Frontiers in dental medicine最新文献

Aim: To evaluate changes in vertical skeletal dimensions and neuromuscular balance in growing patients treated with AMCOP® elastodontic appliances, by comparing pre- and post-treatment cephalometric values (Deltadent®) and standardized surface EMG indices.

Materials and methods: This monocentric retrospective case series included 9 consecutive children in deciduous/early mixed dentition treated with AMCOP® according to a staged protocol (Open phase for vertical control, then class-specific device when indicated). Wear was prescribed 1 h/day plus nocturnal use. Lateral cephalograms were traced in Deltadent® at baseline (T0) and after therapy (T1). Primary outcomes were overbite and vertical divergence (SN-GoGn; PP-MP). Secondary outcomes included ANS-Me, overjet, interincisal angle, U1-PP and L1-MP. Neuromuscular balance was assessed with Teethan® (POC TA/MM, BAR, TORS, IMP, ASIM), recorded per SENIAM recommendations. Reliability was checked with ICC and Dahlberg's error; paired comparisons used standard parametric/non-parametric tests (α = 0.05).

Results: Treatment was completed without adverse events (median duration ≈12-16 months). Most patients showed closure or reduction of anterior open bite, decreased or well-controlled vertical divergence, increased interincisal angle, and reduced overjet, with upper incisor uprighting and stable lower incisor inclination. sEMG demonstrated consistent improvement: barycenter (BAR) shifted toward the normative zone, torsion/asymmetry indices decreased, and global efficiency (IMP) increased.

Conclusions: In growing patients, AMCOP® therapy was associated with favorable vertical control and measurable neuromuscular rebalancing, documented by objective cephalometric and EMG metrics. Prospective controlled studies are warranted to confirm efficacy and long-term stability.

Background: Senior dental students' transition from preclinical education to clinical practice is critical for their preparedness and future career outlook. In Iraq, private dental institutions are increasingly contributing to the dental workforce, but little is known about how well they prepare students for professional practice. This study aims to assess senior dental students' perceptions of professional preparedness and career outlook at selected private universities in Iraq, and to identify the educational and demographic factors associated with these perceptions.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2025 among fourth- and fifth-year dental students at three private universities in Baghdad (Al-Esraa, Ashur, and Uruk). A purposive sampling technique was used. The sample size was 1,180 eligible students, of whom 1,041 responded (response rate: 88%). A bilingual, paper-based questionnaire was distributed, covering demographics, educational experiences, and career expectations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial, and ordered logistic regression models, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Results: A total of 1,041 senior dental students (38.3% males, 61.7% females) participated, mostly aged 21-23 years (85.1%) and single (92.9%). Over half (55.8%) viewed the dental profession as declining, while 48.9% felt somewhat prepared for practice. Significant gender differences appeared in marital and employment status (p < 0.05). Prioritizing job stability (RRR = 2.5, p < 0.001), salary (RRR = 3.0, p < 0.001), and work-life balance (RRR = 2.5, p < 0.001) predicted pessimism. Students rating education as excellent (RRR = 0.1, p < 0.001) or good (RRR = 0.3, p = 0.031) were less likely to perceive decline and more likely to feel prepared (OR = 3.9, p < 0.001). Positive views of private education, experienced faculty (OR = 1.6, p = 0.001), and job stability (OR = 1.3, p = 0.035) further enhanced preparedness and optimism.

Conclusion: Students' perceptions of educational quality and career values significantly influenced their professional outlook and preparedness for practice, highlighting the role of educational experience and career priorities in shaping attitudes toward the dental profession. Incorporating mentorship and market-readiness modules into the curriculum may bridge the gap between clinical competence and employability among future dental graduates.

Background: Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is widely used in endodontics due to its excellent biocompatibility and sealing abilities. However, complete eradication of bacteria from the root canal remains challenging. Currently available materials cannot ensure a complete hermetic seal and antimicrobial properties, which are essential to prevent reinfection. This study aimed to develop a novel Mineral Trioxide Aggregate combined with silk sericin and to evaluate its biophysical properties and antimicrobial efficacy against oral pathogens.

Methods: Lyophilized silk sericin powder was mixed with MTA in a 1:1 ratio. Silk sericin-MTA Conjugate (SC), Silk sericin (SS), and MTA were evaluated for their biophysical properties using Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, x-Ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and circular dichroism. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans using MIC, MTT, and time kill assay.

Results: ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed distinctive peaks, confirming the structural modifications of the Sericin-MTA conjugate. x-ray diffraction revealed that all groups exhibited a lattice structure and were found to be crystalline in nature. However, in atomic force microscopy, MTA appeared to have a flat and uniform surface, while Sericin-MTA conjugate showed shallow depressions across its surface. The circular dichroism revealed the typical properties of silk protein, which is mainly composed of α-helical structures in Sericin-MTA conjugate. The antimicrobial activity was observed in the order of MTA < SC < SS.

Conclusions: This research provides concrete evidence that the innovative combination of MTA and silk protein enhances antimicrobial efficacy, making it a promising biomaterial for use as a medicament in endodontic procedures.

Objective: To assess dental students' perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology education, focusing on diagnostic value, curriculum preparedness, and faculty support.

Methods: An anonymous survey was administered to third-year dental students (n = 66, response rate 71.7%) at the University of Florida College of Dentistry after exposure to the Overjet Caries Assist (OCA) platform (Overjet Inc. Claymont, DE, USA). Likert-scale, multiple-choice, and open-ended items captured attitudes toward diagnostic accuracy, skill development, curriculum integration, and patient communication. Descriptive statistics, polychoric correlations with bootstrap resampling, and thematic analysis of qualitative responses were conducted.

Results: Most students reported that AI improved their ability to detect caries (89.4%) and enhanced radiographic interpretation (92.4%). However, only 16.7% agreed the curriculum adequately prepared them to use AI clinically, and just 45.5% felt confident about integrating AI into future practice. Open-ended feedback highlighted three themes: 1) need for structured faculty training, 2) earlier and more frequent AI exposure, and 3) emphasis on mitigating automation bias, or the over reliance on technology and automated systems in clinical judgement. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between improved interpretation, skill development, and patient communication (r > 0.80), however, significant negative correlations emerged between student outcomes and perceptions of faculty preparedness.

Conclusions: Students value AI as a diagnostic learning aid but identify gaps in curricular structure and faculty calibration. A structured, faculty-led AI curriculum introduced early in training and paired with patient communication strategies may optimize preparedness while safeguarding critical thinking.

Background/objectives: The surgical removal of mandibular third molars is frequently followed by pain, swelling, and trismus. Conventional management relies on analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids, but interest in non-pharmacological adjuncts persists. Kinesio taping (KT) has been explored in randomized trials as a potential aid in reducing postoperative morbidity. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of KT after mandibular third molar surgery.

Methods: Five databases were searched until September 2025. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing KT with standard care, no taping, or sham taping after mandibular third molar extraction, reporting pain, swelling, or maximum interincisal opening (MIO). Data were extracted independently and pooled as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals using random-effects meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool.

Results: In total, 16 RCTs, involving 721 participants, were included. KT significantly reduced pain on day 1 (MD = -1.25, p < 0.001), day 3 (MD = -0.88, p = 0.04), and day 7 (MD = -1.08, p = 0.01), though not on day 2. Swelling reduction was significant on day 2 (MD = -2.45 cm, p < 0.001) but not on day 7. The MIO was greater in the KT group on days 2 (MD = 4.8 mm, p < 0.001), 3 (MD = 3.72 mm, p = 0.02), and 7 (MD = 2.41 mm, p = 0.04).

Conclusion: KT appears to provide short-term benefits in pain control, swelling reduction, and mouth opening after third molar surgery. While promising, effect sizes vary, and heterogeneity underscores the need for larger, standardized RCTs to define optimal techniques and confirm clinical value.

Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251144699, PROSPERO CRD420251144699.

Background: Glass ionomer cements (GIC) are valued as inherent fluoride-releasing dental restorative materials, while chitosan binds to negatively charged enamel surfaces, promoting mineral deposition and strengthening teeth. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties of GIC modified with microchitosan derived from Xylotrupes gideon, using an in vitro experimental design. This study uniquely employs micro-scaled chitosan derived from the exoskeleton of Xylotrupes gideon, an insect-based, locally sourced, and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional marine chitosan, to reinforce a conventional GIC.

Materials and methods: Microchitosan was extracted from Xylotrupes gideon and incorporated into conventional GIC at 0.5%, 1% and 2% (w/w). Compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, and surface microhardness were measured using standard testing equipment after immersion in artificial saliva for 24 h and 7 days. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Games-Howell post hoc test, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The 1% microchitosan-modified GIC exhibited the most significant improvements compared to the unmodified control. After 7 days, compressive strength increased by 35.4%, diametral tensile strength by 51.3%, and surface hardness by 46.6% (p < 0.05). These enhancements are attributed to microscale reinforcement and chemical bonding between microchitosan and the GIC matrix.

Conclusion: The addition of 1% microchitosan derived from Xylotrupes gideon significantly improved the mechanical performance of GIC. This bioactive reinforcement shows promising potential for clinical restorative applications, though further investigation into its long-term biocompatibility and fluoride release is warranted. These findings highlight a novel combination of insect-derived micro-scale chitosan and conventional GIC, yielding mechanical gains comparable to those reported for nanochitosan-modified formulations while relying on a more sustainable chitosan source.

Background: The facial soft tissue thickness [FSTT] is a prominent factor in orthodontic diagnoses and treatment planning. The variance in FSTT measurements then gives orthodontists a better understanding of how to shape their treatment (based on classification of skeletal deformity and sex). This study aimed to assess the FSTT differences in a population of Cambodian adults aged 18-25 (in skeletal classes I, II, and III) and between genders.

Method: A retrospective audit of 300 lateral cephalometric radiographs was undertaken through UP Dental Hospital. The sample was stratified equally by sex and skeletal class (n = 100 per class; 50 males, 50 females) based on Steiner analysis SNA, SNB and ANB. Linear FSTT measurements were carried out at 11 points using the software Webceph.

Results: Significant FSTT differences were measured at the various cephalometric landmarks; in males, significant difference is noted at Rhinion, Subnasale, Labrale superius, and Stomion. In females, significant differences exist at Subnasale, Labrale superius, Stomion, and Labrale inferius. Males had a thicker soft tissue than females when evaluated collectively among the 11 points and skeletal Classes.

Conclusion: FSTT helps in determining individualized treatment plans. Of the modalities of imaging that are available, lateral cephalometric radiography still represents the gold standard for determining facial soft tissue. This study provides a baseline reference for orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, and dental surgeons in Cambodia for treatment planning. Knowledge of the differences in FSTT could contribute to more customized treatment plans.

Periodontal disease is a recognized risk factor for sepsis, infective endocarditis, and cardiovascular disease. Oral bacteria, including viridans group of Streptococci, abundant in healthy oral microbiota, are frequently implicated in bacteremia and chronic inflammation, both contributing factors to systemic diseases. Yet the immunological mechanisms linking oral and systemic disease remain incompletely defined. This article proposes that "oral tolerance"-the immune system's suppression of responses to antigens repeatedly encountered via the oral route-may heighten susceptibility to systemic diseases, by impairing early systemic innate immune engagement with oral bacteria entering the bloodstream. Specifically, tolerogenic-signaling by gut-associated lymphoid tissue may condition circulating innate immune cells toward a regulatory phenotype, delaying effective pathogen clearance and promoting cytokine disorientation. This brief review outlines mechanistic insights, explores microbial influences, and suggests experimental approaches, aiming to advance research in oral-systemic health.