Advances in Oral Diseases Diagnosis and Management

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 7160

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Fourth Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: oral pathology; oral implantology; oral diseases; maxillofacial surgery; implant dentistry
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Globally, oral diseases pose a serious threat to public health because they affect people of all ages and place a heavy strain on healthcare systems. Oral potentially malignant disorders, oral cancer, autoimmune diseases and various infections of the oral cavity are among these conditions. To avoid problems and enhance patient outcomes, oral disease diagnosis and care are crucial.

The field of oral illness detection and management has undergone a revolution due to the emergence of new technologies and diagnostic techniques. These developments have resulted in the discovery of new risk factors and biomarkers for oral disorders, enhanced imaging methods, and the creation of more efficient and individualised treatment modalities.

The enormous impact that oral diseases can have on a person's quality of life serves as a reminder of the significance of early detection and treatment of oral diseases. A person's ability to eat, speak, and interact socially can be hampered by poor oral health, which can also cause pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. Moreover, systemic health issues including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections can all be impacted by dental illnesses.

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of oral disorders aim to increase the precision and efficacy of diagnosis, prevent and control oral diseases, and lessen their negative effects on patients' general health and wellbeing. The area of oral health is becoming more interdisciplinary with the development of new instruments and methods, including components of molecular biology, genetics, and microbiology, among others. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on patient-centred care, recognizing the unique needs and preferences of each individual. In summary, advances in oral disease diagnosis and management are critical for improving oral and overall health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing quality of life.

Dr. Dimitris Tatsis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • oral potentially malignant disorders
  • oral cancer
  • oral infections
  • auto-immune disorders
  • temporomandibular joint disorders
  • osteomyelitis
  • medication related osteonecrosis of the jaws

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3049 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Malocclusions among Schoolchildren from Southwestern Romania
by Stelian-Mihai-Sever Petrescu, Radu Mircea Pisc, Tamara Ioana, Felicia Ileana Mărășescu, Horia Octavian Manolea, Mihai Raul Popescu, Lucian Paul Dragomir, Lucian Constantin Dragomir, Ștefan Florea, Roxana Adina Bărăscu-Petrescu, Mihaela Ionescu and Anne-Marie Rauten
Diagnostics 2024, 14(7), 705; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14070705 - 27 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 644
Abstract
Malocclusions have a continuously increasing prevalence from one generation to another as a result of climate change, soil, atmosphere, and water pollution. All of these aspects have unfavorable consequences for the nutritional scheme. Thus, nutrition, together with other etiopathogenic factors, contributes to complex [...] Read more.
Malocclusions have a continuously increasing prevalence from one generation to another as a result of climate change, soil, atmosphere, and water pollution. All of these aspects have unfavorable consequences for the nutritional scheme. Thus, nutrition, together with other etiopathogenic factors, contributes to complex alterations in the somatic development of the entire organism and, implicitly, of the cephalic extremity. The study group included 4147 children from randomly selected schools from Vâlcea County, Romania. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of malocclusions in schoolchildren in Vâlcea County, Romania, according to the three main classes of malocclusions (according to Angle’s classification), age groups (from 6 to 10 years old and from 11 to 14 years old), gender (male and female), and place of origin (rural and urban). For Angle class I malocclusions, we recorded the highest prevalence (48.78% of the total number of schoolchildren with malocclusions), followed by Angle class II malocclusions (45.85% of the total number of schoolchildren with malocclusions), and for Angle class III malocclusions we found the lowest prevalence (5.37% of the total number of schoolchildren with malocclusions). According to gender, we found the highest prevalence in the female gender (29.90% of the total number of female subjects), while in the male gender, we recorded a prevalence of 27.70% of the total number of male subjects. Regarding the place of origin, there is a higher prevalence of malocclusions in urban areas (29.16%). The study subgroup included 140 children randomly selected from the total number of subjects in the study group. They were included in a more advanced study. The aim is to find potential associations between the presence of malocclusions and various oral variables. Categorical variables were expressed as numerical values and percentages, and their association was evaluated with either the Chi-square test of association or homogeneity, or the Fisher Exact test. The acquired data were incorporated into a binomial logistic regression model to assess the likelihood of developing malocclusions in relation to the following variables: defective phonation, bruxism, frequency of teeth brushing, onychophagia, oral respiration, infantile deglutition, placing objects between the maxillaries, thumb sucking, and salivary aspects. It is also aimed at comparing the results obtained with similar ones from the specialized literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Oral Diseases Diagnosis and Management)
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12 pages, 6241 KiB  
Article
Computer-Assisted Evaluation Confirms Spontaneous Healing of Donor Site One Year following Bone Block Harvesting from Mandibular Retromolar Region—A Cohort Study
by Shadi Daoud, Adeeb Zoabi, Adi Kasem, Amir Totry, Daniel Oren, Idan Redenski, Samer Srouji and Fares Kablan
Diagnostics 2024, 14(5), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14050504 - 27 Feb 2024
Viewed by 586
Abstract
Bone augmentation prior to dental implant placement is a common scenario in the dental implantology field. Among the important intraoral harvesting sites to obtain bone blocks is the ramus/retromolar region that has a high success rate and long-lasting alveolar ridge augmentation. Preserving the [...] Read more.
Bone augmentation prior to dental implant placement is a common scenario in the dental implantology field. Among the important intraoral harvesting sites to obtain bone blocks is the ramus/retromolar region that has a high success rate and long-lasting alveolar ridge augmentation. Preserving the bone volume and quality at the donor site is crucial for preventing further complications or to serve as a site for re-harvesting. Healing of the intraoral donor sites has been described in the maxillofacial field. This study aimed to evaluate the spontaneous healing of the mandibular retromolar donor site utilizing computer-assisted quantification 6 and 12 months after bone harvesting. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on patients who underwent an alveolar ridge augmentation using an intraoral retromolar bone graft. Three CBCT scans were performed—intraoperative, and at six months and one year after the surgical procedure. By using the Materialise Mimics Innovation Suite software 26.0 features segmentation by thresholding, Hounsfield unit averaging, and superimposition of the tomographies, we could precisely quantify the healing process utilizing spatial and characteristic measures. Results: In all cases, the computer-aided quantification showed that six months following surgery, the donor site had recovered up to 64.5% ± 4.24 of its initial volume, and this recovery increased to 89.2% ± 2.6 after one year. Moreover, the Hounsfield unit averaging confirmed dynamic bone quality healing, starting at 690.3 ± 81 HU for the bone block, decreasing to 102 ± 27.8 HU at six months postoperatively, and improving to 453.9 ± 91.4 HU at the donor site after a year. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that there is no need for additional replanting at the donor site following retromolar bone block harvesting, whether autogenous or allograft, since spontaneous healing occurs 12 months following the surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Oral Diseases Diagnosis and Management)
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12 pages, 858 KiB  
Article
Immunohistochemical Expression of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) in Salivary Gland Cancer: Correlation with the Biological Behavior
by Ioanna Kalaitsidou, Nikoleta Pasteli, Gregory Venetis, Athanasios Poulopoulos and Konstantinos Antoniades
Diagnostics 2023, 13(16), 2652; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13162652 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 919
Abstract
Salivary gland neoplasms comprise a diverse group of tumors with different biological behaviors and clinical outcomes. Understanding the underlying molecular alterations associated with these malignancies is critical for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies. Among the many biomarkers under investigation, epithelial cell adhesion [...] Read more.
Salivary gland neoplasms comprise a diverse group of tumors with different biological behaviors and clinical outcomes. Understanding the underlying molecular alterations associated with these malignancies is critical for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies. Among the many biomarkers under investigation, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has emerged as a promising candidate in salivary gland cancer research. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the differential expression of EpCAM in salivary gland cancer and its potential correlation with the biological behavior of these tumors. The clinical characteristics of 65 patients with salivary gland malignancy of different histopathological subtypes were included. We report the differential expression of EpCAM and the relationship between the clinical and histopathologic features of these tumors. Regarding the evaluation of the effect of EpCAM expression on survival, in our study, we showed that tumors with high EpCAM expression had reduced disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001) compared to patients with cancers with low EpCAM expression. In addition, the concurrent presence of perineural invasion and positive EpCAM expression appeared to be associated with shorter disease-free survival and overall survival. In conclusion, our study confirmed the prognostic value of detecting perineural invasion and EpCAM expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Oral Diseases Diagnosis and Management)
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Review

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21 pages, 873 KiB  
Review
Integrative Approaches for the Diagnosis and Management of Erosive Oral Lichen Planus
by Cristina Popa, Ana Maria Sciuca, Bianca-Andreea Onofrei, Stefan Toader, Oana Mihaela Condurache Hritcu, Cristina Boțoc Colac, Elena Porumb Andrese, Daciana Elena Brănișteanu and Mihaela Paula Toader
Diagnostics 2024, 14(7), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14070692 - 26 Mar 2024
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Abstract
Erosive oral lichen planus (EOLP) represents a significant challenge in dental and medical management due to its chronic inflammatory nature, painful symptoms, and impact on quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the current diagnostic approach with novel non-invasive techniques, such as [...] Read more.
Erosive oral lichen planus (EOLP) represents a significant challenge in dental and medical management due to its chronic inflammatory nature, painful symptoms, and impact on quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the current diagnostic approach with novel non-invasive techniques, such as dermoscopy, and also the landscape of treatment options for EOLP, focusing on its efficacy, safety, and the challenges that it present in clinical practice. Through a comprehensive literature review, we explored the use of topical corticosteroids, systemic immunosuppressants, biologics, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in treating EOLP, alongside examining patient compliance, psychological impacts, and the risk of adverse effects and recurrence. Our findings reveal that while topical corticosteroids are the cornerstone of EOLP treatment, offering symptomatic relief, their long-term use is limited by side effects and tolerance development. Systemic therapies and biologics provide alternatives for refractory cases but necessitate careful adverse effect monitoring. JAK inhibitors show promise as an innovative treatment avenue but require more evidence on long-term safety and efficacy. This study highlights the necessity of personalized treatment approaches due to the variable disease course and response to treatment, underscoring the importance of a multidisciplinary strategy in managing EOLP. The complexity of EOLP treatment, compounded by its psychological and quality of life impacts, demands ongoing research into targeted therapies, the establishment of standardized treatment protocols, and the development of effective outcome measures to improve patient care and treatment outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Oral Diseases Diagnosis and Management)
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Other

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19 pages, 1038 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review of the Use of Intraoral Scanning for Human Identification Based on Palatal Morphology
by Sanjana Santhosh Kumar, Rachel Chacko, Amritpreet Kaur, Gasser Ibrahim and Dongxia Ye
Diagnostics 2024, 14(5), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14050531 - 1 Mar 2024
Viewed by 986
Abstract
A common application for intraoral scanners is the digitization of the morphology of teeth and palatal rugae. Palatal scans are most commonly required to fabricate complete dentures and immediate transitional dentures and serve as a reference point for assessing orthodontic results. However, they [...] Read more.
A common application for intraoral scanners is the digitization of the morphology of teeth and palatal rugae. Palatal scans are most commonly required to fabricate complete dentures and immediate transitional dentures and serve as a reference point for assessing orthodontic results. However, they are also frequently included by accident, even though the main purpose of intraoral scanning is to reconstruct dentition using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). The literature shows that the identification of disaster victims has frequently involved palatal rugae impressions. As the skull provides sound insulation, the rugae are resistant to heat, chemicals, and stress. Antemortem data might be difficult to find during a forensic inquiry, particularly in disaster victim identification cases. In contrast with DNA and fingerprints, there is a greater likelihood of having a dental record that contains palatal scans. With specialized software, the scans can be exported as open stereolithography (STL) files. Considering that a full case consumes up to about 100 MB of hard drive space, long-term storage should not be an issue compared to a plaster model. Additionally, dentists widely use online databases to exchange data for smile design, implant registration, and orthodontic purposes. This will produce a digital database that grows quickly and is readily usable for forensic investigations. The uniqueness of forensic features is frequently challenged; however, palatal morphology’s unique trait could make it possible as it is characteristic of individuals as well as the most distinguishing factor. This review will highlight how rugae, palatal morphology, mirroring, superimposition, and geometrics can serve in forensic identification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Oral Diseases Diagnosis and Management)
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6 pages, 3419 KiB  
Interesting Images
Transoral Marsupialization of an Isolated Surgical Ciliated Cyst of the Infratemporal Fossa
by Da-Woon Kwack, Jooha Yoon, Hae-Seo Park, Jung-Hwan Lee and Moon-Young Kim
Diagnostics 2023, 13(11), 1825; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13111825 - 23 May 2023
Viewed by 1130
Abstract
Surgical ciliated cysts occur primarily in the maxilla after radical maxillary sinus surgery. We report the first case of a surgical ciliated cyst that developed in the infratemporal fossa 25 years after the patient sustained severe facial trauma. The patient complained of mandibular [...] Read more.
Surgical ciliated cysts occur primarily in the maxilla after radical maxillary sinus surgery. We report the first case of a surgical ciliated cyst that developed in the infratemporal fossa 25 years after the patient sustained severe facial trauma. The patient complained of mandibular pain and limited mouth opening. The patient’s condition was completely resolved 5 months after marsupialization via Le Fort I osteotomy. Surgical morbidities can be minimized by proper diagnosis and less invasive surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Oral Diseases Diagnosis and Management)
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16 pages, 1543 KiB  
Systematic Review
Marginal Bone Level and Clinical Parameter Analysis Comparing External Hexagon and Morse Taper Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Samuele Fuda, Bruno Gomes dos Santos Martins, Filipe Correia de Castro, Artak Heboyan, Sergio Alexandre Gehrke, Juliana Campos Hasse Fernandes, Anna Carolina Volpi Mello-Moura and Gustavo Vicentis Oliveira Fernandes
Diagnostics 2023, 13(9), 1587; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13091587 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1172
Abstract
The goal of this systematic review was to verify the marginal bone loss (MBL) and other clinical parameters comparing external hexagon (EH) and Morse taper (MT) implants when they were evaluated within the same study. The focused question was, “For patients (P) treated [...] Read more.
The goal of this systematic review was to verify the marginal bone loss (MBL) and other clinical parameters comparing external hexagon (EH) and Morse taper (MT) implants when they were evaluated within the same study. The focused question was, “For patients (P) treated with external connection (I) or Morse taper (C) dental implants, were there differences in the marginal bone crest maintenance after at least three months in occlusal function (O)”? As for the inclusion criteria that were considered, they included clinical studies in English that compared the MBL in implants with EH and MT, with follow-up of at least three months, that were published between 2011 and 2022; as for the exclusion criteria, they included publications investigating only one type of connection that analyzed other variables and did not report results for the MBL, reports based on questionnaires, interviews, and case reports/series, systematic reviews, or studies involving patients with a significant health problem (ASA Physical Status 3 and above). The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases were screened, and all of the data obtained were registered in a spreadsheet (Excel®). The Jadad scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. A total of 110 articles were initially identified; 11 were considered for full-text reading. Then, six articles (four RCTs and two prospective studies) met the eligibility criteria and were included in this study. A total of 185 patients (mean age of 59.71) were observed, and the follow-up ranged from 3 months to 36 months. A total of 541 implants were registered (267 EH and 274 MT). The survival rate ranged between 96% and 100% (the average was 97.82%). The MBL was compared among all periods studied; therefore, the common assessment period was the 12-month follow-up, presenting greater MBL for EH than for MT (p < 0.001). A mean MBL of 0.60 mm (95% CI 0.43–0.78) was found after the same period. BoP was reported in 5 studies and plaque index was reported in 4 (2 with more than 30%). Deep PD was observed in three studies. High heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 85.06%). Thus, within the limitation of this review, it was possible to conclude that there is higher bone loss in EH than in MT implants when evaluating and comparing this variable within the same study. However, the results must be carefully interpreted because of this review’s limited number of clinical studies, the short assessment period, and the high heterogeneity found. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Oral Diseases Diagnosis and Management)
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