Mujgan Firincioglulari, Mehmet Boztuna, Omid Mirzaei, Tolgay Karanfiller, Nurullah Akkaya, Kaan Orhan
{"title":"Segmentation of Pulp and Pulp Stones with Automatic Deep Learning in Panoramic Radiographs: An Artificial Intelligence Study.","authors":"Mujgan Firincioglulari, Mehmet Boztuna, Omid Mirzaei, Tolgay Karanfiller, Nurullah Akkaya, Kaan Orhan","doi":"10.3390/dj13060274","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13060274","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Different sized calcified masses called pulp stones are often detected in dental pulp and can impact dental procedures. The current research was conducted with the aim of measuring the ability of artificial intelligence algorithms to accurately diagnose pulp and pulp stone calcifications on panoramic radiographs. <b>Methods</b>: We used 713 panoramic radiographs, on which a minimum of one pulp stone was detected, identified retrospectively, and included in the study-4675 pulp stones and 5085 pulps were marked on these radiographs using CVAT v1.7.0 labeling software. <b>Results</b>: In the test dataset, the AI model segmented 462 panoramic radiographs for pulp stone and 220 panoramic radiographs for pulp. The dice coefficient and Intersection over Union (IoU) recorded for the Pulp Segmentation model were 0.84 and 0.758, respectively. Precision and recall were computed to be 0.858 and 0.827, respectively. The Pulp Stone Segmentation model achieved a dice coefficient of 0.759 and an IoU of 0.686, with precision and recall of 0.792 and 0.773, respectively. <b>Conclusions</b>: Pulp and pulp stones can successfully be identified using artificial intelligence algorithms. This study provides evidence that artificial intelligence software using deep learning algorithms can be valuable adjunct tools in aiding clinicians in radiographic diagnosis. Further research in which larger datasets are examined are needed to enhance the capability of artificial intelligence models to make accurate diagnoses.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191843/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Manuel J Orozco-Gallego, Eliana L Pineda-Vélez, Wilder J Rojas-Gutiérrez, Martha L Rincón-Rodríguez, Andrés A Agudelo-Suárez
{"title":"Effectiveness of Irrigation Protocols in Endodontic Therapy: An Umbrella Review.","authors":"Manuel J Orozco-Gallego, Eliana L Pineda-Vélez, Wilder J Rojas-Gutiérrez, Martha L Rincón-Rodríguez, Andrés A Agudelo-Suárez","doi":"10.3390/dj13060273","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13060273","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> With the inclusion of evidence-based dentistry, numerous systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) have been conducted in endodontics with the best available scientific evidence to improve diagnosis and treatment. <b>Objective:</b> To synthesize the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of irrigation protocols in endodontic therapy. <b>Methods:</b> Following the umbrella review methodology (UR), a comprehensive literature search was conducted using scientific and grey literature databases. A quality evaluation and a descriptive analysis of the included SRs and MAs were conducted. Quantitative comparability between MAs was carried out. <b>Results:</b> Four descriptive SRs and nine MAs were included. Eight articles evidenced high methodological quality. Studies showed the effectiveness and efficacy depending on the study design, the findings of primary clinical trials, and factors related to the type of irrigant, concentration, volume, and irrigation systems. Variability between irrigants and protocols was observed. Follow-up periods extend from hours to years, and there were different study samples. SRs and MAs evidenced limitations regarding methodological aspects. Low overlap of the primary studies was found. Quantitative analyses indicated greater efficacy in microbial reduction and apical healing in favor of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI; RD -0.15; 95% CI -0.28, -0.01; <i>p</i> = 0.03; I2 = 60%; RD -0.09; 95% CI -0.16, -0.02; <i>p</i> = 0.01; I2 = 0%, respectively). <b>Conclusions:</b> This UR highlights the importance of root canal disinfection, emphasizing sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as the primary irrigant. Enhanced activation methods, such as PUI and lasers, improve irrigant efficiency, while alternatives like chlorhexidine (CHX) offer better biocompatibility. Standardized protocols and evidence-based clinical guidelines are needed. PROSPERO register: CRD42023409044.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192043/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Georgios S Chatzopoulos, Vasiliki P Koidou, Lazaros Tsalikis, Eleftherios G Kaklamanos
{"title":"Evaluation of Large Language Model Performance in Answering Clinical Questions on Periodontal Furcation Defect Management.","authors":"Georgios S Chatzopoulos, Vasiliki P Koidou, Lazaros Tsalikis, Eleftherios G Kaklamanos","doi":"10.3390/dj13060271","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13060271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Large Language Models (LLMs) are artificial intelligence (AI) systems with the capacity to process vast amounts of text and generate human-like language, offering the potential for improved information retrieval in healthcare. This study aimed to assess and compare the evidence-based potential of answers provided by four LLMs to common clinical questions concerning the management and treatment of periodontal furcation defects. <b>Methods</b>: Four LLMs-ChatGPT 4.0, Google Gemini, Google Gemini Advanced, and Microsoft Copilot-were used to answer ten clinical questions related to periodontal furcation defects. The LLM-generated responses were compared against a \"gold standard\" derived from the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) S3 guidelines and recent systematic reviews. Two board-certified periodontists independently evaluated the answers for comprehensiveness, scientific accuracy, clarity, and relevance using a predefined rubric and a scoring system of 0-10. <b>Results</b>: The study found variability in LLM performance across the evaluation criteria. Google Gemini Advanced generally achieved the highest average scores, particularly in comprehensiveness and clarity, while Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot tended to score lower, especially in relevance. However, the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed no statistically significant differences in the overall average scores among the LLMs. Evaluator agreement and intra-evaluator reliability were high. <b>Conclusions</b>: While LLMs demonstrate the potential to answer clinical questions related to furcation defect management, their performance varies. LLMs showed different comprehensiveness, scientific accuracy, clarity, and relevance degrees. Dental professionals should be aware of LLMs' capabilities and limitations when seeking clinical information.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191798/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of 3D-Printed Dental Resins Reinforced with Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Nanoparticles.","authors":"Andrea Izabella Borș","doi":"10.3390/dj13060272","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13060272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study investigates the chemical structure and molecular interactions in 3D-printed dental resins reinforced with varying concentrations of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) nanoparticles, using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to assess the compatibility and bonding behavior at the molecular level. <b>Methods:</b> Three groups of 3D-printed methacrylate-based resin discs were fabricated: a control (0% YSZ), and experimental groups reinforced with 1% and 3% YSZ nanoparticles. Samples were produced using Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology and post-processed under standardized conditions. FTIR spectra were collected via ATR mode over a wavenumber range of 4000-600 cm<sup>-1</sup>. Spectral differences at key wavenumbers (1721.16, 1237.11, and 929.62 cm<sup>-1</sup>) were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. <b>Results:</b> FTIR spectra showed no significant shifts in the ester carbonyl band at 1721.16 cm<sup>-1</sup>, suggesting the preservation of the core resin matrix. However, a statistically significant increase in absorbance at 1237.11 cm<sup>-1</sup> was observed in the 1% YSZ group (<i>p</i> = 0.034), indicating dipolar interaction. A distinct new peak at 929.62 cm<sup>-1</sup>, corresponding to Zr-O vibrations, emerged in the 3% YSZ group (<i>p</i> = 0.002), confirming successful nanoparticle integration. <b>Conclusions:</b> YSZ nanoparticles enhance specific molecular interactions within methacrylate-based dental resins without compromising structural integrity. These findings support the potential application of YSZ-reinforced 3D-printed resins in durable, biocompatible permanent dental restorations.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192065/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Establishment of Dental Pulp Cell Culture System for Analyzing Dentinogenesis in Mouse Incisors.","authors":"Yuka Kato, Insoon Chang, Satoshi Yokose","doi":"10.3390/dj13060270","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13060270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: The dentin-pulp complex plays a vital role in tooth health. Dentin forms the main body the tooth and continues to form throughout life to maintain homeostasis and provide protection against deleterious external stimuli. However, the detailed mechanism of dentin formation remains poorly understood, and there is a need for new regenerative therapies. This study therefore investigated whether primary dental pulp cells from mice could be used to establish a new culture system. <b>Methods</b>: Mouse mandibles were divided along the ramus to extract dental pulp tissue containing cervical loops. The extracted tissue was cultured in an incubator to promote cell out-growth and increase the number of cells available for experimentation. <b>Results</b>: Cultured cells formed mineralized nodules, confirmed by Alizarin red S staining. The expression levels of dentin sialo protein, bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein, and type I collagen mRNAs in cultured dental pulp cells on day 15 were lower than those in intact mouse dental pulp tissue, and the expression of all mRNAs was confirmed through electrophoresis. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study established a primary culture system using dental pulp tissue extracted from mouse mandibular incisors. The results demonstrated that dental pulp cells can differentiate into odontoblast-like cells and form dentin-like mineralized nodules, thereby offering a useful system for studying dentin formation and odontoblast differentiation.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192469/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cytotoxicity and Endocrine Disruption in Materials Used for Removable Orthodontic Retainers: A Comprehensive Review.","authors":"Katarzyna Chojnacka, Marcin Mikulewicz","doi":"10.3390/dj13060269","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13060269","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> To evaluate the cytotoxicity and endocrine-disrupting potential of materials used in removable orthodontic retainers. <b>Methods:</b> A literature search (2015-2025) covered in vitro cytotoxicity, estrogenicity, in vivo tissue responses, and clinical biomarkers in PMMA plates, thermoplastic foils, 3D-printed resins, PEEK, and fiber-reinforced composites. <b>Results:</b> Thirty-eight in vitro and ten clinical studies met inclusion criteria, identified via a structured literature search of electronic databases (2015-2025). Photopolymer resins demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity, whereas thermoplastics and PMMA exhibited predominantly mild effects, which diminished further following 24 h water storage. Bisphenol-type compound release was reported, but systemic exposure remained below regulatory limits. No statistically significant mucosal alterations or endocrine-related effects were reported in clinical studies. <b>Conclusions:</b> Retainer materials are generally biocompatible, though data on long-term endocrine effects are limited. Standardized biocompatibility assessment protocols are necessary to enable comparative evaluation across diverse orthodontic materials. Single-use thermoplastics contribute to microplastic release and pose end-of-life management challenges, raising concerns regarding environmental sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191447/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Catherine Bingham, Linda Sangalli, Kathryn Preston, Poojan Shrestha, Caroline M Sawicki
{"title":"Identifying Gaps in Predoctoral Craniofacial Education.","authors":"Catherine Bingham, Linda Sangalli, Kathryn Preston, Poojan Shrestha, Caroline M Sawicki","doi":"10.3390/dj13060266","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13060266","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> It is essential that dental school graduates are adequately prepared to provide care to patients with craniofacial differences (PCD). This study aimed to identify potential educational deficiencies in predoctoral dental school curricula regarding the management of PCD. <b>Methods:</b> An electronic survey was distributed to predoctoral dental students across the United States. The 20-item questionnaire assessed students' educational experiences, clinical encounters, and perceived knowledge and confidence in managing PCD. <b>Results:</b> The most taught didactic topic was diagnostic characteristics of craniofacial differences (77.1%), followed by psychosocial challenges (43.0%) and treatment/referral (36.3%). Respondents reported low levels of understanding and confidence in managing craniofacial conditions, with the lowest confidence in providing surgical treatment (30.1 ± 27.9) and the highest in referrals and communication (41.7 ± 30.1, on a 0-100 scale). Logistic regression showed that overall understanding was a significant predictor of confidence, increasing odds by 8% (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.05, 1.12). Participants noted that hands-on clinical experience would most improve their confidence in managing PCD. <b>Conclusions:</b> Predoctoral dental students exhibit low confidence and understanding in managing PCD. Incorporating more targeted craniofacial education, particularly hands-on clinical experience, into the curriculum is essential to better prepare dental graduates for craniofacial care.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192217/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A New Classification of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Repositioning Procedures for Dental Implant Placement.","authors":"Fares Kablan","doi":"10.3390/dj13060267","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13060267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Tooth loss significantly impacts the quality of life for adults. Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) repositioning has garnered interest as a treatment for facilitating dental implant placement in the severely atrophic posterior mandible. However, there remains a need for standardization and classification of these techniques to improve outcomes. This study aims to propose a new clinical classification system for IAN repositioning procedures based on anatomical and procedural parameters. <b>Methods</b>: This study retrospectively analyzed preoperative radiographic records and surgical procedure documents over a 15-year period (2008-2023) for patients who underwent implant placement combined with IAN repositioning in the posterior atrophic mandible. Cases were classified into four categories according to bone availability, nerve location, and type of surgical intervention. <b>Results</b>: The study analyzed 142 edentulous posterior mandibles in 105 patients (77 women, 28 men; age range: 20-75). The cases were divided into four categories: Category 1 (58 patients, 78 sites), treated with one surgery; Category 2 (15 patients, 15 sites), treated in two stages; Category 3 (20 patients, 25 sites); and Category 4 (12 patients, 24 sites), with Categories 3 and 4 treated in a single surgery. Across all 132 sites, 411 dental implants were placed and restored with implant-supported fixed prostheses. <b>Conclusions</b>: This proposed classification provides a structured systematic framework for assessing and planning IAN repositioning procedures. It facilitates better diagnosis, treatment planning, and prediction of surgical stages in patients needing IAN repositioning for dental implant placement.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192414/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Final-Year Dental Students' Perceived Confidence: Competencies in General Dentistry.","authors":"Navodika Yaparathna, Iresha Udayamalee, Megan Gray, Cheree He, Rachel Wu, Chelsea Taing, Menaka Abuzar","doi":"10.3390/dj13060268","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13060268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Competency in providing high-quality, comprehensive patient care is essential for newly qualified dentists. Dental curricula are designed to equip graduates with necessary skills to develop competencies. Outplacement training has been incorporated into most dental curricula to provide broader clinical experience in a real-world situation. <b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional study aimed to assess (1) the perceived confidence of final-year dental students (FYDSs) at an Australian university with reference to the Australian Dental Council (ADC) professional competencies for newly qualified dentists; (2) the association between perceived confidence and the timing of outplacement training; and (3) students' perceptions on outplacement training in developing their competencies. Two online surveys were administered to a cohort of FYDSs at the end of the first and second trimesters. 'Survey 1' was based on the ADC competency requirements (2022) and assessed aims 1 and 2. The five domains assessed were (1) communication and leadership; (2) critical thinking; (3) health promotion; (4) scientific and clinical knowledge; and (5) person-centred care. 'Survey 2' assessed students' perception on outplacement training and was administered towards the completion of their outplacement to assess aim 3. <b>Results:</b> Students' perceived competency levels were high across all domains. Those with prior tertiary education were more confident in communication and leadership, health promotion, and scientific and clinical knowledge than students with secondary qualifications. The perceived confidence in professional competencies among FYDSs had no significant association (<i>p</i> > 0.05) with the location or the sequence of outplacement. The thematic analysis of survey 2 responses reported the guidance and constructive feedback received from supervisors while managing cases in a real-life setup as a significant contributor to their confidence development. <b>Conclusions:</b> FYDSs reported a satisfactory level of perceived confidence in professional competencies. Both in-house training and outplacement equally improve the levels of competency development. FYDSs perceive outplacement training as a positive integral component in the development of skills.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192521/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniele Pergolini, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Mohamed Mohsen, Veronica Cerullo, Cinzia Angileri, Eduardo Troiani, Paolo Visca, Barbara Antoniani, Umberto Romeo, Gaspare Palaia
{"title":"Histological Evaluation of Oral Soft Tissue Biopsy by Dual-Wavelength Diode Laser: An Ex Vivo Study.","authors":"Daniele Pergolini, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Mohamed Mohsen, Veronica Cerullo, Cinzia Angileri, Eduardo Troiani, Paolo Visca, Barbara Antoniani, Umberto Romeo, Gaspare Palaia","doi":"10.3390/dj13060265","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13060265","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Diode lasers are valuable in oral surgery due to their excellent hemostasis, minimum post-operative pain, and minimally invasive procedures. A dual-wavelength diode laser in dentistry combines two distinct wavelengths, typically 450 nm and 808 nm, to provide a versatile approach to soft tissue procedures. This ex vivo study investigated the quantity of thermal effects of a dual-wavelength diode laser on porcine lingual mucosa to determine the optimal laser parameters for oral soft tissue biopsies and to improve the reliability of histological evaluation. The presence of thermal damage in the prelesional margins may compromise the diagnostic accuracy, particularly in cases of suspected malignancy. <b>Methods:</b> Thirty-six porcine lingual mucosa samples were excised using a diode laser (Wiser 3, Doctor Smile) in continuous wave (CW) and pulsed wave (PW) modes at average powers of 2, 3, and 4 W. The samples, preserved in 5% buffered formalin, underwent histological evaluation to measure epithelial and connective tissue damage. <b>Results:</b> The study demonstrated variable thermal effects depending on the laser mode and power settings. Minimal epithelial damage (0.62 mm) was observed at 2 W CW, while maximum damage (3.12 mm) occurred at 4 W pulsed wave (PW). Connective tissue exhibited slightly greater damage than epithelial tissue, with minimal damage (0.53 mm) at 4 W CW and maximum damage (3.19 mm) at 4 W pulsed wave (PW). Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests and ANOVA and revealed significant differences in tissue damage between certain groups, highlighting the impact of laser parameters on thermal effects. <b>Conclusions:</b> The dual-wavelength diode laser seems to have good surgical properties and is suitable for managing complex clinical cases. Although the low power average showed minimal thermal damage, for the importance of the diagnosis of suspected lesions of malignancy, a 2 mm prelesional margin should be maintained.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191678/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}