Oral

Aim: Class II Division I malocclusion poses significant challenges in orthodontics. The combination of a Herbst appliance and miniscrew anchorage emerged as a practical solution to improve skeletal and dental outcomes. This study employed finite element analysis to evaluate the biomechanical effects of a miniscrew-supported Herbst appliance on mandibular advancement and dentition movement. Methods: High-definition CBCT scans captured the maxilla and mandible’s detailed dental anatomy. The scans were stored in DICOM format for seamless integration with Mimics software (Mimics Innovation Suite research version 21.0, Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium) for 3D reconstruction and model refinement. The appliance, designed with a maxillary fixed palatal arch and mandibular acrylic splint connected by telescoping rods, incorporated titanium TADs and elastic chains. STL models were optimized in Geomagic x Design for finite element analysis in Abaqus, assigning validated mechanical properties for materials. Tetrahedral meshing and realistic boundary conditions simulated biomechanical interactions. Tetrahedral C3D4 elements were used for meshing, ensuring a balance between computational efficiency and detailed anatomical representation. Tetrahedral meshing and realistic boundary conditions simulated biomechanical interactions. Dynamic simulations in CATIA evaluated mandibular movement. FEA analyzed displacement across dentoalveolar structures along the X, Y, and Z axes to assess treatment efficacy and biomechanical stability. Results: The Z displacement analysis revealed that the incisal edges of the lower central, lateral, and canines shifted lingually by 0.41, 0.4, and 0.47 mm, respectively. Additionally, the apices of the lower central, lateral, and canines displaced backwards by 0.05 mm, 0.05 mm, and 0.07 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The appliance facilitated mandibular advancement, bodily retracted the lower incisors, well-controlled the upper ones, and mesial-tipped the upper posterior teeth. In contrast with traditional functional appliances, it caused the lower anterior teeth to move backwards, while skeletal anchorage overcame some shortcomings of nonsurgical treatments. This method might be a good treatment option for growing skeletal Class II patients. Full article

Introduction: Salivary biomarkers have been extensively studied in relation to oral disease, such as periodontal disease, oral cancer, and dental caries, as well as systemic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. Literature Review: A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing recent advancements in salivary biomarker research. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies published in the last decade. The selection criteria included studies focusing on the identification, validation, and clinical application of salivary biomarkers in diagnosing oral and systemic diseases. Various detection techniques, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), mass spectrometry, and biosensor technologies, were reviewed to assess their effectiveness in biomarker analysis. Specific biomarkers, such as inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and microRNAs, have been identified as reliable indicators of disease progression. Current Trends and Future Perspectives: Advances in proteomics, genomics, and metabolomics have significantly enhanced the ability to analyze salivary biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. Despite the promising findings, challenges remain in standardizing sample collection, processing, and analysis to ensure reproducibility and clinical applicability. Conclusions: Future research should focus on developing point-of-care diagnostic tools and integrating artificial intelligence to improve the predictive accuracy of salivary biomarkers. Full article

On 24 February 2024, Italian physicians, dentists and oral care specialists, students, nurses, psychologists, dental hygienists, and other professionals met (live or online) to discuss controversial issues about medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). One section hosted international experts who gave lectures about MRONJ experiences in North America, Europe, and Italy. A second section summarized the principal points of an Italian MRONJ position paper published in February 2024 by experts from the Italian Societies of Oral Pathology and Medicine (SIPMO) and Maxillofacial Surgery (SICMF). The following section collates expert opinions about open issues and required fields of research: different definitions of MRONJ and impact on staging; the assessment of individual MRONJ risk before the start of antiresorptive therapy; surgery and implantology in patients at risk for MRONJ; cancer patients without metastases and prevention of cancer-treatment-induced bone Loss (CTIBL); the role of dental hygiene professionals; combined (medical and surgical) and surgical therapy for MRONJ in-patients and out-patients; and legal aspects and claims related to MRONJ diagnosis and treatment. Scientific contributions from hospitals and universities all over Italy were presented in specific sessions (epidemiology; case series; special case reports; prevention experiences; MRONJ treatment). Conclusions: the conference confirmed the importance of the adequate imaging study of bone in the diagnosis and staging of MRONJ cases, the role of surgery in MRONJ treatment, and the value of oral hygiene in the MRONJ prevention. Full article

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is transforming dentistry by enabling precise and personalized treatments in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics. However, challenges such as high costs, material limitations, and post-processing requirements hinder its broader adoption. This scoping review aims to explore and map the breadth of evidence regarding the clinical applications, benefits, and limitations of 3D printing in these disciplines, while identifying research gaps and future opportunities. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA for scoping reviews framework. Research from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was systematically searched, covering studies from January 2006 to November 2024. Key topics included applications, material properties, and technological challenges in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics. Results: In prosthodontics, 3D printing facilitates the fabrication of crowns, bridges, and dentures with high accuracy, though material strength and stability remain challenges. Orthodontics benefits from 3D-printed aligners and diagnostic models, improving patient comfort and treatment precision, but issues with material durability persist. In endodontics, 3D-printed surgical guides and training models enhance procedural accuracy and educational outcomes. Across disciplines, 3D printing reduces production time and enhances customization but incurs high costs and requires significant post-processing. This scoping review highlights the transformative potential of 3D printing in dentistry, providing an overview of current and future advancements and limitations. While 3D printing has improved precision, efficiency, and patient satisfaction, material and cost-related barriers remain. Future research should address these challenges to expand its clinical applicability and enhance personalized dental care. Full article

The objective of this scoping review was to map out the cultural themes related to oral health practices, beliefs, and experiences in Nigeria; explore mythologies about oral health in Nigeria; identify the perceived cultural significance of oral health within the Nigerian communities; and determine the implications of study findings for oral health promotion and intervention strategies. This was a scoping review. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CINAHL. Published studies in peer-reviewed journals written in English that investigated culture and oral health were included. All forms of literature reviews, editorials, or opinion pieces were excluded. Information on the study characteristics and population characteristics, cultural determinants of oral health, oral health outcomes, and the methods used to assess cultural factors and oral health outcomes was extracted. A narrative synthesis of the findings was conducted to identify key themes in the literature. The 37 articles, published between 1998 and 2024, that met the eligibility criteria wrote on the prevalence of a culture of self-medication and self-care, myths that affect utilization of oral health services, cultures that expose people to increased risk of poor oral health, and cultural norms, beliefs, and practices that facilitate oral health. The findings emphasize the need for culturally tailored strategies to improve oral health literacy and reduce disparities. This review underscores the potential to foster community engagement, trust, and sustainable improvements in oral health outcomes by aligning oral health promotion efforts with Nigeria’s culture. In conclusion, cultural norms, beliefs, and practices can be barriers and facilitate oral health in Nigeria. Identifying and understanding the norms, beliefs, and practices that affect oral health can help improve oral health education and promotion so that they are culturally relevant and effective. Full article

Background: Mucostatic impressions have been always indicated in thin, sharp, or flabby ridges, and have been addressed for their beneficial effect on long-term residual ridge stability. Nonetheless, a purely mucostatic impression was not possible until intraoral scans became available. This provides an option for digital removable denture which is biologically sensible but might reduce retention in comparison with a mucocompressive impression with border molding. On the other hand, pressure applied to the mucosa may have harmful effects on the long-term residual ridge stability, causing higher resorption and ultimately reduced denture retention. Hence, the possibility to merge mucostatics and mucocompressive philosophies would be a clinically and biologically sensible option for oral rehabilitation in aging populations where patients will potentially wear dentures for longer periods. This possibility is demonstrated in this technical report with a cast-free digital workflow. Technique: Baseplates for occlusion rims, closely adapted to the mucosa, were designed on intraoral scans of edentulous arches and, once 3D-printed, used to register maxillomandibular relations and information for tooth arrangement, as well as to perform border molding. Occlusion rims were then scanned and, within the 3Shape Dental System 2024 software program, the intaglio surfaces of their baseplates were segmented and inverted to obtain the digital master casts which incorporated the precise reproduction of the molded borders. Then, denture design was performed and manufactured; no limitations regarding manufacturing options are applicable to the presented technique. Conclusions: The potential benefits (i.e., improved retention in the initial period after denture delivery and the preservation of tissues) of the presented digital cast-free workflow, based on merging mucostatic and mucocompressive philosophies to obtain dentures with a mucostatic intaglio surface and functional borders, are sensible clinical outcomes which recommend the clinical application of the technique, although further validation, especially in the long term, is required. Full article

Background: Orthodontics and orthognathic surgery present challenges such as extended treatment durations, patient discomfort, and complications like root resorption. Recent advancements in tissue engineering and nanotechnology offer promising solutions by improving bone regeneration, periodontal repair, and biomaterial integration. Objectives: This review explores the integration of scaffold-based tissue engineering and nanotechnology in orthodontics, focusing on their roles in accelerating bone regeneration, reducing treatment times, and minimizing adverse effects to enhance the predictability and success of orthodontic interventions. Methods: Relevant literature was selected from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies related to scaffold technology, biomaterials, and nanotechnology in orthodontics. Keywords included “tissue engineering”, “orthodontics”, “biomaterials”, “scaffolds”, “nanotechnology”, and “bone regeneration”. Priority was given to peer-reviewed original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses addressing innovative treatment approaches and clinical outcomes. Results: Findings indicate that scaffolds enhance bone regeneration and periodontal repair, while nanoparticles improve biomaterial integration and drug delivery efficiency. These advancements contribute to faster, more predictable orthodontic treatments with reduced complications. However, challenges such as high costs, regulatory hurdles, and the need for long-term clinical validation remain barriers to widespread adoption. Conclusions: Tissue engineering and nanotechnology offer minimally invasive, biologically driven solutions for orthodontic treatment. While significant progress has been made, further clinical studies, cost-effective strategies, and regulatory approvals are needed to integrate these innovations into routine practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Surgical guides have been used in a variety of dental procedures, such as implant placement to improve clinical accuracy and reduce post-operative complications. This report presents a novel and versatile workflow for the design and fabrication of a “multi-purpose” fully-guided tooth- and bone-supported one-piece surgical guide. Methods: Briefly, intraoral and perioral anatomical features were captured by an intraoral scan and a cone-beam computed tomography scan. The data were segmented and aligned with analysis software to enable the digital design of surgical guides. The versatility of this method was demonstrated through its application in the two cases presented: the first involved a lateral sinus lift with simultaneous implant placement, and the second involved the removal of a foreign object from the alveolar bone prior to implant placement. Results: Positive clinical outcomes were confirmed at follow-up visits for up to 12 months. Conclusions: This method may be applied to a range of challenging clinical scenarios, such as apicectomy, the extraction of supernumerary or unerupted teeth, corticotomy to facilitate orthodontic movement, the precise reduction of bony spurs or exostoses, and the conservative surgical removal of pathologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bioactive materials are gaining increased popularity as materials of choice for pulpal regeneration. A similar trend is emerging with root repair materials; however, there is a significant gap in the literature about cementogenic ability of bioceramic repair materials on the periodontal ligament cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of bioceramic materials (Biodentine and Bio-C Repair) on the cementogenesis potential of the periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Methods: PDLSCs were isolated using the enzymatic digestion approach from sound extracted teeth. Material extracts were prepared on rubber discs and immersed in fresh growth medium for 24 h at 37 °C. Reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of cementogenic markers cementum protein 1 (CEMP1), Cementum attachment protein (CAP), pathway markers transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1), bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2), and inflammatory marker IL-6. Results: Both materials (Biodentine and Bio-C Repair) showed significantly higher gene expressions when compared to the control groups. The gene expression with Bio-C Repair significantly increased when compared with Biodentine, except for TGF-β1 expression, where both materials exhibited similar results. Conclusions: Bio-C Repair demonstrated increased gene expression of cementogenic markers compared to Biodentine under the tested conditions. Further in vivo studies are deemed necessary to translate the findings from this study into clinical practice. Full article

Objective: This study aims to discover the most current trends, impacts, and challenges of using IoT devices and smart technologies in oral health. Method: A modified systematic mapping method was used to generate and answer five research questions. Twelve databases were queried to identify published literature from 2017 to 2023. Abstract screening and full-text review were conducted to identify studies meeting inclusion criteria. The Pandas library in Python Version 3.9.19 and a Fibonacci series were used to identify keyword trends in abstracts. Full-text analysis was conducted to synthesize findings relevant to the impacts and challenges of IoDT. Results: A total of 958 unduplicated articles were identified from the literature databases. After review, 33 articles were included. Publications related to IoDT are rapidly increasing over the last 7 years and keywords relating to toothbrushing were the most common. The most common research strategy was design and creation, followed by experimental methods. Design and creation of smart technologies in oral health are in a phase of measurement optimization using IoT which is being used for prevention, early detection, monitoring, and treatment of dental disease as well as silent communication devices. Challenges in IoDT continue to include measurement accuracy and user acceptability. Conclusions: Research in IoDT is predicted to continue to advance rapidly. Dental providers and public health agencies can look to this research to develop best practices. However, more research on how IoDT can facilitate desirable outcomes in a cost-effective and user-friendly way is needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Treating odontogenic infections of the head, neck, and oral cavity requires surgical and pharmacotherapeutic interventions of single and multi-space infections. Prevotella species can become virulent during post-extraction wound healing at an extraction site, under conditions of excessive plaque, nearby gingivitis, or periodontitis, and in immunocompromised patients. The aims of this narrative review are to describe the pathogenesis of Prevotella species, particularly those resistant to surgery and empiric antibiotic therapy, and to emphasize the need for the identification of specific antibiotic-resistant Prevotella species. Methods: Three clinical cases from the lead author’s private practice were described, in which Prevotella species were significant opportunistic pathogens in odontogenic infections. The PubMed database was searched for “Prevotella and Odontogenic Infection and (or Amoxicillin or Clindamycin or Metronidazole or Flagyl^®)” from 1996 to 2024. Thirty additional references were used to develop the section on Prevotella pathogenesis. Results: Metronidazole administration was deemed necessary in the cases described here. This intervention mitigated or resolved these odontogenic infections that were refractory to conservative surgical therapy that included source control. Prevotella buccae was found to be prevalent in odontogenic infections and pericoronitis, and to be resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Prevotella species were highly susceptible to Metronidazole (Flagyl^®). The antibiotic was effective in mitigating the disease when basic principles of the treatment of odontogenic infections were employed. Conclusions: The clinical cases and the review of the literature indicate that Metronidazole is strongly indicated for the treatment of odontogenic opportunistic infections with Prevotella species. Full article

Background/Objectives: Port-wine stains (PWSs), also known as naevus flammeus or capillary malformations, are congenital cutaneous lesions, typically located in the head/neck area. The manifestations of PWSs include aesthetic and functional impairments due to soft and hard tissue modifications. Sturge–Weber syndrome is characterised by additional neuro-ocular manifestations. This systematic review aimed to identify and overview the orodental manifestations of PWSs. Methods: Several databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library) were searched using keywords for PWSs and oral and dental manifestations. The results were centralised, deduplicated, and selected in a two-step sequence. Data were extracted using pre-defined extraction forms and represented graphically and tabulated. The Newcastle–Ottawa and Joanna Briggs Institute scales were used for quality assessment. Results: Out of 884 results, 43 studies were selected for inclusion. Eleven studies investigated patients diagnosed with PWSs, while thirty-two studies investigated SWS patients. Regarding study designs, eight studies were retrospective, one was cross-sectional, two were case series, and thirty-two were case reports. The most frequently mentioned manifestations were gingival hypertrophy, lip hypertrophy, mucosal or gingival staining, malocclusion, gingivitis or gingival bleeding, and facial asymmetry. Conclusions: Due to the rarity of this pathology, the orodental manifestations of PWSs are not widely known to dentists. Soft tissue hypertrophy, malocclusion, and bony hypertrophy are significant concerns that need to be addressed during treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: High-translucency zirconia is a dental ceramic offering excellent aesthetic results but with mechanical limitations restricting its applications. This study aimed to simulate the mechanical behavior of anatomical dental prostheses made from high-translucency zirconia using the finite element method (FEM) to assess the material’s reliability. Methods: Samples of high-translucency zirconia were compacted, sintered, and characterized for relative density. Structural and microstructural analyses were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its mechanical properties, including hardness, fracture toughness, and flexural strength, were measured. Additionally, elastic parameters such as Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio were determined using the impulse excitation technique and subsequently employed in numerical simulations under various masticatory loads (50 to 500 N). These simulations modeled an anatomical molar (tooth 26) using the HyperMesh and ABAQUS codes, applying loads from three directions: vertical, angular (45°), and horizontal, at different points on the prosthesis. Results: The sintered zirconia ceramics exhibited excellent densification and a microstructure composed of cubic and tetragonal grains (c-ZrO₂ and t-ZrO₂). The measured properties included a hardness of 1315 ± 48 HV, fracture toughness of 3.7 ± 0.2 MPam^1/2, and flexural strength of 434 ± 67 MPa. Elastic parameters were determined as a Young’s modulus of 192.2 ± 4.8 GPa and a Poisson’s ratio of 0.31. Numerical simulations demonstrated that vertically applied loads of 500 N resulted in a maximum stress of approximately 299.2 MPa, horizontal stress reached 320.8 MPa at a 200 N load, and angular stress peaked at 447.3 MPa under a 350 N load. These findings indicate that the material can safely withstand these conditions without failure. Conclusions: Within the limits of this investigation, the methodology proved to be an effective tool for predicting the mechanical behavior of new dental ceramics. For high-translucency zirconia, the material demonstrated high reliability under masticatory vertical loads up to 500 N, angular loads up to 350 N, and horizontal loads up to 200 N. Full article

Background/Objectives: Delayed tooth eruption (DTE) is a very challenging clinical situation, and the pathogenesis has been associated with local, systemic, and genetic factors. The aim of this presentation is to describe the management of such a case with delayed eruption of mandibular central incisors and canines. Methods: An 11-year-old female patient presented with DTE involving lower incisors (32, 42) and canines, seeking orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, lower permanent central incisors were congenitally missing while lower deciduous incisors were still in place. After a year-and-a-half of just monitoring the case and having suggested the extraction of deciduous first molars and canines, orthodontic treatment started with fixed appliances in the upper and lower jaw. First and second premolars gradually erupted after the precursor’s extraction. Lower canines and the two existing incisors were, after several months, surgically exposed and a gold chain apparatus was bonded on each one, while the closed eruption technique was chosen. A 0.17 × 0.25 stainless steel (SS) lingual wire, leaning on the buccal tubes of the lower molar bands and properly manipulated around them, was fitted in conjunction with the labial brackets and wires in order to facilitate the traction of the impacted teeth, which was carried out for one after the other using either an elastic chain or a second super-elastic wire. Results: All impacted teeth were finally restored to their proper place. The root of 71 did not present resorption, so the tooth was maintained in the lower arch while inter-proximal reduction was performed in the upper arch in the anterior region, in order to anticipate the lower missing incisor. Finally, a stable occlusion with proper contacts was achieved. Conclusions: Proper diagnosis, on-time extractions of deciduous teeth, and a well-designed treatment plan regarding space management and orthodontic traction of impacted teeth contributed to successful treatment outcomes in this DTE case. Full article

The surgical procedures in the treatment of periodontitis generally aim to reduce pocket depth, improve teeth maintenance, and enhance long-term stability. Several approaches have been proposed over the years including different techniques, drugs, and medical devices, with the main purpose to minimalize the surgical procedure and improve both the outcomes and patient compliance. Among all the medical devices proposed in surgical and non-surgical periodontology, different laser wavelengths (e.g., Erbium: YAG, Erbium: CR, KTP, Diode) have been studied worldwide but generally with inconsistent results. Nowadays, the diode laser is one of the most used lasers among general dentists, also promoted as an adjunctive therapy in periodontology, mainly in non-surgical procedures. This study aims to review data emerging from the literature on the use of diode lasers and adjunctive therapy to the conventional periodontal surgery. This research was conducted using PubMed and Scopus search engines with a combination of relevant keywords, including “Surgical Periodontal Therapy”, “Periodontal Surgery”, “Periodontal Regenerative Surgery”, and “Surgical Treatment for Periodontal Disease” in combination with “Diode Laser”, “Diode-Driven Laser”, and “Diode Emission Laser”. Selected articles were carefully reviewed to identify studies reporting data on the effectiveness of diode lasers in periodontal surgery. Results of the current review suggest potential clinical benefits of diode laser-assisted periodontal surgery, as studies reported improvements in key parameters such as clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque index (PI) postoperatively. Additionally, VAS scores, indicative of post-surgical discomfort, were lower for laser-treated sites, and a short-term reduction in periodontal pathogens was observed. However, the clinical outcomes significantly differ across the studies, and the evidence does not uniformly support a superior effectiveness of diode lasers as an adjunctive tool in surgical periodontology. While the data indicate that diode laser use may contribute to enhanced periodontal health and possibly accelerate healing in some cases, these findings should be interpreted cautiously, as further research, possibly multicentric and in large numbers but mandatory with well-defined protocols (stage of periodontitis, preliminary non-surgical procedures and results, laser wavelength and protocol of use, post-operative maintenance, follow-up clinical and radiological criteria) are surely needed to possibly validate the observations emerging from the current review and eventually to standardize clinical protocols in the future. Such limitations have been well addressed in this paper and are clearly discussed and essentially related to the focus on the total uncertainty of the literature and general caution. Full article

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions among children globally. Salivary pH monitoring, an essential diagnostic parameter, plays a critical role in understanding caries risk and oral health. This scoping review aims to evaluate the application of digital salivary pH meters in pediatric dentistry, particularly in caries diagnosis and prevention, while exploring the potential integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in this domain. Methods: A literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for studies published between 2014 and 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on clinical studies involving children aged 1 to 18 years and the use of digital salivary pH meters. Studies that utilized AI in conjunction with salivary pH monitoring were also reviewed. Data were extracted and analyzed to assess the effectiveness of pH meters in caries detection and their role in broader oral health applications. Results: Out of 549 articles screened, 11 met the inclusion criteria. The review highlighted the utility of digital pH meters for assessing caries risk, monitoring dietary impacts, and evaluating the effectiveness of preventive treatments. However, none of the studies combined salivary pH monitoring with AI. Emerging technologies, such as smartphone-based pH sensors, have demonstrated promising applications for real-time, non-invasive diagnostics. Conclusions: Digital salivary pH meters provide precise and reproducible measurements, significantly enhancing caries risk assessment and preventive strategies in pediatric dentistry. While AI integration remains unexplored in this context, its potential to refine risk prediction models and personalize treatments underscores the need for future research in this area. These advancements could improve caries prevention and management, enhancing pediatric oral health outcomes. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this article is to examine the effectiveness and capabilities of laser use in periodontal surgical therapy by analyzing the existing literature that focuses on laser use alone or as a supplement to the already existing periodontal surgical techniques, comparing it to conventional periodontal surgical therapy, with the intent to reach a better understanding of the efficiency and therapeutic potential of lasers in periodontal surgery. Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed between October 2023 and December 2023 to identify all of the articles published in the last 15 years and investigate information about the application of Diode, Erbium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Er:YAG), Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), and Neodymium yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers to surgical periodontal therapy in human trials. Results: The database search yielded 18 studies. All of the databases showed a clinical improvement in pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR), and bleeding on probing (BOP) in both the test and control groups, with results from five articles showing statistically better PD reduction in the laser group compared to the control group. CAL gain was statistically higher in the laser group in six articles, while one study indicated better PD and CAL results in the control group. Improved GR reduction with a laser was noted in two articles, while one article reported a negative influence from a laser in GR. BOP was significantly better with laser in one study, while the remaining two studies reported the same results as the control group. Conclusions: Laser application in resective surgery exhibits additional benefits to the already established techniques, while in regenerative surgery, more investigation is needed. Diode laser use in periodontal surgery is already widespread and shows clinical efficacy, while low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has an exceptional potential for a variety of applications, promoting better wound healing and less post-surgical complications. However, more trials and studies are needed to further examine the maximum efficiency of each laser type in periodontal surgical therapy. Full article

Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients with fixed, removable, and combined dental prosthetic restorations in Osijek, Croatia, focusing on potential variations by gender, age, and prosthetic type. Methods: This study included 313 patients treated at dental clinics within the Osijek-Baranja County Health Center. The standardized Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire, validated in Croatian (OHIP-CRO14), was used to assess the participants’ OHRQoL. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore associations between demographic factors, prosthetic types, and OHRQoL domains. Results: Psychological discomfort emerged as the domain with the lowest reported OHRQoL, whereas social disability was the least affected. Gender showed no significant association with OHRQoL outcomes. However, age influenced OHRQoL scores. Patients with fixed prosthetic restorations reported better OHRQoL in functional limitation, physical pain, and physical disability compared to those with removable or combined prosthetics. Conclusions: Patients with fixed prosthetic restorations reported better OHRQoL, particularly in functional limitation, physical pain, and physical disability domains. While no significant gender differences were observed, age significantly influenced physical disability scores, with younger participants reporting lower scores and older participants higher scores. These results emphasize the importance of prosthetic type in improving OHRQoL and guiding clinical decision-making in dental practice. Full article

Background: Orthodontic appliances increase biofilm accumulation by expanding plaque retention sites. Enamel demineralization and periodontal inflammation are considered to be the most prevalent consequences of biofilm formation in orthodontic patients, with reported prevalence rates of up to 50%. To date, there are different procedures and indications that have been used for the treatment of these conditions. Therefore, professionals may use different technologies and protocols to control bacterial biofilm. The aim of this study was to investigate the protocols and technologies used by Italian dental professionals to maintain good oral health in orthodontic patients before, during and after treatment. Methods: A total of 155 dental professionals, dentists, dental hygienist students and dental hygienists, attending the Italian Academy of Advanced Technologies in Oral Hygiene Sciences (A.T.A.S.I.O.) congress, completed a questionnaire to identify prevention technologies and protocols before, during and after orthodontic treatment. Results: The results show equivalent responses between dentists and dental hygienists, with most dental hygienists more likely to personalize treatment. Remineralization technologies and protocols are selected based on patient characteristics. During professional oral hygiene sessions, the most commonly used technologies before, during and after therapy are ultrasonic scaler and airflow with powders. Mouthwashes and toothpastes are customized and shared with the patient, with remineralizing technologies predominant in toothpastes. After treatment, aesthetics is evaluated and the whitening protocol is selected based on the patient’s characteristics. Conclusions: There is not a specific prevention program associated with each orthodontic therapy in the literature, so it is necessary to tailor the treatment to best manage the risks of orthodontic therapy and maintain healthy tissues. Full article