Minerva dental and oral science最新文献

Introduction: Since 1993, the annual Congress of the College of the Italian Dental Professors (CDUO) has been the most important multidisciplinary event involving all Italian dental schools. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the characteristics and fate of the posters' abstracts presented in the editions from 2015 to 2019 under the category "Endodontics."

Evidence acquisition: Abstracts presented in the category Endodontics from 2015 and 2019 were retrieved from the conference proceedings and reviewed. The following data were extracted: year, title, authors, affiliation, topic and study design. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched to determine if each abstract was subsequently published as a full article in an indexed journal. The publication rate was calculated as well as the independent predictors of publication.

Evidence synthesis: 118 endodontic posters from 19 Italian dental schools were assessed. The University of Turin submitted the most, followed by Catania and Rome La Sapienza. "Mechanical Instrumentation" was the most common topic, and 82% of the studies were in vitro/ex vivo. Of the 118 abstracts, 42 (35.6%) were published in full in indexed journals. Research collaboration and affiliation with the University of Catania significantly increased likelihood of publication. The published articles (N.=39) received a total of 1093 citations. Most appeared in the Journal of Endodontics and the International Endodontic Journal.

Conclusions: Over one-third of the endodontic abstracts presented at CDUO congresses progressed to full publication in indexed journals, generating a notable number of citations. These results highlight the solid quality of Italian endodontic research and its increasing visibility within the international scientific community.

Background: The study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a zinc-L-carnosine mouthwash (Hepilor^®) in the treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients treated by radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Methods: The study included 42 patients, randomly allocated to the Test Group (N.=22) or to the Control Group (N.=20), referred to University Hospital of Marche Region, Ancona, Italy. The oral mucositis and its adverse manifestation were evaluated by the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria scales. Hepilor^® (4 rinses/day with 10 mL of pure product, for 3 minutes, for 30 days) was administered to the Test Group. To Control Group was prescribed 2 daily rinses with water and sodium bicarbonate, for one minute, for 30 days. Each evaluation was performed at the time of patient enrolment (t0), after 15 days (t1) and 30 days (t2) from the beginning of the treatment.

Results: In Test Group, the moderate and severe mucositis (t0: 61%), its related symptoms (t0: 5-59%), and the use of analgesics (t0: 63%) were significantly reduced, both at t1 (28%; 0-14%; 14%; P<0.0001) and at t2 (14%; 0-5%; 0%; P<0.0001). In Control Group, the patients with severe mucositis (t0: 10%) and oral symptoms (t0: 0-56%) notably increased, especially at t2 (35%; 10-75%), as well as analgesic drugs intake (t0: 35%; t2: 75%; P<0.0001).

Conclusions: These data confirm the clinical efficacy of Hepilor^® in the treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients. Together with an adequate oral hygiene, it reduced the severity of oral mucositis and its related symptoms, improving patients' quality of life.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the orthodontic space closure rate between power chains and nickel-titanium coil springs.

Methods: In this interventional, split-mouth quasi-experimental study, the participants were allocated into two groups: Space closure by nickel titanium (NiTi) spring and elastomeric chain. The canine retraction rate was measured to the nearest 0.1mm with a Boley's gauge, using the mesial wing of the premolar bracket and the distal wing of the canine bracket as reference points. Each measurement was taken three times, and the average value was used for analysis to enhance accuracy. Blinded operators conducted measurements. The paired t-test was used to test the hypothesis and evaluate the difference in canine retraction rates between NiTi and Power Chain groups. The p-value was considered to be statistically significant at less than 0.05.

Results: This study included 60 participants (24 females and 36 males). The mean age was 16±2.97 years (12-22 years). The sample consisted of 60 upper first premolar extraction cases on both sides. The mean canine retraction rate over 3-week intervals revealed statistically significant differences between these groups (P=0.026). The rate at 84 days proved to be significantly different (P=0.0001) between the power chain and NiTi group; the rate at 147 days showed a significant difference when the NiTi group was compared with the power chain group (P<0.05).

Conclusions: At all the follow-ups, the canine retraction was higher using NiTi springs than elastomeric chains.

Introduction: The literature lacks a comprehensive evaluation of 3D printing in restorative dentistry, particularly regarding its cost-efficiency, material waste, production time, and environmental impact compared to traditional methods. This scoping review aims to systematically map current literature on the economic, environmental aspects, and clinical outcomes of traditional manufacturing compared to additive 3D printing methods for dental prosthesis materials.

Evidence acquisition: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a literature search was conducted in March 2025 across PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Studies investigating the costs of materials, labor, equipment, and production times of milled, pressed techniques, and 3D printing for crowns, bridges, and dentures were included. Data were independently extracted and analyzed, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, material waste, environmental impact, and clinical outcomes.

Evidence synthesis: Out of 185 identified studies, 9 met the inclusion criteria, comprising in vitro, clinical trials, retrospective clinical studies, and comparative economic analyses. Evidence suggests that 3D printing exhibits lower material costs, lower initial investments, and less waste compared to the milling manufacturing method. While milling provides higher accuracy and faster production for single-unit restorations, 3D printing demonstrates superior cost-effectiveness, especially in high-volume scenarios, with notable reductions in material waste and environmental impact. Clinical performance between methods appears comparable in terms of patient satisfaction, retention, and performance, though milling achieves marginally higher precision. Furthermore, willingness to pay analysis favors milled prosthesis when it comes to patient preferences.

Conclusions: Despite milling being favored for cases demanding high precision and mechanical strength, 3D printing is advantageous for cost-efficiency and sustainability, particularly for large-scale or provisional restorations.

Introduction: External apical root resorption (EARR) is a frequent iatrogenic effect of orthodontic tooth movement. Whether endodontically treated teeth (ETT) are more prone to EARR than teeth with vital pulp tissue (VPT) remains uncertain and is clinically relevant for interdisciplinary treatment planning. This review aimed to compare the extent of EARR in ETT versus VPT after orthodontic treatment and to identify factors associated with EARR in ETT.

Evidence acquisition: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook was conducted. PubMed was searched for observational human studies assessing orthodontic movement in ETT with contralateral VPT as controls. Eligible studies used micro-CT, CBCT, or panoramic radiographs to measure EARR and adopted prospective or retrospective cohort designs. Extracted data included sample characteristics, tooth type, orthodontic mechanics, imaging methods, and EARR outcomes. Study quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Evidence synthesis: Six studies met the inclusion criteria and involved both adolescent and adult patients. Overall, the evidence indicated that orthodontic treatment does not increase EARR in ETT compared with VPT. Four studies reported significantly less EARR in ETT, while two found no significant differences. Three-dimensional imaging generally demonstrated smaller resorption volumes or surface changes in ETT. Extraction-based mechanics tended to correlate with greater EARR in vital teeth, whereas unresolved periapical pathosis in ETT was associated with increased resorption. Findings regarding age, sex, treatment duration, and tooth type were inconsistent.

Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that orthodontic movement of ETT is at least as safe - and often less associated with EARR - than movement of teeth with vital pulp. Orthodontic loading should be delayed in ETT presenting with untreated periapical lesions. Further high-quality studies using standardized 3D assessments are needed to guide interdisciplinary protocols.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) originating from the oral cavity constitute an accessible and minimally invasive reservoir of multipotent progenitors with broad relevance in regenerative medicine. Within this heterogeneous family, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs), dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), gingival MSCs (GMSCs), and stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) have been extensively studied. These populations share key MSC characteristics: clonogenicity, self-renewal, multilineage differentiation, and a bioactive secretome, while displaying distinct biological signatures that influence their therapeutic applications. This review integrates findings from preclinical and early clinical studies focused on the molecular markers, functional attributes, and regenerative potential of oral MSCs. Attention was given to comparative analyses of their differentiation behaviors, immunomodulatory profiles, and interactions with biomaterials and molecular regulators. DPSCs and SHEDs demonstrate prominent neurogenic and osteogenic potential and release a secretome with neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic properties, supporting their use in disorders of the nervous system. DFSCs and PDLSCs possess strong osteogenic and cementogenic activity, combined with notable immunomodulation, making them suitable for periodontal and bone regeneration. GMSCs exhibit high proliferative efficiency, genomic stability, and robust anti-inflammatory actions, partly mediated by extracellular vesicles. SCAPs, residing in the apical papilla, maintain viability in inflamed environments and are pivotal in regenerative endodontics. Emerging evidence underscores the contribution of scaffolds and non-coding RNAs in enhancing the therapeutic performance of these cells across dento-alveolar, neuroregenerative, and immune-mediated conditions. A refined understanding of the distinctive properties and mechanisms of action of oral MSCs is essential for optimizing translational strategies and advancing toward standardized, predictable regenerative therapies in dentistry and related medical fields.

Endodontic irrigation is an indispensable component of successful root canal treatment, serving as a critical adjunct to mechanical instrumentation in achieving disinfection, smear layer removal, and debris dissolution. This comprehensive review delves into the contemporary landscape of endodontic irrigating solutions, meticulously evaluating their efficacy in achieving these objectives while considering their biocompatibility and clinical applicability. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) remains the cornerstone of irrigation protocols due to its potent antimicrobial and tissue-dissolving properties, yet its inherent cytotoxicity necessitates judicious application. Alternative irrigants, including chlorhexidine (CHX), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, and emerging agents like QMix and MTAD, offer varying degrees of efficacy and biocompatibility. This review meticulously examines the mechanisms of action, advantages, and limitations of these solutions, underscoring the significance of understanding their interactions and the imperative for ongoing research to refine irrigation protocols for enhanced clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the review explores the impact of irrigation techniques, delivery systems, and the role of novel technologies in optimizing the effectiveness of irrigating solutions.

Background: Gingival recession (GR) is a common issue causing plaque accumulation, root caries, abrasion, cervical wear, and dentin hypersensitivity. Studies show a prevalence of thick and thin gingival biotypes, with no significant association between age, gender, or recession. This study aims to use polynomial regression and exponential growth models to predict recession gain based on clinical data. GR is a common issue causing plaque accumulation, root caries, abrasion, cervical wear, and dentin hypersensitivity. Studies show a prevalence of thick and thin gingival biotypes, with no significant association between age, gender, or recession. This study aims to use polynomial regression and exponential growth models to predict recession gain based on clinical data.

Methods: The study analyzed recession coverage in upper and lower anterior teeth after connective tissue and free gingival grafting procedures from institute database. Data was preprocessed and analyzed using polynomial regression and exponential growth models. Polynomial regression allowed for nonlinear trends in recession gain, while exponential growth models provided insights into cumulative effects of specific factors on recession progression.

Results: The polynomial of degree 3 with the lowest MSE of 0.0612 fit best. This shows that cubic polynomials better represent the "Days"-"Gain Width" relationship than linear or higher-degree polynomials. The exponential growth model fitted to "Post Op" data predicts an initial value of 0.7735 and a growth rate of 0.0101. This model proposes that "Post Op" measurements expand exponentially, with predicted parameters reflecting this growth.

Conclusions: Based on clinical data, this study compares polynomial regression and exponential growth models for periodontal recession gain prediction. The findings emphasize the need of proper mathematical models to better understand periodontal diseases and guide dental care prevention and treatment.

Introduction: Laser treatment of venous malformations (VMs), frequently observed in the upper airway, has been recently proposed. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the effectiveness of the laser in treating oropharyngeal VMs.

Evidence acquisition: Five electronic databases were searched: National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE-PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. OpenGrey was also searched to retrieve relevant grey literature. The analysis considered all the articles published from 1900 to 20/02/2023 excluding those still in the publication phase. Reference lists of included studies were manually searched for identification of other potential papers. Data on clinical characteristics of VMs, type and protocols of laser treatments, achieved outcomes and complications were collected and a qualitative analysis was performed.

Evidence synthesis: Nine studies were selected for data extraction. Nd:YAG laser was used in seven studies and diode laser in two studies. Almost all treated lesions had volume reduction >75%. No major complications had been reported.

Conclusions: Although some clinical factors were not reported in most of the studies, the results showed that the LT could be an effective and minimally invasive therapeutic option in the treatment of VMs. Further clinical controlled trials can shed more light on the role of laser in the treatment of VMs.