulation to what we have today with several more shades. This material covers almost all clinical indications and requirements in my daily practice. Optimised viscosity, controlled polymerisation shrinkage, radiopacity and easy application—these characteristics simplify my teaching and enhance students’ confidence in achieving predictable outcomes.

Prof. Simone Grandini engaged in a hands-on workshop at DS World Dubai 2025.

Prof. Simone Grandini demonstrating the latest Dentsply Sirona innovations at DS World 2025 Dubai.

The efficiency and seamless adaptation of SDR flow+ have been recognised as game-changing features. From your perspective as a leading educator and practitioner, how have these characteristics affected your teaching and practice of restorative dentistry in both academic and clinical settings?
SDR flow+ has redefined how I teach and practise restorative techniques as an educator. It has streamlined the process of achieving high-quality restorations and allows students to focus on mastering other critical skills, such as cavity preparation and reconstruction of the occlusal anatomy. Its ease of use and reduced layering steps enable the students and dentists in my workshops to achieve consistent results, boosting their confidence early in their training.

I also use SDR in the contact points of certain small cavities because its adaptability is excellent. During my workshops, we have observed something interesting in a model in which the example restoration can be removed thanks to a missing adjacent tooth: SDR applied directly into the cavity behaves like an impression material—that’s how well it adapts. This makes it so much easier to use.

As a pioneer in endodontics and restorative dentistry, what advancements or innovations do you expect in the next generation of bulk-fill composites, and how might they further benefit clinicians in achieving optimal restorative outcomes?
There’s always room for improvement, but I’m very satisfied with this technology. We have progressed from only one translucent material to four shades—Universal, A1, A2 and A3—which alone has been a game-changer.

Let’s dream up a few ideas: perhaps a longer applicator tip for endodontic treatment or for access to smaller spaces, or a self-adhesive bulk-fill composite. While bulk-fill composites have advanced in translucency and shade matching, the next generation may further enhance lifelike appearance. Composites embedded with sensors or responsive technologies could provide clinicians with real-time feedback about curing depth, stress distribution or marginal integrity. That’s what chemical professionals refer to as “smart polymers”. Also, since the dental industry is moving toward eco-friendly materials, future composites may incorporate sustainable or recyclable components while maintaining their mechanical properties.

I’m confident that Dentsply Sirona will play a leading role in advancing these innovations. I look forward to being among the first to try out new products.