Search

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) pose diagnostic challenges, and selecting appropriate imaging modalities is crucial for accurate assessment. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy and efficacy of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying TMDs., Methods: A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, including studies that compared US and MRI for TMJ disorder assessments. Fixed-effects models were utilized to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-squared test and I 2 statistic. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies included., Results: Six studies were included, involving a total of 281 participants. The meta-analysis demonstrated that MRI was statistically somewhat better than US in identifying TMJ disorders. The summary OR was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.46-0.90), and the summary RR was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.68-0.95). Heterogeneity among the studies was low (χ 2  = 2.73, df = 5, p = .74; I 2  = 0%). Demographic variables revealed variations in sample size, gender ratio and mean age across the studies., Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides evidence that MRI may be more effective than US in diagnosing TMDs. However, the study is limited by the small number of included studies and variations in demographic variables and study designs. Future research with larger samples and standardised protocols is essential to confirm and strengthen these findings. Understanding the diagnostic accuracy of MRI and US for TMJ disorders will aid clinicians in making informed decisions for effective TMJ disorder assessments and patient management., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Oral Rehabilitation published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a spectrum of orofacial conditions characterised by pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures. Tobacco smoking has been posited as a potential factor influencing the prevalence and intensity of TMD. However, the nature and extent of this relationship remain unclear due to variations in study outcomes. This systematic review aimed to consolidate existing research findings to elucidate the association between tobacco smoking and TMD pain intensity., Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to June 2023. Studies investigating the relationship between tobacco smoking and TMD pain were included. Data extraction was conducted by two reviewers. Quality assessment was performed using the New Castle-Ottawa scale. Review Manager 5.4 was used to quantitatively analyse the results., Results: The review included four studies employing similar TMD assessment techniques. All studies reported elevated TMD pain intensity among tobacco users, with non-smokers exhibiting lower pain intensity. The quality of the included studies was good. Meta-analytic results showed that TMD pain intensity was higher in the smokers group compared to the non-smokers group, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 0.65 (BPM) (95% CI: [0.10, 1.19], p = .02)., Conclusion: This systematic review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the existing literature on tobacco smoking and TMD symptoms. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of the relationship between smoking and TMD pain, highlighting its clinical relevance and the need for tailored interventions. Further research is warranted to elucidate underlying mechanisms and potential moderating factors, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of this complex association., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Oral Rehabilitation published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The study aimed to retrospectively assess the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) in managing temporomandibular disorders (TMD) using the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD). There has been an ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of HA as a treatment option for TMD, which necessitated a thorough evaluation., Methods: The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines conducted across eight different databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO and CINAHL. The selection criteria included studies that evaluated the efficacy of HA in TMD patients, utilised DC/TMD, and were published in English. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. ROB-2 tool was employed to assess methodological quality of the assessed studies., Results: A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. They demonstrated that HA was effective in improving various symptoms of TMD, such as pain, mouth opening and joint sounds over control group. But on the other end, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was found to be better than HA intervention in alleviation of TMD symptoms. However, the degree of improvement varied across the studies. Some studies reported adverse effects, but these were typically minor and transient. Risk of bias assessment was low in all the included studies., Conclusion: The findings suggest that HA can be an effective treatment for TMD when evaluated with DC/TMD. However, the variation in effectiveness across studies indicates the need for individualised treatment planning and careful monitoring of adverse effects. Further research is needed to refine the treatment protocols and understand the long-term effectiveness and safety of HA in TMD management., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Oral Rehabilitation published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a prevalent ailment with a global impact, affecting a substantial number of individuals. While some individuals are receiving treatment from orthodontists for TMD, a significant proportion of individuals obtain knowledge through websites., Objectives: Our purpose had been to evaluate, from a patient-oriented perspective, the readability of home pages of websites scored in the 10 most prominent devoted to TMD. We also determined what level of education would have been needed to get an overview of the information on the websites under scrutiny. This approach ensures that our findings are centred on the patient experience, providing insights into how accessible and understandable websites about TMD., Methods: We determined the top 10 patient-focused English language websites by searching for 'temporomandibular disorders' in the 'no country redirect' plugin of the Google Chrome browser (www.google.com/ncr). The readability of the texts was assessed using the Gunning fog index (GFI), Coleman Liau index (CLI), Automated readability index (ARI) Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Kincald grade level (FKGL), Flesh reasing ease (FRE) (https://readabilityformulas.com)., Results: The mean Flesch reading ease index score was determined to be 48.67, accompanied by a standard deviation of 15.04 and these websites require an average of 13.49 years of formal education (GFI), with a standard deviation of 2.62, for ease of understanding., Conclusion: Our research indicates that a significant proportion of websites related to TMD can be defined as a level of complexity that exceeds the ability to read comprehension of the general population., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Oral Rehabilitation published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition characterised by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and associated morbidities. Orthognathic surgery (OGS) has been proposed as a treatment option for OSAS, aimed at anatomically repositioning the maxillofacial structures to alleviate airway obstruction. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of OGS in reducing apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores among OSAS patients., Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases for studies assessing the outcomes of OGS in OSAS patients, focusing on changes in AHI and ESS scores. The inclusion criteria encompassed observational studies, cohort studies, and randomised control trials. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis was utilised to pool mean differences (MD) of AHI and ESS scores preoperatively and postoperatively, with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated., Results: A total of 8 studies met the inclusion criteria, where OGS was shown to be slightly more effective in correcting OSAS than the other modalities assessed, primarily CPAP. The pooled MD for AHI demonstrated a significant reduction in scores post-OGS (MD = 29.84, 95% CI: 14.17-45.50, p < 0.0001) with substantial heterogeneity (I 2  = 95%). For ESS, the pooled MD indicated a non-significant reduction (MD = 1.91, 95% CI: -1.29 to 5.12, p = 0.24) with high heterogeneity (I 2  = 81%)., Conclusion: Orthognathic surgery appears to be an effective intervention for reducing AHI in patients with OSAS, suggesting a potential to improve the objective measures of sleep apnea. However, the effect on subjective sleepiness scores, as evaluated by ESS, was not statistically significant. The high heterogeneity among studies warrants individualised patient assessment when considering OGS for OSAS. Further research is needed to identify factors contributing to the variability of outcomes and to assess the long-term benefits and risks associated with the procedure., (© 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Oral Rehabilitation published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Chronic periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory condition that affects both the oral health and systemic well-being of individuals, particularly those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Accurate diagnosis and evaluation of periodontal status are crucial for effective management of the disease. This narrative review aimed to compare the diagnostic and evaluative capabilities of conventional periodontal probing and salivary biomarkers in chronic periodontitis among individuals with T2DM. The available literature highlights the clinical utility of conventional periodontal probing as the gold standard for periodontal diagnosis and evaluation. It enables the assessment of clinical parameters such as probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing, providing valuable information about the severity and extent of periodontal disease. However, this approach has limitations, including its invasive nature, potential for examiner bias, and limited ability to detect early stages of periodontitis. In recent years, salivary biomarkers have emerged as promising diagnostic tools for periodontal diseases. Various biomarkers, such as inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and host-derived enzymes, have shown potential in differentiating periodontal health from disease and assessing disease activity. Salivary biomarker analysis offers advantages such as non-invasiveness, ease of collection, and the potential for chair-side testing. However, standardization of collection protocols, biomarker panels, and interpretation criteria remain a challenge. This narrative review provides an overview of the strengths and limitations of conventional periodontal probing and salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis and evaluation of chronic periodontitis in individuals with T2DM. Both approaches have their unique advantages and contribute valuable information in clinical practice. Combining conventional periodontal probing with salivary biomarker analysis holds promise for enhancing the accuracy and precision of periodontal disease diagnosis and monitoring in individuals with T2DM.

Background: Boswellic acid (BA) is a bioactive compound derived from Boswellia trees. This study aims to investigate the anti-cancer properties of BA against KB oral squamous cancer cells and elucidate the underlying mechanisms., Methods: Escalating doses of BA were administered to KB cells, and various analyses were conducted using bioinformatic tools such as GEO, GEO2R, and STITCH database. MTT and trypan blue assays has been validated to measure the cytotoxicity by treating BA in KB Cells. Flow cytometry assessed cell cycle progression, apoptosis induction, and metabolic alterations. Network analysis identified relevant signaling pathways, while RT-PCR validated mRNA expression changes. Docking studies by Autodock evaluated beta-BA's binding affinity with mTOR-mediated pathways., Results: BA effectively hindered KB cell progression, inducing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. It also inhibited aerobic glycolysis, a hallmark of oral cancer cells. Network analysis revealed involvement in apoptosis and mTOR targets. RT-PCR confirmed downregulation of genes associated with aerobic glycolysis and apoptosis. Docking studies indicated strong binding between BA and mTOR pathways., Conclusions: BA shows promise in inhibiting KB oral squamous cancer cell growth. These findings underscore its potential as a treatment for oral cancer. Further research and clinical studies are needed to unlock its full therapeutic potential.

Background: Oral cancer is a predominant and aggressive form of head and neck cancer with limited treatment options. Stevioside, a naturally occurring biocompatible compound, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties, although its molecular mechanistic role in OSCC merely understood. This study aims to elucidate the impact of stevioside on OSCC cells, focusing on its inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT)., Methods: KB cells, representative of OSCC, were subjected to stevioside treatment in a time-dependent manner. The findings obtained from the MTT assay revealed a notable suppression of KB cell growth following 48 hours of treatment with stevioside., Results: The IC50 values, which represent the concentration at which the inhibitory effect of stevioside is at 50% at 110.54 µM, as determined by this assay, were subsequently utilized further for the analysis of gene expression through RT-PCR. Furthermore, our investigation involved the examination of EMT-related genes (ECADH, SNAIL1, SLUG, and VIM) using molecular docking analysis., Conclusions: In conclusion, this study sheds light on the significant role of stevioside in oral cancer. The observed inhibition of KB cell proliferation and its pronounced impact on EMT-related gene expression indicate the potential of stevioside as a promising therapeutic agent in the context of OSCC. The multifaceted effects of stevioside on OSCC cells present an exciting avenue for advancing our understanding of this devastating disease and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Literature evidenced an association of maternal sleep disturbances and maternal obstructive sleep apnea with significant obstetric complications. Moreover, the maternal sleep disturbances effect on feto-placental circulation had not been extensively examined. Our objective is to explore the possible maternal sleep disturbances impact on the feto-placental indices evaluated through the Doppler study. A systematic review of the following databases was performed: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from the beginning to June 2024. Only studies that enrolled pregnant women with signs and symptoms of maternal sleep disturbances or obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis, which analysed the feto-placental Doppler parameters, were considered eligible (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024553926). We included a total of four studies with 1715 cases of pregnant women. Various instrumental and non-instrumental diagnostic methods were adopted for detection of maternal sleep disturbances. The ultrasound exam was performed mainly in the third trimester of pregnancies, and all the studies explored the uterine Doppler parameters. Only two studies explore the foetal Doppler parameters. Only one study disclosed that maternal sleep disturbances are related to altered uterine Doppler indices with probable placental dysfunction. This review did not evidence a significant influence of maternal sleep disturbances and obstructive sleep apnea on foetal Doppler indices. Moreover, one large prospective study showed a possible impact of maternal sleep disturbances on uterine Doppler with a potential impairment of the placentation function. Additional studies with detailed data and larger samples are needed to throw light on this relationship and its impact on the foetal outcomes., (© 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Sleep Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Sleep Research Society.)

Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Background: The study's objective was to develop an automated method for a histopathology recognition model for odontogenic keratocysts (OKC) and non-keratocyst (Non-KC) in jaw cyst sections stained with hematoxylin (H) and eosin (E) on a tiny bit of incisional biopsy prior to surgery., Methods: This hastens the speed and precision of diagnosis to patients. Also, navigates the clinicians with the therapeutic doctrine. To build such a system and to increase the accuracy of the existing models, the edge attention CNN model with Keras functional API was implemented which efficiently analyzes the texture information of the images. Approximately 2861 microscopic images at a 40X magnification were taken from 54 OKC, 23 Dentigerous cysts (DC), and 20 Radicular cysts., Results: The model was trained using both RGB and canny edge-detected images. The model gave a good accuracy of 96.8%, which is suitable for real-time. Histopathological images are better analyzed through textural features. The proposed edge attention CNN highlights the edges, making texture analysis more precise., Conclusions: The suggested method will work for OKC and Non-KC diagnosis automation systems. The use of a whole slide imaging scanner has the potential to increase accuracy and remove human bias.

Background: It is well known that in bidimensional photography the orientation of the head is fundamental to obtain a correct reproduction of the subject. Even minimal errors in yaw, roll and pitch of the head can be cause of unreliability of the photography itself. This is not the case in three-dimensional photography in which head positioning may have no influence on the reliability of the results since on the computer the 3D reconstruction of the face can be oriented as desired, allowing any small errors to be corrected. The authors, in a previous in-vitro study, demonstrated this using a mannequin of the head. In the present study, the Authors repeat the study in vivo to verify any differences., Methods: Seventeen anthropometric points were marked on the face of a young adult female (26 years old) with eyeliner. Images of the face were then acquired with a stereo-photogrammetric system (Face Shape 3D MaxiLine) in natural head position and with varying degrees of roll, pitch and yaw. The anthropometric points marked on the skin were then recognized and marked on a digital software (Viewbox, dHAL Software, 6 Menandrou Street, Kifissia 14561, Greece) on each individual image. 14 linear distances between these points were measured using the same software., Results: The linear distances of these points in the stereophotos taken at centered positions were then compared with those taken with different degrees of roll, pitch and yaw. This study confirms previous results obtained in vitro regarding the presence of areas of non-equivalence (P<0.05) when comparing the frontal and lateral regions of the face at various angles., Conclusions: However, it introduces important suggestions on the collection of data from specific anthropometric points. If these points are to be assessed, the medical staff will have to take special precautions to obtain reliable images.

Aim: The primary goal of the present comprehensive systematic review is to assess the treatment results attained through PSIO in individuals with NSCLP, as well as to explore its effectiveness. This will be accomplished by examining a range of existing published studies that focus on patient groups who have undergone PPIO., Materials: A comprehensive search strategy was devised by a single author for each database without language restrictions. The databases searched were PubMed, Cochrane library Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus. The search period was limited to the years 2001 to 2023. Duration and study design filter was used. Furthermore, conference proceedings, abstracts, and reference lists of relevant studies were sought to obtain additional records., Conclusion: The examined protocols for passive presurgical infant orthopaedics (PPIO) in individuals with CLP typically did not reveal notable treatment outcomes when compared to a lack of treatment across a range of domains. These domains encompass feeding patterns, facial aesthetics, maxillary dentoalveolar factors, cephalometric measurements, speech and language-related aspects, dental arch alignments, economic assessments, as well as occurrences of adverse effects or complications associated with applied appliances or procedures.

Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of aging on the repair bond strength between old composite resin and repaired composite resin and to evaluate which type of repair composite material provides better bond strength in different time durations., Methods: Eighty nano-hybrid composite specimens were randomly divided into four groups (N.=20) and exposed to accelerated aging from 0 to 2 years. Each group was further divided into two subgroups, A and B, repaired with packable and flowable composite respectively, after micro-abrasion treatment. Shear bond strength was assessed and statistically analyzed., Results: It was observed that with an increase in aging time, the bond strength of both the composite materials used for repair decreased. The flowable composite's mean bond strength (22.09±0.65, 18.74±2.36, and 17.74±2.38 MPa) was more than the packable composite (21.97±0.84, 17.97±3.85, and 15.97±2.45 MPa) used for repair on aged specimens. In contrast, the bond strength of the packable was more than the flowable composite in control group specimens that were not aged (23.25±0.89 vs. 22.40±1.26)., Conclusions: As restored composites age, their bond strength decreases. Flowable composite displays better repair shear strength than packable composite as aging progresses. Micro abrasion followed by flowable composite bonding can repair aged composite restorations effectively.

Background: Root surface caries, commonly known as root decay, is a common dental disorder that affects tooth roots. Like enamel-based tooth decay, root caries attack exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession or periodontal disease. Older persons with gum recession, tooth loss, or poor oral hygiene may be more likely to develop this disorder. Dental root caries must be diagnosed early to improve treatment and prevention. This research will examine radiographic image-based AI-based root caries prediction algorithms., Methods: Saveetha Dental College supplied 200 root surface radiographs. An expert dentist and dental radiologist confirmed one hundred teeth with root caries and 100 without. Edited and segmented radiographic images. Orange, a machine learning squeeze net embedding model with Naive Bayes, Logistic Regression, and neural networks, was used to assess prediction accuracy. Training and test data were split 80/20. Cross-validation, confusion matrix, and ROC analysis assessed model performance. This study examined precision and recall., Results: Naïve bayes and logistic regression have 96% and 100% accuracy, but class accuracy is -94% and 100% in image classification of root caries was seen., Conclusions: AI-based root caries prediction utilizing radiographic images would improve dental care by diagnosing and treating early, accurately, and personalized. With appropriate deployment, research, and ethics, AI integration in dentistry could benefit practitioners and patients. Dental professionals and AI experts must work together to maximize this new technology.AI integration in dentistry can significantly improve root caries diagnosis and treatment by predicting root caries using radiographic images. This early detection reduces treatment need and time. Collaboration between dental professionals and AI experts is crucial for maximizing benefits.

Background: A lack of healthy red blood cells such as iron deficiency frequently consequences as anemia. In expectant women, iron deficiency increases the risk of developmental delays in the fetus. It is utilized to regenerate red blood cells (RBC), which determines the storage and transport of oxygen in the body. As for oral symptoms and indications, it has an inclusive of atrophic glossitis, oral mucosa atrophy, and oral mucosa tenderness or a sensation with burning in mouth. The objective is to determine RBC parameters for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) symptoms in oral disease patients., Methods: Normal and oral disease patients' blood is collected in a 2-mL EDTA vial for the hematology analyzer. With file number SRB/SDC/UG-2155/22/493, the institutional ethical approval committee approved this study: 10 controls (without anemia) and 10 patients with oral disease (with anemia)., Results: In oral disease patients with anemia, a decreased hemoglobin level is observed. In this study, nearly all anemic patients have IDA. In IDA, the RBC count decreases, the MCV decreases, the MCH decreases, and the RDW rises. We have analyzed various iron deficiency anemia indices. Ricercari and Eshani demonstrate a significant change in it., Conclusions: In predicting iron deficiency anemia, our results indicate that oral patients have significant differences in hematological parameters that are individual. It demonstrates that oral disease patients are developing iron deficiency anemia than controls (healthy). Additionally, the discrimination indices reveal that they do not have hemoglobinopathies but rather iron deficiencies. Oral manifestations are more prevalent in Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) patients than in healthy patients, according to our findings.

Background: Dental implant success critically depends on the primary stability of the implant, which is significantly influenced by the bone density at the osteotomy site. Traditional drilling techniques for osteotomy preparation often compromise bone volume and quality. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of osseodensification, a novel osteotomy preparation technique, on bone density and implant stability. The technique utilizes specialized drills that operate in a counter-clockwise direction to compact autografted bone laterally and apically, preserving and enhancing bone density., Methods: A total of 32 patients undergoing dental implant surgery were included in this study. Pre-operative and post-operative bone densities at the apical, mesial, and distal regions of the osteotomy sites were measured using Dentascan (CT) and analyzed with Radiant DICOM software. The study utilized osseodensification drills for osteotomy preparation, comparing pre-operative and post-operative bone densities to assess the technique's efficacy., Results: The study found a statistically significant increase in bone density post-operatively (p < 0.001), with the greatest improvement observed in the distal region, followed by the mesial and apical regions. The findings underscore osseodensification's effectiveness in enhancing bone density and primary stability, with the distal region exhibiting the highest bone density., Conclusion: Osseodensification represents a significant advancement in implant dentistry for osteotomy preparation. By preserving and increasing bone density through compact autografting, this technique not only improves primary stability but also offers potential benefits in indirect sinus lifting and alveolar ridge expansion. The study advocates for the broader adoption of osseodensification drills in clinical practice to achieve better outcomes in dental implantology., Trial Registration: This study received ethical approval from The Research Ethics Committee at King Khalid University's under Approval no. ECM#2024 - 216. Additionally, it was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier no: NCT06268639., Competing Interests: Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and the protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia [ECM#2024 − 216, following the protocol HAPO-06-B-001]. The study protocol was developed, and all subjects gave their written informed consent for inclusion before they participated in the study. Consent for publication Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

After a tooth extraction, a dry socket is a common problem that can cause excruciating pain and prevent healing. Antiseptic dressings have historically been the mainstay of treatments for this illness in order to lower bacteria and accelerate healing. Alveogyl is a medicated dressing composed of butamben, iodoform, and eugenol is conventionally used to manage the pain associated with dry socket. The purpose of this study is to assess how well laser therapy treats alveolitis symptoms. The idea that laser therapy is an excellent tool for treating alveolitis is what motivated this meta-analysis. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of Level Laser Therapy (LLT) in the treatment of dry socket.  Methods: A literature search was done on PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane using the keywords entered, and papers published between January 2000 and September 2023 were taken into consideration. The terms "laser" and "dry socket" have been merged using the Boolean conjunction AND; the results show that 65 studies could be identified using the three search engines. Only five were selected to create the current systematic study and metanalysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that laser therapy is superior to the traditional Alvogyl treatment in managing alveolitis symptoms, especially in pain reduction. The overall effect demonstrated a mean difference of -2.01 (95% CI: -2.43 to -1.59) on the third day of treatment, with a p < 0.05, indicating statistical significance.  Conclusion: The quantitative analysis showed that Low-Level Laser Therapy demonstrated promising potential in managing alveolitis symptoms, particularly in terms of pain reduction, when compared to traditional treatments like Alvogyl. Despite the results indicating a statistically significant reduction in pain, the evidence does not conclusively establish laser therapy as a complete substitute for conventional therapies. Further high-quality studies with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols are required to confirm its long-term efficacy and to assess its broader applicability in clinical settings.

Stainless-steel crowns (SSCs) are the most durable restorative option for deciduous teeth, although they are unsightly. However, prefabricated zirconia crowns (ZCs) look more pleasant but require substantial dental preparation. Recently, BioFlx crowns have been introduced as a white-colored alternative to SSCs, providing both flexibility and aesthetics. However, clinical trials have not assessed their oral cavity load-bearing capacity and suitability for repairing severely decayed deciduous teeth. To address this gap, the present study compared the shear stresses generated by BioFlx crowns, ZCs and the gold standard SSCs when restoring extensively decayed deciduous teeth using finite element analysis (FEA). The restoration was represented by three finite element models with the identical tooth structure: BioFlx, SSC and ZC, constructed using a Trios 3 scanner and exported for analysis using ANSYS. The FEA results showed that ZCs had the maximum axial static load stress at 40.91 MPa, followed by SSCs at 39.331 MPa and BioFlx at 14.009 MPa. ZCs produced 2.932 MPa at 45°, SSCs 3.005 MPa and BioFlx 0.3227 MPa. ZCs had a maximum primary stress of 3.055 MPa at 0°, while SSCs and BioFlx had 2.3 and 0.3017 MPa, respectively. Deformation analysis revealed that under a load direction of 90°, SSCs deformed by 5.978 mm, ZCs by 5.971 mm and BioFlx by 5.971 mm. When the load was applied at an angle of 45°, SSCs deformed by 6.527 mm, ZCs by 5.444 mm and BioFlx by 5.447 mm. SSCs deformed 5.452 mm at 0° load, while ZCs and BioFlx deformed 6.472 and 6.479 mm, respectively. Based on these findings, BioFlx crowns, in combination with the underlying core material, can withstand maximum loads, suggesting that a mutilated primary posterior tooth restored with glass ionomer cement and a BioFlx crown may be a viable option for frequent clinical use., Competing Interests: Theauthorsdeclarenoconflictofinterest. GiuseppeMinervini isservingasoneoftheEditorialBoardmembersofthisjournal. We declare that Giuseppe Minervini had no involvement in the peer review of this article and has no access to information regarding its peer review. Full responsibility for the editorial process for this article was delegated to AS., (©2024 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

Stress, a state of mental or emotional strain or tension brought on by challenging or demanding events might hamper a dentist's ability to react quickly and prudently. Their ability to deal with difficult patients may also be compromised, especially when dealing with frightened or anxious people. The main goal of this study was to survey a wide range of dental professionals from different backgrounds, including undergraduates, general practitioners and specialists, and determine how much stress each group was experiencing and how it affected both the participants and the treated patients. A sample size of an estimated 300 participants (defined by a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error) was found to be sufficient for this investigation. About 178 responses were received to the 300 Google Forms questions, a response percentage of 59.3%. Of those surveyed, 77% had work experience ranging from zero to five years. Women made up 30% of the population, while men made up 70%. Furthermore, the patient-to-dentist ratio was neither a significant worry nor a source of stress because the majority of dentists saw between 0 and 10 patients per month. General dentists and specialists treated the patients with higher awareness, in-depth understanding and care than undergraduates did because they frequently reported having less experience than the other categories in this study did. The fact that a sizable majority of the respondents had between 0 and 5 years of experience further explains the high stress levels. High anxiety levels were present among dental undergraduates, highlighting the necessity of stress management instruction and support services in training programmes., Competing Interests: Theauthorsdeclarenoconflictofinterest. GiuseppeMinervini isservingasoneoftheEditorialBoardmembersofthisjournal. We declare that Giuseppe Minervini had no involvement in the peer review of this article and has no access to information regarding its peer review. Full responsibility for the editorial process for this article was delegated to JJ., (©2024 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

Background: With the use of machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a viable diagnostic and treatment tool for oral cancer. AI can assess a variety of information, including histopathology slides and intraoral pictures., Aim: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of AI technology in the detection and diagnosis of oral cancer between 2020 and 2024., Methodology: With an emphasis on AI applications in oral cancer diagnostics, a thorough search approach was used to find pertinent publications published between 2020 and 2024. Using particular keywords associated with AI, oral cancer, and diagnostic imaging, databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Among the selection criteria were actual English-language research papers that assessed the effectiveness of AI models in diagnosing oral cancer. Three impartial reviewers extracted data, evaluated quality, and compiled the findings using a narrative synthesis technique., Results: Twelve papers that demonstrated a range of AI applications in the diagnosis of oral cancer satisfied the inclusion criteria. This study showed encouraging results in lesion identification and prognostic prediction using machine learning and deep learning algorithms to evaluate oral pictures and histopathology slides. The results demonstrated how AI-driven technologies might enhance diagnostic precision and enable early intervention in cases of oral cancer., Conclusion: Unprecedented prospects to transform oral cancer diagnosis and detection are provided by artificial intelligence. More resilient AI systems in oral oncology can be achieved by joint research and innovation efforts, even in the face of constraints like data set variability and regulatory concerns., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Background: Treponema denticola, a well-studied oral spirochete, adheres, invades, and damages periodontal tissues - gram-negative, anaerobic Treponema denticola. In previous research, sub-gingival spirochetes have correlated positively with dental plaque score, pocket, and clinical attachment level measurements. Hence, the study aims to design an immunoinformatic vaccine using a reverse vaccinology approach against Treponema denticola ergothionase., Methods: Protein Data Bank provided the FASTA amino acid sequence of Treponema denticola. Antigenicity, toxicity, and stability of discovered T-cell epitopes were evaluated to develop 6S7Q B and A multiepitope vaccination design. The Vaccine's dual major histocompatibility complex (MHC I and II) binding epitopes were also predicted. The designed Vaccine's identified epitope sequence and secondary structure were then predicted and validated. Protein-protein interactions involving ergothionase and human beta-defensins were investigated using molecular docking., Results: The designed Vaccine had high antigenicity, toxicity, and stability. The Vaccine's three-dimensional structure demonstrated a significant association with beta-defensin. Its low binding energy score of -827.6 kcal/mol indicates that the immune system will respond favorably to the antigen., Conclusions: In this research, we employed immunoinformatic techniques to create a reverse vaccination effort to develop an in-silico vaccine.

Background: Bioactive surface modifications have been proposed to enhance osseointegration and longevity of dental implants. This study aimed to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of various bioactive coatings in promoting bone integration and improving implant longevity., Methods: A systematic review was conducted, including studies that investigated bioactive surface modifications on titanium dental implants. Outcomes of interest were bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and implant longevity over a 30-day period. Data were extracted and analyzed using RevMan 5 (version 5.4.1), with forest plots generated to represent the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) under a random effects model., Results: The meta-analysis showed a significant improvement in BIC for surface-modified implants, with an overall MD of 7.29 (95% CI [2.94, 11.65]). Heterogeneity analysis indicated moderate heterogeneity (Tau² = 18.57, Chi² = 16.08, df = 8, P = 0.04, I² = 50%). The test for overall effect yielded Z = 3.28 (P = 0.001). For implant longevity, the overall MD was 7.52 (95% CI [3.18, 11.85]), with moderate heterogeneity (Tau² = 17.28, Chi² = 14.95, df = 8, P = 0.06, I² = 47%). The test for overall effect yielded Z = 3.40 (P = 0.0007)., Conclusion: Bioactive surface changes significantly improved osseointegration and lifespan of dental implants. Collagen-based coatings consistently encouraged early bone integration, while BMP-2 combinations were effective for osseointegration. Optimizing bioactive agent doses and combinations was critical for achieving desired outcomes., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study investigates the efficacy of Kinesio taping (KT) in reducing postoperative discomfort, including edema, trismus, and pain, following mandibular third molar extraction. A prospective randomized split-mouth design was employed, involving 7 patients with impacted mandibular third molars. KT was applied immediately postsurgery, and outcomes were assessed on the third and seventh postoperative days using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, 3D morphometric analysis for swelling, and caliper measurements for trismus. Results showed significant reductions in pain, swelling, and trismus on the KT-treated side compared with the control side. The most notable differences were observed on day 7, where KT demonstrated superior effectiveness in alleviating symptoms. The control group showed improvement over time, but the KT-treated group experienced faster and more pronounced recovery. In conclusion, KT proved to be a safe and effective method for improving postoperative recovery following mandibular third molar surgery, offering a low-cost, accessible option to enhance patient comfort and quality of life., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

How to cite this article: Ronsivalle V, Russo D, Cicciù M, et al. Navigating the Interconnected World of Tooth Wear, Bruxism, and Temporomandibular Disorders. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(10): 911-913. Keywords: Bruxism, Sleep disorders, Temporomandibular disorders, Tooth wear.

Ultrasonography (US) or diagnostic sonography is a radiographic technique that uses sound waves with frequencies higher than 20 kHz to demonstrate soft tissues such as muscles, internal organs, joints, and tendons. The US has various applications in dentistry such as cervical lymph node examination, salivary gland examination, periodontal examination, maxillofacial fracture examination, temporomandibular joint examination, and orofacial swelling examination. One of the most important advantages of the US is it does not produce any ionizing radiation. Since the US does not produce any ionizing radiation, it is a favorable technique especially for the patients who are susceptible to ionizing radiation such as pregnant patients and pediatric patients. In this article, we presented benign tumor lesions that were examined with the US in children and conducted a review of the literature.

Introduction: The aim of this article is to summarize, compare, and assess possible association in individuals with or without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for periodontitis., Evidence Acquisition: Three study repositories were searched for quantitative studies examining the relationship between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis between 2000 and December 2022. Quality was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). The standardized mean difference (SMD), with a random effect model and a P value of 0.05 as the significance level, was utilized as a summary statistic measure., Evidence Synthesis: Fourteen papers were included in the descriptive synthesis. Thirteen were qualified for meta-analysis. Our findings suggest a link between the two conditions in terms of clinical attachment levels (CAL), tooth loss, Plaque Index, and probing depth. The estimated SMD for CAL was found to be 0.68 (95% CI: 0.15-1.21) (P<0.01). For tooth loss, the forest plot analysis revealed an SMD of 1.62 (95% CI: 0.48-2.76) (P=0.005). Similarly, for pocket depth, the SMD was 0.53; CI: 0.07-0.99 (P>0.05). The pooled estimates for plaque index were 0.29; CI: 0.03-0.61 (P>0.05). The funnel plot showed a symmetric distribution with the absence of systematic heterogeneity., Conclusions: Although our data suggest a link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, larger population-based investigations are needed to validate this connection. Case-control studies must pave the way to more rigorous investigations with well-defined populations and clinical outcomes as primary outcome measures.

Background: Growing evidence suggests the type of periodontal treatment could differentially influence the reduction of key cardiovascular risk mediators in periodontitis patients. This randomized, controlled clinical trial compared the impact of minimally invasive non-surgical therapy (MINST) with quadrant-wise subgingival instrumentation (Q-SI) on C-reactive protein (CRP) together with lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 (Lp-PLA 2 ) levels, and clinical periodontal outcomes in patients with periodontitis. Moreover, it was evaluated if baseline CRP levels impacted the efficacy of non-surgical periodontal therapy protocols., Methods: Forty-two periodontitis patients were enrolled and randomly treated by means of MINST (n = 21) or Q-SI (n = 21). The outcomes assessed were serum CRP and Lp-PLA 2 , and periodontal parameters (probing depth [PD], clinical attachment level [CAL], full-mouth bleeding score [FMBS]), at baseline and at follow-ups at 1, 3, and 6 months and at 1 year after treatment., Results: At 1 year, MINST significantly reduced, among others, mean PD (p = 0.007), mean CAL (p = 0.007), the number of pockets >4 mm (p = 0.011) and ≥6 mm (p = 0.005), and FMBS (p = 0.048) compared to Q-SI. Generalized multivariate analysis evidenced that high baseline CRP (p = 0.039) and FMBS (p = 0.046) levels, together with MINST treatment (p = 0.007) were significant predictors of PD reduction at 1-year follow-up. Moreover, the Jonckheere-Terpstra test showed that patients with high baseline CRP levels gained more benefits from MINST treatment at 1-year follow-up than they did from Q-SI., Conclusion: Patients receiving MINST showed a greater reduction in CRP levels than patients with Q-SI after 1 year of follow-up. Moreover, patients with high baseline levels of CRP and Lp-PLA 2 gained more benefits from the MINST approach at 1-year follow-up., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Periodontology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Academy of Periodontology.)

Introduction: To systematically review existing scientific literature to determine, compare, and evaluate whether concentrated growth factors (CGF) or connective tissue grafts (CTG) is a better treatment alternative for patients with marginal tissue recession (MTR)., Methods: Electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were screened from the last 20 years reporting treatment of MTR using CGF or CTG and other techniques. Periodontal parameters like probing depth, clinical attachment level, recession depth, recession width, keratinized tissue width, root coverage, increase in gingival thickness and plaque index, and gingival index were compared. Standardized mean difference was used as a summary statistic measure with a random effect model and P value <0.05 as statistically significant., Results: Six studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis, of which only 4 studies were suitable for meta-analysis. The pooled estimate through standardized mean difference signifies that CGF was superior to CTG in the reduction of probing depth, gingival index, and plaque index and gain in clinical attachment level while CTG was superior in reducing the recession depth and recession width. Both the procedures had an overall equal effect on keratinized tissue width and root coverage, but these differences were statistically insignificant ( P >0.05). Publication bias through the funnel plot showed symmetric distribution without systematic heterogeneity., Conclusion: The present study suggests that treatment of MTR with CTG or CGF resulted in clinically favorable outcomes, but no statistically significant differences was observed between these 2 procedures regarding the outcome., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Background: Herbal based ingredients form a more sustainable and effective means for management of ailments related to the human body. Previously plant-based extracts of Cocos nucifera had effective remineralization potential. Hence to identify the changes in enamel mineral density and volume during the remineralization procedure, this study was done with an aim of three-dimensional micro-CT analysis to identify the potency of Cocos nucifera in remineralizing the artificial enamel carious lesion. The aim of the present study was a three-dimensional micro-CT analysis to identify of the potency of Cocos nucifera in remineralizing the artificial enamel carious lesion., Methods: This is an in-vitro study, performed in a laboratory setting. Tooth slabs (N.=35) measuring 3×3×1.5 mm were prepared from extracted molar tooth. The prepared slabs were allotted to their respective groups by block randomization. Demineralization of the tooth slabs were done for a period of 72 hours. Following this the samples were washed with deionized water and remineralization was carried out for a period of 14 days. The groups tested were: 1) only remineralization solution(control); 2) 1: 1 lyophilized coconut (2.5 g LC in 25 mL remineralization solution); 3) 2:1 Lyophilized coconut (5 g LC in 25 mL remineralization solution); 4) 1:1 coconut milk (2.5 g CM in 25 mL remineralization solution); and 5) 2:1 coconut milk (2:1 CM - 5 g CM in 25 mL remineralization solution). Micro-CT scanning and analysis of the samples was performed postdemineralization and postremineralization procedure to evaluate the changes in the enamel volume and enamel mineral density. Within each of the five-group tested, the changes in the enamel volume and density before and after remineralization procedure was statistically analyzed using Paired t-test. One way ANOVA and Post-hoc Tukey test were done to analyze the intergroup statistical significance between the various treatment groups postremineralization procedure., Results: The mean difference of the enamel volume indicates that the control group showed the highest differences (-4.57±0.347) this was seconded by the 1:1 coconut milk, 1:1 lyophilized coconut and the lowest was noted in the 2:1 coconut milk group. The mean differences of the changes in the enamel mineral density between the demineralized and remineralized enamel surface indicates that 2:1 Coconut milk showed highest changes in the surface enamel postdemineralization (-22.32±5.37) and 1:1 coconut milk showed the least of the changes in the surface of the enamel (4.00±3.42)., Conclusions: Coconut extracts obtained from various extraction procedures showed quantitative increase in remineralization of artificially created enamel carious lesion. Further in-vitro studies could be done to the clinical efficiency of the same in oral environment.

Maintaining a microbial-free environment in healthcare facilities is more widely recognized as an essential component of therapies to minimize transmission of viruses associated with healthcare sector. The global spread of COVID-19 and recent outbreaks have presented humanity with previously unheard-of challenges. The development of autonomous disinfection robots seems to be necessary given the urgent need for constant sterilization in the face of a labor shortage. Due to their automated and perceived cost advantages by eliminating cleaning staff, these robots are being advertised more and more as an easy solution to immediately disinfect rooms and operating areas. The use of these services lowers the danger of infection, and expense of traditional cleaning and, most significantly, builds trust and security in medical facilities. Currently, routine (manual) cleaning is not replaced by disinfection robots; rather, they may support it. Additional hospital and device design alterations are necessary to address the overshadowing (visibility) issue allowing Ultraviolet disinfectant (UV-D) robots move freely in the medical environment. More technical developments and clinical studies in a variety of hospitals are needed to overcome the current challenges and find ways to integrate this unique technology into hospitals now and in the future. Thus, we present a review that includes detailing all elements required for it to function, as well as both its advantages and disadvantages. To the best of our knowledge, very limited studies have collected an in- depth data on the sterilization effect using a disinfection robot in the field of dentistry. We believe that this data will work as a foundation in more advanced uses at diverse sites that require disinfection and will highlight unsolved challenges and potential research avenues for UV robot operational concerns in dental hospitals. The goal of this work is to offer a comprehensive manual for UV-D robots covering pertinent information on traditional Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) system along with advancements in UV-D robots and thereby focusing on in-depth application in medical and dental facilities.

The aim of this systematic review is to comparatively evaluate the Triphala and chlorhexidine mouthwashes efficacies in decreasing plaque formation and gingivitis in children. With a priori-set inclusion and exclusion criteria's and relevant MeSH terms, the PubMed, Cochrane and Ovid SP were scrutinized from the year 1980 to April 2023 for prospective articles. Outcomes evaluated were plaque formation and gingivitis through Plaque index and Gingival index. Five studies were finally included and were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Meta-analysis, was performed using a random effects model. Plaque index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI). There was no significant difference between reduction in the gingivitis and plaque accumulation between Triphala and chlorhexidine mouthwash groups in children ( p value 0.83, 0.96)., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2024 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

The complex interplay between the gut microbiota, cancer treatments and patient characteristics has emerged as a significant area of research. This study sought to examine these relationships in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC).A comprehensive search of relevant studies was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The studies included a variety of treatment modalities and microbiological parameters. A data extraction form, designed specifically for this review, was used to assess a range of variables across all studies.The analysis revealed a multifaceted interaction between the gut microbiota, genetic factors and treatment outcomes. Elderly patients with CRC frequently received single-agent chemotherapy, with outcomes that were comparable to those of younger patients. The presence of tumorigenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis, was associated with early colon neoplasia. Additionally, an abundance of Fusobacterium spp. was observed in colonic adenomas, contributing to a pro-inflammatory environment. Although the FcγRIIIa-158 V/V genotype was associated with higher cetuximab-mediated antibodydependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), no direct influence of FcγR polymorphisms on treatment response was noted. Furthermore, the combination of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), BRAF and MEK inhibition showed favorable response rates. The gut microbiome, especially the presence of Fusobacterium spp., had a notable influence on the therapeutic response in CRC.These findings underscore the role of the gut microbiota and genetic factors in cancer treatment outcomes, emphasizing the potential of a holistic approach to cancer management. Future research should exploit these findings in order to develop microbiota-modulating strategies and personalized medicine approaches for the purpose of improving the efficacy of cancer treatment.

Sleep bruxism is both masticatory muscle activities characterized by repeated or prolonged tooth contact as well as bracing or thrusting of the jaw. This meta-analysis evaluates the differences between sexes and which therapy is most effective in treating bruxism. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science and Scopus, and articles published from 2000 to 2022 were considered according to the keywords entered. The term "Bruxism" has been combined with "Children" using the boolean connector AND. At the end of the research, 1462 studies were identified from the search conducted on the three engines. Only four were chosen to draw up the present systematic study. The Forrest plot found that photo biomodulation therapy has a higher efficacy (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.10; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) from 0.03 to 0.43), followed by treatment with hydroxyzine (OR 0.19; 95% CI from 0.03 to 1.04). The average between girls and boys with bruxism is 18.5 for boys and 19.5 for girls. This meta-analysis showed that treatment by photobiomodulation has more significant effects on bruxism, followed by treatment with hydroxyisalazine. However, this meta-analysis has limitations due to the diversity of treatment evaluation methods., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Giuseppe Minervini is serving as one of the Editorial Board members of this journal. We declare that Giuseppe Minervini had no involvement in the peer review of this article and has no access to information 49 regarding its peer review. Full responsibility for the editorial process for this article was delegated to PD., (©2024 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

Purpose: Dental and orofacial trauma among the adult population constitutes a major public health problem. The impact is not just physical but also psychological. To analyse the impacts of dental and orofacial trauma on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adults and determine whether the 2 variables are closely interlinked., Methods: This is a systematic review. The terms "dental trauma", "orofacial trauma", "oral health", "oral health related impact life", "OHRQoL", "positive and negative affect scale", "quality of life", "facial injuries", "adults", and "young adults" were researched in the databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar for associated studies up to December 30, 2022. A comprehensive search was designed and the articles were independently screened for eligibility by 2 reviewers. The included studies' author, year of publication, the country where the study was conducted, population demographics (number and age), an instrument used for assessing OHRQoL and the relevant result were recorded and compared. The quality of the evidence was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for observational studies., Results: Out of 482 unique records, 3 articles were included for data extraction. Observational studies were included. Two studies did not mention confounding factors. Different scales were used for dental and orofacial trauma and OHRQoL. OHRQoL has a directly proportional relationship with orofacial trauma. Adolescents with orofacial trauma have a significant impact on this value with a prevalence of 88.4%., Conclusion: The highest impact on OHRQoL was seen immediately after the diagnosis of an orofacial trauma. The impact increases with the severity of the trauma. Therefore, to promote overall dental and general health, health education initiatives should include information on the causes, prevention, and requirement for prompt responses by the populace in seeking dental intervention., (Copyright © 2023 Chinese Medical Association. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this scoping review was to explore and synthesise the current evidence on the antimicrobial activity of antibacterial suture materials used in oral surgery., Methods: The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews. A bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed and Scopus databases to retrieve all human clinical studies that investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of antibacterial-coated sutures used in oral surgery. Included studies were screened and extracted independently by 2 examiners. Data were tabulated and qualitatively described., Results: The search initially returned 150 articles and resulted in 5 included studies after the duplicates' removal and the full-text screening. Selected studies were published from 2014 to 2019. Three studies (60%) were randomised clinical trials, whilst the remaining studies did not report information on randomisation. The antimicrobial agents for coated sutures included triclosan and chlorhexidine. In almost all the studies, antibacterial-coated sutures exhibited lower bacterial retention compared to those without coating., Conclusions: Within limitations, the antimicrobial-coated sutures employed in oral surgery exhibited good results in terms of their microbicidal activity when compared with sutures that were not coated. Considering the high variability and confounding factors identified in the included studies, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these results. Antimicrobial-coated sutures could represent a promising and clinically valid strategy to reduce microbial colonisation in oral surgery. The reduced bacterial adherence is likely to improve the clinical success of the surgical procedures. Yet, the cost-benefit ratio of antimicrobial-coated sutures should be assessed in larger clinical trials to confirm their efficacy over conventional noncoated sutures., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None disclosed., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Oral cancer is a serious health issue in both the developing and developed worlds, and it is one of the most common forms of cancer of the head and neck. In accordance with the 2017 World Health Organization classification, oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the buccal mucosa, the front two-thirds of the tongue, the lip, the palate, the vestibule, the alveolus, the floor of the mouth, and the gingivae. Hematology and electrolyte balance have been proposed as tumor indicators and paths into cancer's genesis. Examining the patient's blood count and electrolyte levels in order to better understand their oral cancer., Methods: Electrolyte abnormalities are common in cancer patients and may be caused by the disease itself or by treatment. Hyponatremia is the most frequent electrolyte problem in cancer patients, and it is typically caused by the syndrome of improper ADH secretion. Although electrolyte problems are associated with a worse prognosis for cancer patients, timely and effective therapy has the potential to enhance both short- and long-term results and quality of life. Hematological tests on patients with oral cancer, including differential cell count, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin level., Results: Compared to healthy controls, oral cancer patients show statistically significant differences in a number of biochemical parameters, including electrolytes (sodium, P<0.05; potassium, P=0.89; chloride, P<0.05); differential count (neutrophils, P<0.05; basophils, P<0.05). A significant risk factor for cancer patients is an electrolyte imbalance, which has been linked to inappropriate anti-diabetic hormone release., Conclusions: Clinicians will find these shifts in electrolytic level helpful in diagnosing and tracking oral cancer. Potentially malignant oral disorders and Oral squamous cell carcinoma may be better predicted using a combination of TLC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, as shown in this study.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has emerged as a potential intervention for TMDs, but its comparative effectiveness against standard treatments remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of CBT versus standard treatment interventions in managing TMDs., Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases using MeSH keywords and Boolean operators. Inclusion criteria encompassed clinical trials comparing CBT/CBT in combination with standard treatment interventions or a control group in individuals with TMDs. The primary outcome measured was pain. Secondary outcomes such as disability, depression and jaw function were also looked into. Two reviewers independently assessed for the eligibility of the articles and conducted data extraction. Quality assessments were performed using RoB 2.0 for randomised clinical trials., Results: The initial search identified 623 articles, of which a total of eight clinical studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Seven out of eight studies demonstrated improvements in outcomes related to TMD. Pain was significantly decreased in studies that showed a positive outcome. Jaw function, quality of life and psychological well-being were superior among individuals receiving CBT alone or in combination with conventional modalities, as well as hypnotic therapy coupled with CBT-based interventions. The quality of studies assessed showed all articles to be of good quality as per RoB-2 evaluation., Conclusion: This systematic review highlights the potential benefits of CBT in managing TMDs, suggesting its effectiveness in improving pain outcomes and enhancing overall well-being. The findings indicate that CBT may be a valuable adjunct or alternative to standard treatment interventions for individuals with TMDs. However, further research with larger sample sizes and standardised outcome measures is warranted to establish definitive conclusions regarding the comparative efficacy of CBT versus standard treatments in TMD management., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Oral Rehabilitation published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Trial Design: This is a prospective, block-randomized, blinded, multiple arm and parallel-group superiority clinical trial., Methods: Seventy-eight patients satisfying the recruitment standards, were randomly allocated into three groups as follows: Group I (n = 26) - Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) devoid of aromatherapy (AT); Group II (n = 26) - IANB with lavender AT and Group III - IANB with rose AT (n = 26) with the help of the ultrasonic aroma diffuser (with respective oils)for 20 min/2 h in operatories 1,2 and 3 respectively. For AT, 3-4 drops of lavender and rose-conditioned oils were added from a 100 ml solution containing 100 mg of these medicinal plants. The pre-operative (PRO) and access opening (AO) pain as well as the anxiety of patients were recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) respectively. Data thus obtained was entered into the Excel sheet and subjected to statistical tests (analysis of variance and paired t -test). The p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Group I showed non-significant disparity between PRO and AO for both VAS as well as MDAS (p = 0.62, p = 0.71). However, group II (p = 0.04, p = 0.02) and group III (p = 0.03, p = 0.01) revealed significant differences between PO - AO VAS and MDAS. MDAS and VAS intergroup comparison revealed a significant difference among groups I and II (p = 0.03, p = 0.04), and groups I and III (p = 0.02, p = 0.03). However non-significant disparity was observed among groups II and III (p = 0.85, 0.34). Moreover, there was a statistically significant reduction in anxiety levels in females compared to males after rose AT (p = 0.02). Nevertheless, groups I and II did not show any gender predilection for anxiety as well as pain., Conclusion: Alleviation of dental anxiety as well as reduction in pain during AO of teeth with SIP can be achieved using Lavender and rose AT. In female patients, rose AT can be preferred over lavender AT., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: According to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services HHS 2017, when a medical disease suddenly manifests itself with acute symptoms of sufficient intensity (including extreme pain) endangering the patient's health, seriously impairing body functions or bringing an organ or its portion to be seriously dysfunctional, a medical emergency has occurred. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perceived confidence in handling medical emergencies among dental students by the means of conducting this investigation., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the different hierarchies of dentists of Riyadh using an online survey; 387 dentists from varying clinical levels (9 to 12) were included in this study. The questionnaire used for this study consisted of questions related to demographic data followed by questions including knowledge, attitude, and confidence towards handling medical emergencies in clinics., Results: In this study, male participants represented 64.4% and female subjects represented 35.6% of the total population. Most of the undergraduates were in their 5 th year of dentistry school and accounted for 36.9%, followed by 6 th year 36.2% and 4 th year 26.8%. 67.1% of the undergraduates never encountered any medical emergency during their study, while 32.9% encountered an emergency. Furthermore, 58.4% of the analyzed subjects recorded medical history thoroughly, while priority in an emergency was adrenaline, with a percentage of 45%. For the patient suffering syncope the Trendelenburg position was chosen. Also, the first action choice with unresponsive patients was CPR., Conclusions: In the present study, the findings revealed that the majority of the population never encountered an emergency in their career, but their knowledge about drug priority and patient's position was good. Most of them do not measure vital signs routinely; specifically, females do not usually measure, while males measure when needed. About Basic Life Support (BLS), participants took BLS or were interested in taking it in the future; furthermore, in group population, both have taken it and are interested in further carrying it.

Background: This in-vitro study aimes to compare the microleakage of different restorative materials namely EQUIA Forte (GC, Japan), Tetric Evoceram (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein), and Activa BioACTIVE., Methods: A standardized class V cavity has been created on the buccal surface of 40 sound premolar teeth. The cavity had the following measurements: 3 mm buccolingual height, 2 mm axial depth, and 4 mm mesiodistal width. The gingival margin was 1mm below the cementoenamel junction, whereas the coronal margin was on the enamel with cavosurface margins were butt joints all around. Four groups of teeth were restored according to the restorative materials. Under a stereomicroscope, the dye penetration test was used to measure the microleakage after thermocycling of the teeth. Data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests., Results: Occlusal and gingival margins did not show statistically significant differences among the four groups, but an intragroup analysis revealed a significant difference., Conclusions: The type of restorative material did not appear to have a substantial impact on microleakage, according to the findings of the current investigation.

Background: High prevalence of tooth wear (TW) worldwide makes it important to assess its level in different populations. In developing countries, a shift towards geriatric population makes the evaluation of this condition even more relevant. Most indices for tooth wear are full mouth indices, which make mass population screening challenging. The objective of this study was to establish whether part-mouth recordings using selective teeth can provide similar sensitivity of the modified tooth wear index., Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out over 40 working days on 400 dentate individuals aged 14-70 years, having at least 16 scorable teeth. Firstly, full mouth tooth wear of study population was recorded and categorized into four groups based on severity and extent of tooth wear. Following this, group wise data extraction was done using the full mouth scores and six different types of part-mouth analyses was done to arrive at the system which provides the best sensitivity. These part-mouth recordings should be specific such that it can differentiate to the same groups of tooth wear in the reduced data as well. Data were analyzed by means of SPSS version 21.0 (P<0.05)., Results: In 83%, at least one tooth had the exposed dentine. Part-mouth recording using "12 anterior teeth" as index teeth showed a high level of sensitivity (87.8%) than others for measuring tooth wear data., Conclusions: The prevalence of tooth wear is high and "the part-mouth recording applied to the 12 anterior teeth" is a faster and reliable method in large population surveys for measuring tooth wear.

Background: Dental implants are increasingly favored as a therapeutic replacement option for edentulism. Titanium (Ti), due to its excellent biocompatibility and unique osseointegration properties, is commonly used in dental implants. Various surface modifications have been explored to improve osseointegration outcomes. Graphene oxide (GO) is a promising material with various applications. Chitosan, found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans and in marine algae, has several biomedical applications. Silver (Ag) is another promising antibacterial agent that increases permeability and damages the bacterial cell membrane upon binding., Objectives: The present study applied a novel implant surface coating of Ag-decorated GO and chitosan on Ti implants to promote bone formation. We further analyzed the physiochemical and antibacterial properties of this surface coating., Material and Methods: A solution was prepared by mixing 3 mL of 1% chitosan solution with 10 mg of Ag-GO nanoparticles (NPs). Titanium metal was heated to 70-80°C on a hotplate and the solution was applied onto Ti to obtain an adhesive surface coating. The coated implant was further analyzed for surface properties, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, the attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) technique, and the biocompatibility and corrosion analyses., Results: The SEM analysis revealed a homogenously spread, rough, fibrillar and porous layer of coating on the metal surface. The EDX and ATR-FTIR analyses confirmed the successful coating of the implant surface with Ag-decorated GO and chitosan layers. The cell culture assay demonstrated excellent biocompatibility of the surface coating. The corrosion analysis showed improved corrosion resistance of the developed implant surface coating., Conclusions: The various analyses of the coating showed ideal properties for improved cell attachment, differentiation and proliferation while maintaining an antimicrobial environment on the implant surface.

Mandibular asymmetry refers to dimensional differences between the left and right sides of the mandible in terms of size, form and volume. This condition may result in problems with functionality as well as appearance. Early intervention is often deemed optimal for addressing mandibular asymmetry; however, there is a lack of consensus regarding the diagnostic approach and strategy for identifying asymmetries in developing individuals. The purpose of this narrative review (NR) is to provide a clinician-focused update on the radiographic techniques for identifying mandibular asymmetries in orthodontic patients. Selective database searches were conducted until November 2023 to assess the available literature on mandibular asymmetry diagnosis. A health-sciences librarian developed a search strategy utilizing appropriate terms associated with mandibular asymmetry diagnosis. The databases used were Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Liliacs and PubMed. Fifty-two studies were included in this review and data regarding the evaluation of mandibular asymmetries were presented with a narrative approach delineating clinical indications based on retrieved findings. There is no unanimous consensus on the method for diagnosing mandibular asymmetries. Cone beam computed tomography emerges as the preferred examination method for diagnosing mandibular asymmetry, thanks to the assessment of a 3D structure with a 3D image. However, the use of only orthopantomography could be advisable as a first-line diagnostic tool in children due to less radiation exposure., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Antonino Lo Giudice is serving as one of the Editorial Board members of this journal. We declare that Antonino Lo Giudice had no involvement in the peer review of this article and has no access to information regarding its peer review. Full responsibility for the editorial process for this article was delegated to NM., (©2024 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its potential association with cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of OSAS in cancer patients through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature., Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, aimed to evaluate the prevalence of OSAS in cancer patients. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed to identify relevant studies published up to September 2021. Eligible studies reporting on the prevalence of OSAS in cancer patients, encompassing various study designs, were included in the analysis. Pooled estimates of the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using the I 2 statistic., Results: Seventeen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were subsequently included in the review. The prevalence of OSAS in cancer patients was estimated to have an overall OR of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75-0.85). In comparison with non-cancer patients, cancer patients had a statistically significant greater risk of OSAS, as indicated by the total estimated RR for the prevalence of OSAS in cancer patients, which was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86-0.92). Nonetheless, there was a significant amount of heterogeneity (I 2  = 96%) among the studies., Conclusion: The overall data analysed in this review indicates that patients with cancer had far reduced likelihood of developing OSAS than individuals without cancer. However, the significant variation across the included studies highlights the need for additional investigation to fully clarify the complex association between OSAS and cancer incidence. These results emphasise how critical it is to identify OSAS as a possible comorbidity in cancer patients, one that should be taken into account for clinical management and ongoing research., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Poor oral health during childhood can lead to various oral diseases and have long-term implications for dental health. Innovative and engaging oral health educational approaches such as game-based teaching have emerged as a promising modality for health education. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of game-based teaching methods on the oral health of children (4-12 yrs). Scopus, Medline and Web of Science databases were searched according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria included randomised trials that compared traditional methods of oral health education with game-based interventions in preschoolers and school-age children. The quality of the data was determined using Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (ROB-2). A total of seven studies that examined 1097 children (4-12 yrs) were included in this systematic review with the association of game-based teaching of oral health. The findings indicated that the utilization of game-based methods significantly improved children's oral health outcomes when compared to traditional teaching approaches. Specifically, the game-based interventions demonstrated positive effects on various aspects of oral health, including enhanced oral health knowledge, improved oral hygiene scores, and reductions in debris and plaque scores. The game-based interventions were found to be more effective in promoting oral health when compared to conventional methods of teaching, such as verbal instructions or educational posters. Based on the limited evidence available, game-based teaching appears to be an effective approach for promoting oral health among children, consistently demonstrating positive outcomes, including improved oral health knowledge, enhanced oral hygiene scores, and reductions in debris and plaque scores. Further well-designed trials adhering to reporting guidelines and using objective measures are necessary before outlining universal guidelines for best practice., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Giuseppe Minervini and Gaetano Isola are serving as the Editorial Board members of this journal. We declare that Giuseppe Minervini and Gaetano Isola had no involvement in the peer review of this article and have no access to information regarding its peer review. Full responsibility for the editorial process for this article was delegated to FSS., (©2024 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

Inter-appointment pain (IAP) is a subtype of postoperative pain which occurs between endodontic appointments. It may begin within a few hours after the first appointment and may continue for several days. Apart from mechanical instrumentation and thorough irrigation, intracanal medicaments play a central role in the disinfection of root canals and thus decreasing IAP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Curcuma Longa as an intracanal medicament on IAP in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). One hundred healthy adult patients having SIP in one of their single-rooted maxillary or mandibular teeth participated in this randomized, parallel, single-blinded clinical trial. After thorough biomechanical preparation, the root canals were randomly medicated with one of the following medicaments, Control (no medicament), Calcium Hydroxide, triple antibiotic paste (TAP), and Curcuma Longa. The pain was recorded using Visual analog scale at 4 h, 24 h, and every day until the seventh day. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. No statistical difference in pain scores was observed between Calcium Hydroxide, TAP or Curcuma Longa groups. It can be concluded that Curcuma Longa, Calcium hydroxide, and TAP are equally effective in controlling IAP., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: This study aims to evaluate the differences in terms of Quality of life and the degree of satisfaction with the result obtained between the two groups of patients treated with the orthodontic first approach and surgery first approach, through administered questionnaires inserted in the post-operative phase., Methods: A total of 40 patients who previously underwent orthognathic surgery were included in this study, 20 treated with the orthodontic first approach and 20 treated with the Surgery First Approach. The impact of orthognathic surgery on patients' quality of life was recorded through the administration of the OHIP-14 test, FACE-Q test scale and FACE-Q test. Comparison between the two groups was done using a nonparametric inferential statistical test, the Mann-Whitney U-test., Results: The results showed no significant differences in terms of quality of life between the two groups. Patients treated with orthodontic first approach presented greater psychological distress and perceived their faces as unattractive., Conclusions: A worsening of the aesthetics of the face determined by the orthodontic approach before surgery, may not be decisive in the quality of life of patients, which will certainly be better after surgery. SFA and OFA determine in both cases a marked improvement in the patient's quality of life.

Background: Zirconia crowns, resembling crystals and with enamel-like aesthetics, are recent entrants in pediatric restorative dentistry. Despite growing use, their empirical efficacy remains under-explored. The aim of this study is to compare resin composite strip crowns and premanufactured zirconia crowns on primary maxillary incisors., Methods: In the Pediatric Dental Clinics, 240 primary maxillary incisors (69 patients) were treated with either zirconia (120 teeth) or composite strip crowns (120 teeth). Evaluations of gingival health, plaque, secondary caries, restoration failure, and opposing teeth wear occurred at 3, 6, and 12-month intervals., Results: At 3 months, zirconia crowns showed less gum bleeding (P=0.006) and plaque. Through 6 and 12 months, zirconia crowns exhibited fewer failures but higher opposing teeth wear. Strip crowns indicated greater tooth material loss., Conclusions: Zirconia crowns demonstrated superior gingival health and durability over composite resin strip crowns but caused increased wear on opposing teeth.

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) risk correlates with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, suggesting systemic inflammation is present well before AMI. Studying different types of periodontal disease (PD), extremely common in individuals at risk for AMI, has been one important research topic. According to recent research, AMI and PD interact via the systemic production of certain proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, small signal molecules, and enzymes that control the onset and development of both disorders' chronic inflammatory reactions. This study uses machine learning to identify the interactome hub biomarker genes in acute myocardial infarction and periodontitis., Methods: GSE208194 and GSE222883 were chosen for our research after a thorough search using keywords related to the study's goal from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets. DEGs were identified from the GEOR tool, and the hub gene was identified using Cytoscape-cytohubba. Using expression values, Random Forest, Adaptive Boosting, and Naive Bayes, widgets-generated transcriptomics data, were labelled, and divided into 80/20 training and testing data with cross-validation. ROC curve, confusion matrix, and AUC were determined. In addition, Functional Enrichment Analysis of Differentially Expressed Gene analysis was performed., Results: Random Forest, AdaBoost, and Naive Bayes models with 99%, 100%, and 75% AUC, respectively. Compared to RF, AdaBoost, and NB classification models, AdaBoost had the highest AUC. Categorization algorithms may be better predictors than important biomarkers., Conclusions: Machine learning model predicts hub and non-hub genes from genomic datasets with periodontitis and acute myocardial infarction., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)