Background: Systematic reviews comparing static and dynamic navigation for dental implant placement present variable conclusions, creating uncertainty regarding their relative clinical benefits. A higher-level synthesis of evidence is required to provide definitive clinical guidance. Objectives: The purpose of this umbrella review was to critically synthesize available systematic reviews and meta-analyses comparing Static and Dynamic navigation for dental implant placement and to determine whether clinically meaningful differences exist in accuracy and treatment outcomes. Material and methods: A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and LILACS was conducted to identify systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis published through December 31, 2025. Eligible reviews evaluated implant positional accuracy (coronal, apical, and angular deviations) and clinical outcomes, including implant survival and marginal bone loss (MBL), associated with static (template-based) and dynamic navigation systems. Study selection, data extraction, and eligibility assessment were performed independently by reviewers according to predefined criteria. The methodological quality of included reviews was appraised by using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Results: Of 279 records identified, eight systematic reviews with meta-analyses fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Both static and dynamic navigation demonstrated comparable positional accuracy in implant placement. dynamic navigation consistently showed reduced angular deviation and improved real-time control in several analyses; however, differences between static and dynamic systems were generally small and not consistently clinically significant. Implant survival rates and MBL were comparable between the two navigation modalities. Conclusions: Both static and dynamic navigation systems provide predictable and accurate implant placement. Although dynamic navigation offers the advantage of real-time intraoperative adaptability and may be preferable in anatomically demanding situations, current evidence does not establish clear clinical superiority over static guidance. Clinical selection should therefore be guided by case complexity, surgical expertise, and resource availability.
Objectives Two-implant retained mandibular overdenture (2IMO) is a popular treatment option in completely edentulous patients. The purpose of this review is to compare varying implant position, angulation, and diameter on biomechanical behavior, crestal strain, and retentive strength of 2IMO. Materials and Methods The literature search was conducted using a single search term “Mandibular implant overdenture” in the PubMed-MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases. All types of clinical or laboratory studies related to different positions, angulations, and diameter of the implants used in 2IMO were included. The insights of the studies about stress and strain evaluation and the retention of the 2IMO patients using different implant positions, angulations, and diameters were presented. Different methodologies and radiographic techniques that evaluated crestal bone level changes in clinical studies using 2IMO were reviewed. Results Total 2238 studies in PubMed and 535 studies in Cochrane CENTRAL databases appeared during the initial search and 21 studies (14 on biomechanical behavior and bone loss and 7 on retention) were shortlisted to evaluate different outcomes in 2IMO with different positions, angulations, and diameter of implants. The studies regarding biomechanical behavior indicated increased stresses with increased positions of the implants from midline and increased angulations. The studies regarding the diameter of the implants have shown better stress distribution pattern with standard sized (or greater diameter implants) than reduced diameter of implants. Higher survival rate was observed with standard sized implants than mini-implants and greater bone loss was observed with premolar position than canine position. The retention is increased with increase in the position of the implants from midline. The retention of the 2IMO found to have contradicting results with different angulations of implants. Conclusions In 2IMO, increased stresses were observed with increase in position of the implants from midline and increased angulations of the implants. The retention values were also increased with increase in position of the implants from midline. Inconclusive results were found with different angulations of the implants. Further clinical and in vitro studies are advocated to evaluate retention of the 2IMO with different angulations, positions, and diameter of the implants.
Objective To systematically evaluate the predictive accuracy, methodological quality, and certainty of evidence of artificial intelligence (AI)-based multivariable models developed to predict dental implant success or failure. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA 2020 and TRIPOD-SRMA guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251232730). PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and IEEE Xplore were searched from inception to December 31, 2025, with additional searches in Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov. Eligible studies developed or validated AI-based prediction models for binary implant outcomes in human participants and reported at least one performance metric (area under the curve [AUC], sensitivity, specificity, or accuracy). Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using PROBAST. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted where feasible. Results Eight retrospective studies, comprising 4364 implants, met the inclusion criteria. Pooled estimates indicated good internal discrimination, with sensitivity of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.57–0.98), specificity of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.66–0.95), AUC of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.66–0.95), and accuracy of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74–0.94). However, heterogeneity was extreme (I² >98%), and all studies were at high risk of bias, primarily due to retrospective design, lack of external validation, inadequate handling of class imbalance, and poor calibration reporting. The certainty of evidence was very low. Conclusions AI-based models demonstrate promising internal predictive performance; however, the current evidence is methodologically limited, highly heterogeneous, and lacks external validation. Consequently, these models are not yet suitable for clinical application and should be considered exploratory.
OBJECTIVES The primary objectives of this report are to systematically review the available literature regarding the use of clear aligner therapy and a surgery-first approach to treatment of the anterior open bite and to provide a case example. Advantages of using clear aligners versus conventional fixed orthodontic appliances will also be discussed. METHODS A recent example case of a patient with hemifacial microsomia and an anterior open bite undergoing a combined orthodontic and surgical approach to management is presented for consideration. A scoping review of the literature was undertaken for evaluation of available literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR). RESULTS (If applicable) Insufficient evidence exists for significant analysis of clear aligner therapy directly compared to conventional fixed orthodontic appliances in patients undergoing surgery-first, as was the strategy used for the case presented. A review of the available literature with reference to updated literature regarding management of patients with an open bite specifically undergoing surgery-first and clear aligner treatment yields one two case series. The results indicate that further study of the subject in question is warranted, but currently available literature demonstrates positive outcomes with no reported sequelae for patients with anterior open bites specifically. CONCLUSIONS The available literature supports the use of clear aligner therapy and surgery-first treatment approaches for patients with anterior open bite. In such patients, clear aligner therapy may be as effective as traditional fixed orthodontic appliances. Evidence already exists that clear aligners can be effectively used to manage the anterior open bite non-surgically in select patients. Based on the review of the literature, there is growing support for the combination of clear aligner therapy in the setting of surgery-first. Newer techniques for orthodontic and surgical approaches to patient management may allow for the expansion of procedures that can be safely considered in patients with anterior open bites and additional skeletal facial discrepancies. IMPLICATIONS Sufficient evidence now exists to consider application of CAT techniques to management of anterior open bites with not only the addition of surgery but surgery-first prior to orthodontic movements.
OBJECTIVES The objective of this research is to review the literature for similar cases of tracheostomies performed in the setting of bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis as well as contribute our findings from our case METHODS A systematic review of the literature was undertaken for evaluation of available literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). A representative case example was provided for consideration. RESULTS (If applicable) Review of the available literature resulted in no articles addressing the potential utilization of tracheostomy in patients with TMJ ankylosis. A variety of literature is available for patients with craniofacial anomalies who may require tracheostomy and who may develop TMJ ankylosis from a young age, but no literature is available to provide evidenced-based treatment guidelines for adult patients with ankylosis who may be at increased risk for airway compromise. Medical management of patients with refractory seizure activity can be difficult to optimize, and treatment regimens may require alterations during the perioperative period for patients undergoing TMJ total joint replacement. CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing surgical treatment for bilateral TMJ ankylosis who also have neurological conditions such as epilepsy may be at increased risk for airway compromise during the postoperative period. Patients with difficult to control seizure activity may also be at increased risk for joint dislocation during the postoperative period of TMJ total joint replacement. Temporary tracheostomy represents a surgical option to improve patient safety in the immediate postoperative period along with appropriate medical management, and its consideration has not previously been reported for this patient population. IMPLICATIONS The implications of this research are to provide other surgeons who will treat bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis via bilateral temporomandibular joint arthroplasty, particularly in the case of refractory seizures, a framework for treatment to avoid airway collapse and effectively manage refractory seizures.
Background/Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated CBCT-derived volumetric changes in the upper airway after maxillary expansion in growing patients with maxillary deficiency (transverse and/or sagittal). Methods A literature search was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis, Wiley Online Library, and Sage Journals until May 2026. Data extraction and methodological quality assessments were performed independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for randomized controlled trials and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for non-randomized studies. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software was used to synthesize standardized mean differences (SMDs) for airway volume changes. This meta-analysis was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025118257). Results Thirteen studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 12 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Maxillary expansion was associated with a significant increase in nasal cavity volume (SMD = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.66 to 1.16; p < 0.001), nasopharyngeal airway volume (SMD = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.97; p < 0.001), and oropharyngeal airway volume (SMD = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.66; p < 0.001). Nasal cavity volume showed the largest pooled effect; however, substantial heterogeneity was observed for nasopharyngeal and nasal cavity outcomes. Conclusion Maxillary expansion was associated with significant CBCT-derived volumetric increases in upper airway dimensions in growing patients, with the largest effect observed in the nasal cavity. However, the clinical significance, long-term stability, and relationship of these volumetric changes to functional respiratory outcomes remain uncertain and require further investigation through prospective controlled trials with validated respiratory endpoints.
Statement of problem The effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in enhancing peri-implant soft-tissue healing after implant surgery remains unclear because of limited and heterogeneous clinical evidence. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate whether adjunctive PBM improves peri-implant soft-tissue healing compared with conventional postoperative care or sham treatment following dental implant placement or second-stage surgery. Material and methods An electronic search of PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases from January 2000 to December 2026 was conducted to identify studies assessing PBM applied to peri-implant soft tissues. Screening and data extraction were performed according to predefined eligibility criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias-2 tool. Results Three randomized controlled clinical trials including 91 patients were analyzed. Adjunctive photobiomodulation demonstrated significantly improved early soft tissue healing, reflected by higher healing index scores (P<.001), reduced postoperative inflammation (P=.03), and lower gingival and bleeding indices at early follow-up intervals (P<.05). Favorable modulation of inflammatory biomarkers, including reduced tumor necrosis factor-α levels (P<.05) and decreased peri‑implant crevicular fluid volume (P<.05), was also reported. One study demonstrated significantly improved implant stability at 3 months (P=.007) and better clinical healing at 1 week (P=.045). No serious adverse events related to photobiomodulation were identified. Conclusions Within the limitations of the available evidence, PBM appears to enhance early peri-implant soft-tissue healing and reduce postoperative inflammatory parameters. However, additional well-designed randomized and controlled clinical trials with standardized PBM protocols and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm these findings.
This narrative review will highlight the restorative workflows for full-arch implant dentistry- understanding the traditional analog techniques that have been tried-&-true for capturing the implant positions, to the ever-evolving transition to digitally acquiring the full-arch implant positions with various technological armamentarium available today. This manuscript will also involve the evolution of the materials used for fabricating such prostheses and the advantages and disadvantages for each decision. This work aims to guide the clinician towards understanding the various techniques available for digitally capturing the full-arch implant positions, and hopefully allow for a seamless integration of such workflows in a contemporary implant practice.
Purpose To compare the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and conventional liners for indirect pulp capping in primary and young permanent molars. Methods This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a pre-registered PROSPERO protocol (CRD420251253313). Electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) were searched (2000–December 2025) for randomized controlled trials comparing SDF with calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, or resin-modified glass ionomer cement. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2. Meta-analysis was conducted in RevMan 5.4 using Mantel–Haenszel random-effects models. Certainty of evidence was evaluated with GRADE. Results Eight RCTs (≈2295 teeth) were included; six contributed to clinical and seven to radiographic meta-analysis. SDF showed outcomes comparable to conventional liners for clinical success (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.97–1.01; I² = 0%) and radiographic success (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.97–1.01; I² = 3%). Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent findings. Evidence certainty was moderate. Adverse effects were limited to staining, reduced with potassium iodide or dilution. Conclusion SDF demonstrates equivalent effectiveness to conventional liners, with advantages of simplicity and low cost, supporting its use as a minimally invasive option for indirect pulp capping.
Introduction Pulpal calcifications are a relatively common finding in dental radiographic examinations and are often associated with factors such as dental trauma, aging, chronic inflammation, and systemic conditions. The study objective is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of convolutional neural network (CNN) based deep learning (DL) models for detecting pulpal calcifications on dental radiographs. Materials and Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted under PRISMA-DTA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420251102558). Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane Library (November 2025). Eligible studies assessed CNN-based DL models. Data extraction and risk of bias (QUADAS-2) were performed independently. Pooled diagnostic values were estimated with a bivariate random-effects model, and certainty was graded with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Results Six retrospective studies with 6,916 radiographs were included, applying CNN architecture. Pooled sensitivity was 87% and specificity 92%, with an AUC of 0.95. Risk of bias was low, with some heterogeneity. Conclusion CNN-based DL models show high accuracy for pulpal calcification detection, supporting their potential use in endodontics and systemic health screening. However, all included studies were retrospective and based on internal validation, which may limit the generalizability of these findings to real-world clinical settings.
The integration of robotics into implant dentistry holds transformative potential for bridging the surgical-prosthetic gap that has long challenged clinicians. Traditional implant placement often suffers from misalignment between surgical positioning and prosthetic outcomes, leading to compromised function, esthetics, and patient satisfaction. Robotic-assisted implant placement introduces a new level of precision, enabling real-time adaptation and highly accurate execution of preoperative prosthetically driven treatment plans. By incorporating dynamic navigation, haptic feedback, and virtual CBCT planning, robotic systems can ensure that implants are placed in optimal positions relative to the final prosthetic design, minimizing the risk of restorative complications. This technology enhances communication between surgical and restorative teams, reducing human error, especially in complex cases or anatomically challenging scenarios. Moreover, robotic systems can improve clinical efficiency, reduce surgical time, and potentially expand the scope of care for less experienced practitioners under digitally full-guided workflows. As evidence continues to grow, robotically assisted implantology is poised to redefine the standard of care by harmonizing surgical accuracy with prosthetic intent. Ultimately, this convergence promises to enhance long-term clinical outcomes, promote patient-centered and individualized care, and establish a more seamless digital workflow in implant dentistry.
OBJECTIVES Absorbable and nonabsorbable barrier membranes are commonly used in periodontics to regenerate tooth-supporting tissues destroyed due to periodontal disease and to augment deficient segments of alveolar bone. The purpose of this study is to analyze the immunogenicity associated with two barrier membrane materials surgically implanted into rat skin tissue. METHODS One hundred nineteen male Sprague-Dawley rats (Charles River Laboratories) were used in this study. Rats were randomly allocated to experimental groups via computer-generated randomization. The groups included native collagen membrane (BioGide, Geistlich, Wolhusen, Switzerland), electrospun nanofiber poly (ester urea) membrane (MatriNova, Matregenix, Mission Viejo, CA, USA), sham surgery (negative control, no membrane), and positive control (lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection). Rats were sacrificed at 1, 3, or 7 days, and tissue and blood specimens were obtained. Each group-timepoint combination included 7 rats.Animals were anesthetized and injected with buprenorphine SR, 1.2 mg/kg. A single 3.5-cm skin incision was completed on the dorsal surface of each rat. A subcutaneous pouch was prepared, and in the experimental groups, a 5 × 25-mm membrane was implanted. In the negative control group, the pouch received no membrane. All surgical wounds were closed using sterile 9-mm surgical wound clips. The positive control group received a 2-mg/kg intraperitoneal LPS injection at day zero.Membranes with surrounding tissue were harvested via block section and preserved in 10% formalin. Each specimen collected will extend beyond the incision site to collect normal tissue, reactive tissue, and the membrane in the sample. The tissue block was cut to provide samples for cytokine PCR, histologic, and histometric data analysis at each time point (day 1, 3, and 7) for a total of 112 specimens. A 2-mL sample of intracardiac blood was retrieved to complete a peripheral blood smear and analyze systemic cytokines in circulation at each time point in the 112 specimens. RESULTS Pending data analysis results. CONCLUSIONS Pending data analysis results. IMPLICATIONS Wound dehiscence remains the predominant postoperative complication in periodontal procedures utilizing implanted barrier membranes. Membrane biocompatibility influences both the exposure risk and the severity of clinical consequences. Findings from this study may enhance clinical decision-making and help limit membrane-related complications.
OBJECTIVES: The use of a desiccant agent can be used in conjunction with SPR. This review investigates the effectiveness of HybenX gel as an adjunct with root debridement. METHODS: Following the guidelines, we conducted a literature review using PubMed database. The key words desiccant therapy/agent, irrigation, SRP, root debridement, and periodontal attachment loss. For this analysis we included peer reviewed articles no more than five years old. Our Pico question included (P) Chronic Periodontists, (I) HybenX as an Adjunct (C) HybenX gel vs SRP alone, (O) Decrease BOP, Decrease Inflammation &Increase Probing Depths. Our keys words for the search string included: ''Hygroscopic Agents'' AND ''SRP” OR Periodontal Attachment Loss. RESULTS: Publications that met the criteria consisted of 5 research articles and 3 of which were clinical trials. We found five articles the fit our inclusion criteria, four of which were randomized control trials. Two of the four shared common elements such as addressing BOP, PPD, CAL and plaque/ gingival index. There was no risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence supporting the Efficiency of Desiccant Agents as an Adjunct to SRP appeared to be limited. Due to there being only 4 research articles and 3 of the 4 were clinical studies found. Thus, practitioners must exercise caution when drawing conclusions from available data. However, the research articles and clinical studies that were found indicated that the use of a desiccant agent showed improvement in patients probing depth, bleeding on probing, and plaque index/gingival index. IMPLICATIONS: Based on literature reviews, incorporating the use of HybenX gel as an adjunct to SRP may maximum patients' debridement results.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to gain understanding of provider guidance on breast feeding and the impact on caries prevention in children. Specific aims are to determine the effectiveness of breast-feeding education on oral health outcomes, evaluate the level of knowledge and practice regarding breast-feeding guidance, and develop recommendations for integrating this knowledge into pediatric practices. METHODS: This study design involves collecting data via qualitative survey using standardized questionnaire inquiring about provider guidance on breast-feeding. Procedure involves collecting data via survey responses from participants on the active AAPD mailing list. Questions will be a combination of multiple choice and check box questions aiming to collect data from pediatric dentists on their knowledge of breast-feeding guidance and patient intervention. RESULTS: (If applicable) Results of this study are currently in progress. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting children worldwide. Early childhood caries (ECC) can have significant impacts on a child’s health, nutrition, growth, and overall quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the numerous health benefits of breast-feeding and recommends exclusively breast-feeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breast-feeding accompanied with food for up to two years of beyond. While breast-feeding promotes health growth and development, prolonged and frequent night time feedings may increase the risk of dental caries. IMPLICATIONS: Gaining understanding of breast-feeding guidance and how it impacts children’s oral health and caries rate.
OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to investigate the process of sinus pneumatization in the posterior maxilla and its implications for dental implant placement. It further explores various surgical approaches to mitigate complications and optimize outcomes in oral implantology for patients with pneumatized sinuses. METHODS: This paper utilizes clinical case presentations to illustrate methods of implant placement in a pneumatized posterior maxilla. Additionally, it incorporates a review of relevant research publications to analyze current surgical techniques and evidence-based practices in addressing sinus pneumatization during implant placement. CONCLUSIONS: This paper concludes that sinus pneumatization in the posterior maxilla presents significant challenges for implant placement, requiring careful planning and consideration of anatomical variations. It emphasizes the effectiveness and methodology for various surgical techniques such as the Caldwell-Luc approach and transcrestal approach for maxillary sinus augmentation, allowing for favorable implant placement outcomes in the posterior maxilla. IMPLICATIONS: By outlining evidence-based surgical strategies for management of pneumatized sinuses in the posterior maxilla, this paper will help to reinforce the precision and success of oral implantology. Ultimately helping to foster appropriate patient care and predictable results for implant placement in the posterior maxillary region.
OBJECTIVES: Absorbable and non-absorbable barrier membranes are commonly used in contemporary periodontics for a variety of clinical purposes including alveolar ridge preservation/augmentation, guided tissue regeneration, and sinus elevation surgery. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the immunogenicity and cytotoxicity of four barrier membrane materials on human gingival epithelial cells in an in vitro model. METHODS: Four barrier membrane materials, native collagen (NC), crosslinked collagen (CC), dense polytetrafluoroethylene (dPTFE), and an electrospun nanofiber poly(ester urea) membrane (NP) based membrane, were introduced into culture wells containing confluent Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) (ATCC primary oral keratinocytes PCS 200-014). Culture media was sampled at one day, three day, and five day membrane incubation timepoints. Media concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), and interferon-γ (IFN- γ) were subsequently determined via cytokine analysis (Bio-Plex Pro, Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA) and multiplex assay system (MagPix, Luminex, Austin, TX, USA). A two-way factorial ANOVA was used to identify statistically significant differences in cytokine concentrations between treatment groups. Where statistically significant differences were found in the overall model, post-hoc Bonferroni tests were applied. RESULTS: (If applicable) NC membranes exhibited marked visual degradation over time, whereas CC, dPTFE, and NP membranes showed little to no change in visual appearance through five days. Incubation with the NC membrane was found to consistently stimulate the production of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, G-CSF, and MIP-1β. All other membrane materials did not demonstrate a consistent increase in cytokine level above the negative control and the NP membrane tended to have the lowest overall cytokine concentration of all tested materials. We also observed that the NC membrane increased the production of inflammatory cytokines: IL-4, IL-6, G-CSF, and MIP-1b compared to other three membranes tested in this study (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Under the described conditions, NC membranes exhibited higher immunogenicity compared with CC, dPTFE, or NP. These observations may relate to the rate of membrane degradation and the immunogenic potential of the breakdown products. Of the four evaluated membranes, NP exhibited the most favorable cytokine profile. IMPLICATIONS: The most common complication of barrier membrane placement is wound dehiscence and membrane exposure, which can lead to treatment failure. Understanding the relative biocompatibility of commonly used membrane materials may aid in clinical decision-making and reduce morbidity for patients.
OBJECTIVES: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common condition caused by exposure of dentinal tubules to the oral environment. This results in sharp pain in response to mechanical, thermal, chemical, and osmotic stimuli.This review examined the roles of various ion channels in DH, focusing on how they contribute to pain perception and intercellular communication between odontoblasts and afferent sensory neurons. METHODS: A comprehensive review of literature on ion channels involved in DH was conducted, with emphasis on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, Piezo channels, acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), and voltage-gated ion channels. Special focus was placed on the physiological function of these channels, their response to stimuli, and their role in DH-related pain pathways. RESULTS: (If applicable) Ion channels such as TRPV1, TRPA1, and ASICs are activated by pressure, heat, acidic environments, and chemical irritants, all of which contribute to DH pain. Activation of ion channels located on odontoblasts triggers the release of adenosine triphosphate and glutamate from odontoblasts. These neurotransmitters bind to purinergic and glutamate receptors, respectively, on sensory neurons. This interaction causes depolarization and generates action potentials that relay pain signals to the brain. In addition, voltage-gated sodium channels such as NaV1.7 amplify neuronal excitability, promoting rapid pain signal transmission in response to DH stimuli. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of diverse ion channels in odontoblasts and trigeminal ganglion-associated sensory neurons provides an intricate system for detecting and relaying DH-associated pain signals. Activation of these ion channels converts external stimuli into electrical signals that the central nervous system interprets as pain. IMPLICATIONS: Although ion channels are crucial for pain perception, it is challenging to target them directly for DH management. Most of these channels are expressed in tissues other than the dental pulp, raising the risk of off-target systemic effects and adverse outcomes. Because of the essential roles of these channels in general physiological processes, approaches that desensitize dentinal tubules to prevent fluid movement appears to be safer and more effective for managing DH pain.
Abstract: This study investigates the effects of single-direction torsion on the microscopic deformation behavior, surface topography, and microstructure of internal connection dental implants. Currently, no research has explored microscopic changes to implant surfaces after placement in natural bone or microstructural alterations due to clinically relevant insertion torque.Dental implant failure can be biological or technical, with forces during installation or function potentially altering the implant’s structure. However, the microscopic changes leading to macroscopic alterations remain unknown. This study assesses microstructural changes and surface topography of torsioned titanium implants. Materials and METHODS: Three groups of ten implants (4.3 mm x 11.5 mm, S.I.N Implant System, Brazil) were subjected to insertion torques of 30 Ncm (T1), 60 Ncm (T2), and 80 Ncm (T3) in Type II polyurethane bone blocks (Sawbones®, USA). Representative specimens per group were mounted in epoxy resin, sectioned, ground, polished, and etched with Kroll’s reagent. Microstructural evaluation using metallurgical microscopy analyzed slip bands, twin formation, grain structure, and cracks. SEM analysis assessed surface alterations. Results/CONCLUSIONS: Findings showed increased grain boundary deformation and localized strain in higher torque groups, indicating microstructural compression and slip activity. Titanium implants subjected to higher torques exhibited progressive coating loss and surface damage. Optical images confirmed significant implant surface coating removal at higher torques while lower torque retained more coverage. SEM analysis revealed substantial wear, coating delamination, scratches, and material loss, especially along thread edges. This study highlights the impact of insertion torque on the microstructure and durability of titanium dental implants.
OBJECTIVES: Goal is to explore the effectiveness of composite veneers in restoring aesthetics and function in patients with severe dental erosion and periodontal disease. It aims to evaluate treatment considerations, challenges, and short and long-term outcomes to provide a multidisciplinary approach for optimal patient care METHODS: This study will use a case-based approach. A clinical case of a patient with severe dental erosion of unknown origin and periodontal disease will be examined through clinical assessment, radiographs, and diagnostic models. Treatment planning will involve multidisciplinary care to stabilize periodontal health, determine the cause of erosion, and use composite veneers as a short term plan to restore function and aesthetics until periodontal health is stable enough to continue to fixed prosthetic options. Composite veneers will be fabricated using an ideal wax-up, bleaching, and the injection molding technique with flowable harmonize composite in shade A2. Outcomes will be evaluated using pre- and post-treatment photos, patient feedback, and occlusal analysis. RESULTS: N/A CONCLUSIONS: This research highlights the effectiveness of composite veneers as a short-term treatment in restoring aesthetics and function in patients with severe dental erosion and periodontal disease. A multidisciplinary approach, prioritizing periodontal health and prevention of further erosion, before fixed restorative intervention, is crucial for long-term success. Composite veneers provide a minimally invasive and cost-effective solution, improving both smile aesthetics and patient confidence IMPLICATIONS: This research emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing patients with severe dental erosion and periodontal disease. It highlights the role of composite veneers as a conservative and aesthetic restorative option, offering a functional and cost-effective solution. Clinically, it underscores the need for careful patient selection, periodontal stabilization before fixed restorative treatment, and long-term maintenance strategies. Additionally, it contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting minimally invasive dentistry, guiding clinicians in balancing aesthetic demands with periodontal health.
