This systematic review critically evaluated the clinical accuracy of digital shade-selection devices compared with the visual shade-selection method for ceramic restorations, with consideration of current evidence and emerging trends in digital dentistry. Across the three included clinical studies, digital shade-selection methods generally yielded lower author-reported color differences (ΔE) and greater consistency in shade selection than the visual shade-selection method. Because the color-difference equation was not consistently specified, formula-specific clinical thresholds could not be applied uniformly. The small evidence base and variation in devices, protocols, and outcome reporting preclude firm conclusions regarding replacement of visual assessment. Emerging smartphone-based approaches and artificial intelligence-assisted systems warrant further clinical validation. Available clinical evidence suggests that digital shade-selection devices may improve shade-matching accuracy and consistency when used as adjuncts to the visual shade-selection method. The evidence does not establish that digital devices can replace clinician-based visual assessment. Only three in vivo studies were available, with methodological variation across devices, protocols, restorative materials, and outcomes. Standardized clinical protocols, explicit reporting of color-difference equations, and well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed. Future research should also evaluate the cost-effectiveness and clinical applicability of newer digital and artificial intelligence-assisted systems. CRD42023426019
This scoping review aimed to systematically evaluate eco-friendly constituents of materials, instruments, and devices used in preventive dentistry and to assess their sustainability-related characteristics, environmental implications, and market availability, with an additional region-specific economic analysis based on the Turkish market. Growing interest in sustainable dentistry has increased attention toward environmentally responsible procurement, waste reduction, reusable products, and ecological material selection. However, studies specifically evaluating the ecological composition of preventive dental materials remain limited. Conventional preventive dental products are predominantly composed of plastic-based or synthetic materials, whereas ecological alternatives more frequently incorporate bamboo, recycled materials, natural oils, silk, stainless steel, copper, biodegradable packaging, or refillable systems. Market-based observations derived from the Turkish dental supply context indicate that eco-friendly alternatives are generally less accessible and associated with higher short-term costs than conventional materials. A scoping review of studies published between 1950 and 2026 using PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus identified preventive dental materials categorized as chemicals, instruments, and devices. Material compositions from 17 manufacturers were assessed via MSDSs/SDSs. Economic evaluation was performed using product prices obtained from the Turkish market, providing a region-specific perspective. Twenty-six material categories were identified. Most manufacturers reported sustainability initiatives such as biodegradable packaging and refillable systems; however, eco-friendly dental materials remain limited in availability and diversity. The findings highlight that economic conclusions are context-dependent and should be interpreted within the regional scope of the data. Further multidisciplinary research is required to advance sustainable preventive dentistry.
The potential association between the oral microbiome and blood pressure regulation has gained considerable attention in recent years. This scoping review examined the existing literature on the role of oral nitrate-reducing bacteria in regulating blood pressure and hypertension. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify relevant observational and interventional studies published through December 31, 2024. A combination of relevant keywords and MeSH terms was employed in the search strategy. Out of 587 identified studies, 22 (15 interventional and 7 observational) studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies demonstrated considerable variation in methodologies, including differences in sample collection sites, microbial and/or nitric oxide measurement types, cases and controls definitions, study populations (healthy vs. hypertensive), microbial sequencing techniques, and intervention types. Five of the seven observational studies reported a significant association between oral nitrate-reducing bacteria, nitric oxide levels, and blood pressure. Interventional studies assessing nitrate supplementation and the use of antiseptic mouthwashes also reported changes in blood pressure, supporting the findings from the observational studies. This review suggests that oral nitrate-reducing bacteria may be involved in the biological pathways linking the oral microbiome with blood pressure regulation. However, the available evidence is limited by substantial methodological heterogeneity, differences in study populations and protocols, and gaps in the current literature. Therefore, further well-designed, adequately powered studies using standardized methodologies and long-term follow-up are needed to clarify these associations and determine whether modulation of the oral microbiome could have clinically meaningful effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of commercial zirconia cleansing agents designed for dental applications. It examines the characteristics of dental zirconia surface structure, the fundamentals of cleansing agents and their interaction mechanisms, and the impact of these agents on bond strength. Across the 17 included in vitro studies, rinsing with water left bond strength 8.6
Precision dentistry aims to integrate molecular biomarkers into clinical decision-making, enabling personalized prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of oral diseases. Although many biomarkers have been identified, their use in dentistry is limited. This review critically assesses the evidence supporting biomarker-based precision dentistry, highlighting its clinical applicability, implementation challenges, and future directions for translating molecular diagnosis into personalized oral health care. Recent advances in multi-omics and multiplex technologies, biosensors, microfluidic platforms, liquid biopsies, artificial intelligence (AI), and point-of-care (POC) diagnostics have improved biomarker detection and analysis in oral cancer. Inflammatory, oxidative stress, genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, metabolic, and microbiological biomarkers have great potential for the early screening, diagnosis, risk stratification, prognostic evaluation, and treatment of periodontal disease, peri-implant disease, oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), dental caries, and pulpal disease. However, most biomarkers remain in the exploratory or validation phase, and only a relatively small number have sufficient evidence to guide routine biomarker-based therapeutic decisions. Biomarker-based precision dentistry is an important step towards predictive, preventive, and individualized oral health care. However, biological variability, a lack of standardized analytical protocols, limited multicentre validation, regulatory barriers, reimbursement issues, and cost-efficiency concerns still limit its widespread implementation. Future progress will depend on robust clinical validation, evidence-based guidance, interdisciplinary cooperation, and mainstreaming validated biomarker platforms into routine practice. A schematic representation of biomarker-based precision dentistry, translational framework and clinical implications. Biological sources, biomarker classes, and diagnostic technologies support integrated biomarker discovery and subsequent clinical application, implementation, and personalized care. The framework also summarizes the anticipated clinical impact, key implementation challenges, and future priorities required for reliable translation into dental practice.
