Understanding in detail the modifications that occur in biological tissues during the progression of oral and maxillofacial pathologies requires a concerted use of complementary scanning microscopy techniques. Optical imaging modalities such as multiphoton microscopy (MPM), Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Microscopy, Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCLSM), or optical coherence tomography (OCT) can thus be of great help for improving diagnosis, as they can resolve both morphological and biochemical modifications specific to various health states. Further on, these techniques can be used in tandem with other complex imaging tools, including Micro-CT, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), or Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), to shed light over the interactions that take place between soft tissues and advanced materials that are used in various therapeutic approaches, such as micro- and nanostructured polymers, ceramics, and metallic materials. These techniques have applications in diagnostics, theranostics, restorative and regenerative medicine, prosthetics, and other relevant biomedical tasks. Furthermore, to achieve a better understanding of oral and maxillofacial pathologies, these characterization techniques can be coupled with 3D scanning (e.g., intraoral scanning) and 3D printing technologies that are widely used in the dental area, because of their immense benefits, for example, scanning physical models into digital 3D computer-aided (CAD) files to be used in the designing and additive manufacturing (CAM) of various prosthetic pieces and aiding dentists with easier treatment planning, improved communication with laboratories, and reduced operative and treatment time.

The aim of this special issue is to disseminate the latest results and efforts of specialists concerned with scanning-based tissue imaging, materials design and synthesis, and tissue-material interactions, which are relevant with respect to the accurate understanding and successful treatment of oral and maxillofacial pathologies. Original research articles, as well as review papers are invited, with particular interest in work presenting novel research avenues and future perspectives on the matter.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Imaging of oral and maxillofacial tissues with scanning-based imaging modalities working in macro-, micro-, and nanoscale
• Novel scanning characterization approaches for enhanced design, synthesis, and functionalization of advanced materials used in dentistry and oral health
• Correlative imaging of oral and maxillofacial tissues and materials for dentistry and oral health with complementary scanning imaging technologies