Introduction Dental professionals strive to achieve natural, optical, and biomimetic results in esthetic rehabilitation. The predictability of veneer therapy is based on shape, color, and advanced clinical proficiency. Case Presentation This clinical case report describes the anterior esthetic management of a 60-year-old female patient presenting aesthetic concerns related to pre-existing direct composite restorations. A diagnostic wax-up followed by an intraoral mock-up was performed to facilitate three-dimensional evaluation of the proposed restorative outcome and to obtain patient approval prior to definitive treatment. Complete anterior rehabilitation was obtained using lithium disilicate glass-ceramic veneers. Laboratory procedures were conducted in close collaboration with a skilled dental technician to achieve precise surface texture, translucency gradients, and anatomical contouring consistent with adjacent natural teeth. Adhesive luting protocols were meticulously implemented to optimize bonding performance and marginal integrity. Postoperative assessment revealed high patient satisfaction in terms of both aesthetics and function. Conclusion The present case underscores the clinical relevance of biomimetic restorative strategies and preoperative visualization tools in enhancing treatment predictability, functional integration, and patient-centered outcomes in contemporary aesthetic dentistry.
Objectives This study evaluated the association between periodontal disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS), examining the independent and combined effects of its five diagnostic components on periodontal disease prevalence. Methods This cross-sectional analysis utilized data from the 2011–2012 and 2013–2014 survey cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). These represent the most recent NHANES cycles that included a full-mouth clinical periodontal examination of adults. Participants were adults aged ≥30 years with complete laboratory measurements for MetS and clinical periodontal assessments. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study population, including weighted prevalence estimates and p -values for demographic, behavioral, and inflammatory variables, and periodontal disease. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between periodontal disease and MetS, as well as MetS components analyzed both individually and collectively. Results A total of 3,368 participants met the inclusion criteria for this study. Among them, 34.88% (1,175 participants) had MetS. The groups most affected by MetS were participants aged 70 and older (44.33%), those with the lowest education level (40.13%), low-income level (38.46%), smokers and former smokers (36.80% and 37.12% respectively), high White Blood Cell (WBC) counts (51.72%), and those with periodontal disease (36.46%). In crude analysis, MetS was significantly associated with periodontal disease (cOR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.02-1.62). However, when adjusting for confounding factors, the association was not statistically significant (aOR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.63-1.14) even when comparing the participants who had all five MetS components to those with no MetS (aOR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.35-1.92). Similar results were found when assessing the association between severe periodontal disease and MetS. Elevated fasting glucose was the only MetS component that had a statistically significant association with periodontal disease (aOR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.04-1.60). Discussion The findings align with several prior studies reporting null associations, while inconsistencies in the literature may be attributable to differences in populations, diagnostic criteria, confounder control, and sample size. Despite limitations related to the cross-sectional design and NHANES data, this study is strengthened by its large, nationally representative sample and objectively measured periodontal and MetS variables. Overall, the findings suggest that shared socioeconomic and behavioral factors, rather than a direct biological relationship, may underlie the observed patterns, highlighting the need for longitudinal research and targeted interventions to address health disparities. Conclusion While periodontal disease and MetS share similar risk factors, this study found no significant association between the two after adjusting for confounders. These findings emphasize the role of socioeconomic and behavioral factors in improving both conditions. Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore potential causal relationships and focus on mitigating health disparities through targeted interventions.
Background The concept of biologic width has long been used to describe the supracrestal soft tissue dimensions surrounding natural teeth and to guide restorative and periodontal procedures. Traditionally, this concept has been interpreted as the vertical dimension of the junctional epithelium and supracrestal connective tissue attachment measured from the alveolar bone crest. Conceptual Gap Despite its clinical utility, biologic width has traditionally been interpreted primarily as a vertical linear measurement, which may not fully emphasize the circumferential three-dimensional organization and biological function of the supracrestal tissues. Proposed Concept This article proposes a novel conceptual framework, termed the biologic belt, that complements the established concepts of biologic width and supracrestal tissue attachment (STA) by emphasizing their continuous, circumferential, and three-dimensional protective organization. Beyond its geometric description, the term “belt” highlights the protective role of this tissue complex, a three-dimensional biological barrier safeguarding periodontal tissues against mechanical, microbial, and restorative challenges. Clinical Relevance Reconceptualizing the supracrestal tissues as a biologic belt may facilitate clinical decision-making by providing a biologically meaningful three-dimensional framework for restorative margin placement, periodontal procedures, and peri-implant tissue management.
Background The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has significantly increased among young adults, yet the effects on oral health remain inadequately understood. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between vaping and periodontal inflammation, as well as alterations in oral mucosa, but there is limited clinical case documentation. Case Presentation A 26-year-old male, a regular e-cigarette user with poor oral hygiene, presented with a localized, erythematous gingival mass located between the maxillary right lateral incisor and canine (#12–#13). The lesion had a smooth surface and bled easily upon manipulation. Initial management included nonsurgical periodontal therapy, reinforcement of oral hygiene practices, and smoking cessation counseling. Due to the persistence of the lesion, a surgical excision was performed that extended beyond the visible margins. Histopathological examination revealed a benign reactive lesion characterized by acanthosis, fibrosis, and chronic inflammatory infiltrate, with no evidence of malignancy. Follow-up at six weeks demonstrated satisfactory healing with no recurrence. Conclusion This case underscores a potential association between e-cigarette use and reactive gingival lesions. Persistent gingival enlargements in patients who vape should not be overlooked and require thorough evaluation, including a biopsy when necessary. A comprehensive patient history, elimination of local irritants, and long-term follow-up are crucial. Further studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship between vaping and oral soft tissue pathology.
Introduction Inferior alveolar nerve injury is most frequently associated with mandibular third molar surgery, while neurosensory complications related to endodontic treatment are uncommon and sparsely reported. Such injuries may occur when mandibular molar roots and associated periapical lesions are located in proximity to the inferior alveolar canal, allowing extruded endodontic materials to affect the nerve. This case adds to the limited scientific literature by describing delayed-onset inferior alveolar nerve sensory impairment following root canal treatment and its recovery after elimination of the causative factor. Case Presentation A 50-year-old woman presented with numbness of the right lower lip and chin that developed three months after root canal treatment of the mandibular right second molar. Clinical examination and radiographic evaluation using an orthopantomogram and cone beam computed tomography demonstrated extruded gutta-percha extending into the inferior alveolar nerve canal, associated periapical radiolucency, and direct contact between the tooth roots and the nerve. The mandibular right first molar also showed residual roots with periapical pathology. Following informed consent, atraumatic extraction of both teeth was performed, followed by socket debridement and supportive management including vitamin B12 supplementation. At four weeks, neurosensory examination showed persistent anesthesia. Gradual improvement was noted at eight weeks, and near complete recovery of sensation was observed at twelve weeks after extraction. Conclusion This case demonstrates that inferior alveolar nerve injury can occur as a rare complication of endodontic treatment of mandibular molars, particularly when extruded filling materials and periapical pathology are present close to the nerve canal. Early recognition, careful radiographic assessment, and timely removal of the etiologic factor may facilitate favorable neurosensory recovery and reduce the risk of permanent sensory deficits.
