Dentistry Journal最新文献

Studying surface energy and permeability offers insights into the relationship between temporary polymers and the oral environment. Variations in contact angle and surface free energy may signify modifications in surface polarity and tendency for plaque buildup, staining, or microcrack formation. Objectives: The present study aims to evaluate the influence of simulated salivary and chemical aging conditions on the surface and mechanical properties of 3D-printed PMMA provisional materials. Methods: Two 3D-printed polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resins were investigated, namely Anycubic White (Anycubic, Shenzhen, China) and NextDent Creo (NextDent, 3D Systems, Soesterberg, The Netherlands), using two aging protocols. Protocol A consisted of chemical aging in an alcohol-based mouthwash, while Protocol B involved thermal aging in artificial saliva. After aging, surface properties (wettability and SFE) and compressive behaviour were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess the influence of temperature, immersion duration, and aging medium, with significance established at p < 0.05. Results: In Protocol A, mechanical properties showed a time-dependent decrease, with material-specific stabilization trends. In Protocol B, thermal aging resulted in elastic modulus reductions ranging from 35% to 46% relative to the reference. The yield strength exhibited similar tendencies. In Protocol A, X samples exhibited a consistent decline, while C samples stabilized after 14 days. For Protocol B, the fitted model produced residuals under 2%, confirming temperature as the primary variable. Conclusions: Chemical and thermal aging influence the physical and mechanical properties of the analyzed 3D-printed PMMA. Among the two protocols, thermal aging in artificial saliva resulted in more pronounced material degradation. After chemical aging in mouthwash, the surface free energy remained almost constant. After thermal aging, all samples demonstrated a gradual rise in SFE with prolonged immersion duration. The current study offers valuable insights into the environmental stability of printed PMMA; however, it is an in vitro evaluation. The findings indicate that temperature exposure and prolonged contact with oral hygiene products may affect the mechanical reliability of 3D-printed provisional restorations, which must be considered during material selection for longer temporary usage. Additionally, spectroscopic and microscopic analyses might better clarify the molecular-level chemical alterations linked to aging.

Background: Ameloblastomas account for roughly 1% of all jaw tumours and cysts, typically manifesting as slow-growing, painless swellings that expand both buccal and lingual cortical plates and may infiltrate adjacent soft tissue, often leading to a delayed diagnosis. These benign tumours, characterized by local invasiveness, originate from epithelial tissues and may develop from dental lamina cell rests, the enamel apparatus, the epithelial lining of odontogenic cysts, or basal epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. Methods: This paper aims to describe the comprehensive and interdisciplinary management of an extensive ameloblastoma in a 16-year-old patient, emphasizing the diagnostic challenges, surgical resection, reconstructive procedures, and subsequent oral rehabilitation. Results: At the eleven-year follow-up, clinical and radiographic examinations showed no signs of tumour recurrence. The patient presented no symptoms, indicating neither pain nor functional impairment. The prosthetic rehabilitation utilizing implant-supported fixed restorations was successfully completed, resulting in satisfactory masticatory function and aesthetics. This case adds to the existing evidence on the management of extensive ameloblastomas by demonstrating successful long-term outcomes following interdisciplinary surgical reconstruction and rehabilitation. Conclusions: The presented case highlights the complexity of restoring the lost tissues and functions, as well as the long-term clinical, functional, and aesthetic outcomes over an eleven-years follow-up period.

Background/Objectives: This systematic review aimed to quantify the extent of wear of opposing posterior natural enamel in patients with single-unit ceramic crowns. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest through September 2025. A meta-analysis was performed using the inverse variance method. Results: Nine clinical studies (5 randomized controlled trials and 4 prospective studies) involving 203 patients (2015-2025) were included. All studies evaluated monolithic zirconia; two also assessed monolithic lithium disilicate, and three included metal-ceramic restorations with feldspathic veneering. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 24 months. Meta-analysis revealed significant enamel wear from zirconia (p < 0.05; MD: -1.32; 95% CI: -2.06 to -0.57; I² = 94%) and lithium disilicate (p < 0.05; MD: -0.45; 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.19; I² = 2%). Feldspathic ceramics did not show significant enamel wear (p = 0.06; MD: -2.77; 95% CI: -5.66 to 0.13; I² = 96%). Conclusions: Ceramic materials generally cause greater wear on opposing posterior natural enamel than enamel-to-enamel contact. Monolithic zirconia and lithium disilicate crowns produced higher antagonist wear, whereas metal-ceramic restorations with feldspathic veneering appeared more conservative for preserving posterior enamel.

Backround: This cross-sectional study aimed to quantify the proportion of 3D tooth-face superimposition in young adults and examine age- and gender-related differences. Methods: In 98 dental students, intraoral MCI and facial scans were acquired under standardized protocols, processed in Mesh Mixer v. 3.5.474and Blender v. 4.3.2., and aligned to reference planes for superimposition. Residual tooth volume, reflecting tooth-face correspondence, was computed via Boolean subtraction. Statistical analyses were performed in IBM SPSS Statistics 25 at α = 0.05. Results: Total tooth volume (1,626,120.79 ± 210,659.56 × 10³) exceeded the superimposed volume by 285,052.34 × 10³ (17.53%; 95% CI: 15.84-19.22%; p < 0.001), giving a superimposition proportion of 82.6%. Positive correlations between total and remaining tooth volumes were observed overall (ρ = 0.448; p < 0.001), in females (ρ = 0.515; p < 0.001), and in participants < 21 years (ρ = 0.662; p < 0.001). Men had higher total tooth volume than women (1,706,232 ± 151,086 vs. 1,583,561 ± 225,978; p = 0.005). Conclusions: Volumetric analysis revealed high but incomplete dentofacial correspondence. Larger tooth volumes were associated with greater incongruence in females and younger participants, confirming volumetric size as a determinant of morphological congruence. Results highlight clinically meaningful superimposition, supporting the MCI as a reliable reference for restorative planning and esthetic reconstructions, and emphasize the value of 3D analysis for precise dentofacial evaluation and individualized esthetic planning.

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of three root canal filling material (RCFM) removal techniques-mechanical, thermo-mechanical, and chemico-mechanical-on the micro push-out bond strength of fiber posts to root dentin in endodontically treated teeth. Materials and Methods: Forty-five single-rooted human premolars were endodontically treated and randomly allocated into three groups (n = 15) according to the RCFM removal technique used during post-space preparation: mechanical, thermo-mechanical, or chemico-mechanical. Fiber posts were luted using a dual-cure resin cement. Roots were embedded in resin and sectioned into coronal, middle, and apical thirds. Micro push-out bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. Failure modes were examined under a stereomicroscope and validated using scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis used two-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests (α = 0.05). Results: Both the thermo-mechanical and mechanical groups showed significantly higher bond strength values than the chemico-mechanical group (p < 0.001). Across all groups, the coronal third recorded the highest bond strength, while the apical third presented the lowest values (p < 0.001). Adhesive failure at the dentin-cement interface was the most frequent failure mode. Conclusions: The gutta-percha removal technique and the root canal region significantly influence fiber-post bond strength. Solvent-based chemico-mechanical methods may adversely affect adhesion quality. Clinical Relevance: Thermo-mechanical and mechanical removal techniques may provide more reliable post retention during retreatment procedures, improving adhesion and reducing the risk of post debonding in daily practice.

Background/Objectives: Mobile health (mHealth) technologies are increasingly used to support preventive oral care and patient self-management. CarieCheck is a Portuguese app intended to improve oral health literacy and support caries-risk self-assessment. This prospective pilot study focused on users' perceived app quality and usability, assessed with uMARS-PT. Methods: Thirty participants from the academic community of Egas Moniz School of Health and Science used the app for 30 days and completed the uMARS-PT questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate mean scores for Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, Information Quality, Subjective Quality, and Perceived Impact. Results: The overall mean uMARS-PT score was 4.22, indicating excellent perceived quality. The highest domain scores were Functionality (4.51), Aesthetics (4.45), and Information Quality (4.22). Engagement (3.71) and Subjective Quality (3.05) were moderate. Perceived Impact (3.85) reflected self-reported perception of increased awareness and motivation regarding oral health behaviors. Conclusions: CarieCheck was rated highly in usability, aesthetics, and information quality. These findings suggest that CarieCheck may be considered as a digital tool for preventive education and user-supported caries-risk self-assessment. Larger, longer-term studies in diverse populations using objective behavioral and clinical outcomes are warranted.

Background/Objectives: Parental presence or absence (PPA) in the dental operatory remains a central issue in paediatric behaviour guidance, commonly employed as a non-pharmacological approach, yet frequently perceived as a professional dilemma among paediatric dentists. Its behavioural impact on children during dental treatment remains debated. This systematic review evaluates the influence of PPA on children's behaviour in dental settings and explores moderating factors. Methods: A PRISMA-guided systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for primary studies published between 2005 and 2025. Eligibility criteria included clinical studies involving paediatric patients primarily aged 2-14 years, comparing parental presence vs. absence during dental visits. Results: The 16 included studies consisted of randomized controlled trials (n = 9), cohort studies (n = 3), and analytical cross-sectional designs (n = 4). Findings were heterogeneous; nine of sixteen studies reported that PPA improved cooperative behaviour, particularly in younger children (ages 4-6), those with higher IQ, or those with initially negative behaviour. Five studies found no significant effect, while two noted increased anxiety or disruptive behaviour with parental presence. Parenting style and cultural context influenced outcomes, with authoritative styles associated with better cooperation. Conclusions: PPA can enhance behaviour in specific subgroups but lacks universal benefits. Paediatric dentists should individualize its use according to each child's developmental stage, emotional profile, and family dynamics, particularly parenting style, to optimize outcomes.

Background: Therapeutic applications of saline solutions in oral healthcare range from mineral waters to standardized sodium chloride preparations. Despite widespread traditional use, their scientific foundation remains inadequately characterized. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the available evidence for salt-based oral health interventions, characterize study populations and outcomes, and identify research gaps to guide future investigations. Methods: Following JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were systematically searched for publications from 2000 to 2025. Studies were classified along a spectrum from geological mineral waters to artificial preparations. Narrative synthesis was employed with systematic gap identification. Results: Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria, with a median sample size of 41 participants and a median follow-up of 4 weeks. Evidence distribution revealed concentration on hypersaline Dead Sea derivatives (n = 7, 41%) and European thermal waters (n = 5, 29%), with limited representation of marine-derived (n = 1, 6%) and simple saline solutions (n = 3, 18%). Reported outcomes included periodontal parameters, xerostomia symptoms, viral load, mucositis severity, and dentin hypersensitivity, with variable methodological quality across studies. Heterogeneity in interventions, comparators, and outcome measures precluded direct comparisons. Conclusions: The current evidence base for salt-based oral interventions remains limited and methodologically heterogeneous. While preliminary findings suggest potential applications across multiple clinical domains, small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and inconsistent outcome measures preclude definitive recommendations. Standardized protocols and adequately powered trials are needed before evidence-based clinical integration.

Background: Adhesive indirect restorations have become increasingly common in daily clinical routine in most dental practices. Before etching and adhesive application, a sandblasting procedure is essential to clean and increase the microporosity of the surface. Air abrasion with aluminum oxide particles significantly improves the bond strength. However, this procedure may have some limitations, such as the presence of powder particles. Recently, the Er:YAG laser in QSP mode has been proposed for conditioning build-ups prior to adhesive cementation. The aim of this study was a retrospective analysis of adhesive indirect restoration in which build-up was conditioned or using a traditional sandblaster with alumina powder or using the Er:YAG laser in QSP mode. Methods: 187 posterior indirect adhesive restorations were cemented using two different conditioning techniques: in 96 cases (51.34%) build-up conditioning was performed using an intraoral sandblaster with alumina oxide (Microetcher CD, Kavo, Biberach, Germany); in 91 cases (48.66%) build-up conditioning was performed using the Er:YAG laser (Fotona LighWalker^®, Ljubljana, Slovenia) in QSP modality (1 W, 10 Hz, 100 mJ). The clinical efficacy of the two techniques was evaluated and compared, assessing the occurrence of complications such as debonding, fracture, secondary leakage, and hypersensitivity over time. Results: The frequency of secondary complications was very low in both groups. Only one case of debonding and one case of restoration cracking was observed in the sandblasting group, with none in the laser group (p = 0.329). Secondary caries occurred in both groups. A difference was observed in postoperative hypersensitivity: 6% in the sandblasting group and 1% in the laser group (p = 0.064). The Kaplan-Meier curves of the two conditioning techniques showed comparable survival over time (Log-rank test χ² = 2.4864/p = 0.1148). The mean follow-up was 30 months. Conclusions: The success rates of these restorations are very high if adhesive cementation steps are properly followed. Conditioning the build-up before etching is essential. Among these, the Er:YAG laser in QSP mode seems to provide excellent results in the absence of dust and smear layer. Recurrence rates of complications such as decementation, leakage, and cracking resulted in less than 1%. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that using the laser to condition the build-up appears to reduce the recurrence of post-cementation hypersensitivity. These data require confirmation through prospective clinical trials.