Marina Imre, Veaceslav Șaramet, Lucian Toma Ciocan, Vlad-Gabriel Vasilescu, Elena Iuliana Biru, Jana Ghitman, Mihaela Pantea, Alexandra Ripszky, Adriana Lucia Celebidache, Horia Iovu
{"title":"Influence of the Processing Method on the Nano-Mechanical Properties and Porosity of Dental Acrylic Resins Fabricated by Heat-Curing, 3D Printing and Milling Techniques.","authors":"Marina Imre, Veaceslav Șaramet, Lucian Toma Ciocan, Vlad-Gabriel Vasilescu, Elena Iuliana Biru, Jana Ghitman, Mihaela Pantea, Alexandra Ripszky, Adriana Lucia Celebidache, Horia Iovu","doi":"10.3390/dj13070311","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13070311","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Acrylic resin-based materials are a versatile category used extensively in various dental applications. Processed by current modern technologies, such as CAD/CAM technologies or 3D printing, these materials have revolutionized the field of dentistry for the efficient creation of dental devices. However, despite their extensive use, a limited number of comparative studies exist that investigate how different processing methods-such as traditional techniques, 3D printing, and CAD/CAM milling-impact the nano-mechanical behavior and internal porosity of these materials, which are critical for their long-term clinical performance. <b>Objectives:</b> The purpose of this study is to evaluate the nanomechanical properties (hardness, elasticity, and stiffness) and micro-porosity of acrylic resin-based materials indicated for temporary prosthodontic appliances manufactured by new technologies (milling, 3D printing) compared to traditional methods. <b>Methods:</b> The hardness, elasticity, and stiffness measurements were performed by the nano-metric indentation method (nanoindentation), and the quantitative morphological characterization of the porosity of the acrylic resin samples obtained by 3D printing and CAD/CAM milling was performed by micro-computed tomography. <b>Results:</b> According to nanomechanical investigations, CAD/CAM milling restorative specimens exhibited the greatest mechanical performances (E~5.233 GPa and H~0.315 GPa), followed by 3D printed samples, while the lowest mechanical properties were registered for the specimen fabricated by the traditional method (E~3.552 GPa, H~0.142 GPa). At the same time, the results of porosity studies (micro-CT) suggested that 3D printed specimens demonstrated a superior degree of porosity (temporary crown-22.93% and splints-8.94%) compared to CAD/CAM milling restorative samples (5.73%). <b>Conclusions:</b> The comparative analysis of these results allows for the optimal selection of the processing method in order to ensure the specific requirements of the various clinical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12293908/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144706744","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":"Three-Dimensionally Printed Splints in Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review.","authors":"Luka Šimunović, Samir Čimić, Senka Meštrović","doi":"10.3390/dj13070312","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13070312","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a transformative technology in dental splint fabrication, offering significant advancements in customization, production speed, material efficiency, and patient comfort. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current literature on the clinical use, benefits, limitations, and future directions of 3D-printed dental splints across various disciplines, including prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, and restorative dentistry. Key 3D printing technologies such as stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and material jetting are discussed, along with the properties of contemporary photopolymer resins used in splint fabrication. Evidence indicates that while 3D-printed splints generally meet ISO standards for flexural strength and wear resistance, their mechanical properties are often 15-30% lower than those of heat-cured PMMA in head-to-head tests (flexural strength range 50-100 MPa vs. PMMA 100-130 MPa), and study-to-study variability is high. Some reports even show significantly reduced hardness and fatigue resistance in certain resins, underscoring material-specific heterogeneity. Clinical applications reviewed include occlusal stabilization for bruxism and temporomandibular disorders, surgical wafers for orthognathic procedures, orthodontic retainers, and endodontic guides. While current limitations include material aging, post-processing complexity, and variability in long-term outcomes, ongoing innovations-such as flexible resins, multi-material printing, and AI-driven design-hold promise for broader adoption. The review concludes with evidence-based clinical recommendations and identifies critical research gaps, particularly regarding long-term durability, pediatric applications, and quality control standards. This review supports the growing role of 3D printing as an efficient and versatile tool for delivering high-quality splint therapy in modern dental practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12294031/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144706786","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":"Therapeutic Potential of Tanshinones in Osteolytic Diseases: From Molecular and Cellular Pathways to Preclinical Models.","authors":"Rafael Scaf de Molon","doi":"10.3390/dj13070309","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13070309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tanshinones are a class of lipophilic diterpenoid quinones extracted from <i>Salvia miltiorrhiza</i> (Dan shen), a widely used herb in traditional Chinese medicine. These compounds, particularly tanshinone IIA (T-IIA) and sodium tanshinone sulfonate (STS), have been acknowledged for their broad spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antiresorptive, and antimicrobial effects. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of tanshinones in the treatment of osteolytic diseases, characterized by excessive bone resorption, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis. The therapeutic effects of tanshinones in these diseases are primarily attributed to their ability to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activity, suppress inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6), and modulate critical signaling pathways, including NF-kB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and the RANKL/RANK/OPG axis. Additionally, tanshinones promote osteoblast differentiation and mineralization by enhancing the expression of osteogenic markers such as Runx2, ALP, and OCN. Preclinical models have demonstrated that T-IIA and STS can significantly reduce bone destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration in arthritic joints and periodontal tissues while also enhancing bone microarchitecture in osteoporotic conditions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological actions of tanshinones in osteolytic diseases, summarizing current experimental findings, elucidating underlying molecular mechanisms, and discussing the challenges and future directions for their clinical application as novel therapeutic agents in bone-related disorders, especially periodontitis. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo findings, clinical evidence remains limited, and further investigations are necessary to validate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of tanshinones in human populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12293886/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144706783","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}
Nguyen Quang Binh, Vo Truong Nhu Ngoc, Pham Quoc Khanh, Nguyen Phuong Huyen, Trinh Khanh Linh, Pham Phuc Khanh, Le Kha Anh
{"title":"Efficacy of Oral Midazolam for Sedation and Amnesia in Preschool Children with Dental Anxiety: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Nguyen Quang Binh, Vo Truong Nhu Ngoc, Pham Quoc Khanh, Nguyen Phuong Huyen, Trinh Khanh Linh, Pham Phuc Khanh, Le Kha Anh","doi":"10.3390/dj13070308","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13070308","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Dental anxiety often poses a significant barrier to effective dental care in pediatric patients. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of oral midazolam at two different doses for sedation and amnesia in preschool children undergoing dental procedures under 30 min, including primary teeth extraction, root canal treatment, dental filling, and stainless-steel crown. <b>Methods</b>: This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial included 80 children aged 3-6 years with dental anxiety (Types 1 and 2 of the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale) at the National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology, Hanoi. following the CONSORT guidelines. Participants were randomly assigned to receive oral midazolam at 0.3 mg/kg or 0.6 mg/kg. Sedation efficacy, onset time, procedure duration, cooperation level (Houpt Behavior Rating Scale), recovery time, and amnesia at 12 h, 24 h, and 1 week, as well as adverse events, were recorded and analyzed. <b>Results</b>: Both midazolam doses were effective for sedation (0.3 mg/kg: 95% vs. 0.6 mg/kg: 100%, <i>p</i> = 0.49). The higher dose (0.6 mg/kg) provided significantly longer effective procedural time (27.3 ± 4.1 min vs. 20.3 ± 4.0 min, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and better patient cooperation (95% vs. 78.9%, <i>p</i> = 0.045), but slightly prolonged recovery time (34.6 ± 4.6 min vs. 31.8 ± 4.4 min, <i>p</i> = 0.008). Both doses produced similar amnesic effects, with approximately 90% anterograde amnesia at 12 h post-procedure. Adverse events were minimal and mild. <b>Conclusions</b>: Both 0.3 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg doses of oral midazolam are safe and effective for sedation and amnesia in preschool children undergoing dental procedures. While the 0.6 mg/kg dose provides better procedural cooperation and prolonged sedation, it also requires a slightly longer recovery time.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12293258/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144706724","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}
Mohamed Ahmed Elsayed, Md Sofiqul Islam, Safiya Ali, Zainab Hussain, Muhammed Mustahsen Rahman, Okba Mahmoud
{"title":"Comparative Evaluation of Tooth Discoloration Induced by an Experimental Antibiotic Paste Modified with Nano Chitosan: An In Vitro Study.","authors":"Mohamed Ahmed Elsayed, Md Sofiqul Islam, Safiya Ali, Zainab Hussain, Muhammed Mustahsen Rahman, Okba Mahmoud","doi":"10.3390/dj13070307","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13070307","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Tooth discoloration is a common concern associated with the use of intra-canal medicaments, particularly those containing antibiotics. This study aims to evaluate the tooth discoloration potential of an experimental antibiotic paste modified with Nano Chitosan (APNC) and compare it with two antibiotic pastes and two calcium hydroxide-based pastes over different time intervals. <b>Methods</b>: Fifty bovine incisors were standardized and prepared up to size 60. The teeth were randomly assigned into five groups based on the medicament applied: Metapaste, Metapex, modified Triple Antibiotic Paste (mTAP), Double Antibiotic Paste (DAP), and APNC. A digital spectrophotometer was used to measure the color parameters (L*, a*, and b*) at two zones, above and below the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), across four-time points: before application (T0- baseline), immediately after application (T1), after two weeks (T2), and after one month (T3). The color changes (ΔE) were calculated and statistically analyzed using repeated-measure ANOVA. <b>Results</b>: Statistically significant differences in discoloration were observed between the tested medicaments after one month (<i>p</i> < 0.05). mTAP caused the highest ΔE values both above and below the CEJ at all time points, particularly after one month (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Conversely, APNC, Metapaste, and DAP demonstrated the least discoloration, with no significant differences among them. The degree of discoloration was time-dependent and more pronounced below the CEJ in all groups. <b>Conclusions</b>: After one month, the experimental APNC paste induced tooth discoloration comparable to that of Metapaste, indicating minimal esthetic compromise. APNC may be a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic pastes with minimal discoloration effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12293811/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144706709","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}
Nisreen Al Jallad, Eli Sun, Tongtong Wu, Shasha Cui, Amer Basmaji, Radhika Thakkar, Shahenda Aboelmagd, Neha Naik, Konstantina Tzouma, Jin Xiao, Hans Malmstrom
{"title":"The Success of Endodontic Treatments Performed by Dental Residents in Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.","authors":"Nisreen Al Jallad, Eli Sun, Tongtong Wu, Shasha Cui, Amer Basmaji, Radhika Thakkar, Shahenda Aboelmagd, Neha Naik, Konstantina Tzouma, Jin Xiao, Hans Malmstrom","doi":"10.3390/dj13070306","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13070306","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This study aimed to evaluate the success rates of NSRCT performed by AEGD residents and to identify predictive factors associated with clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective chart review was conducted on cases treated between 2012 and 2021. Eligible cases included fully developed permanent teeth that underwent NSRCT and received a final restoration by general dentistry residents, with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Data collected included demographic information, medical history, clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, instrumentation, type and timing of final restorations, and patient satisfaction scores. Treatment success was defined as the absence of symptoms and either the resolution or stability of periapical radiolucency. Patient satisfaction and pain levels were also analyzed. <b>Results:</b> AEGD residents achieved radiographic and clinical RCT success rates of 93.3% and 91.5%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the presence of an intact restoration was significantly associated with increased odds of tooth retention (odds ratio [OR] = 3.4, <i>p</i> < 0.001), while post placement in a straight root was also a significant predictor of survival (OR = 4.2, <i>p</i> = 0.02). Conversely, pre-existing radiolucency (OR = 0.37, <i>p</i> = 0.018) and the use of a metal post (OR = 0.23, <i>p</i> = 0.012) were significantly associated with lower odds of tooth retention. Worse periodontal health was significantly associated with increased odds of pain on percussion, with a 74.19% increase in odds per worsening category (OR = 1.74, <i>p</i> = 0.002). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher when restorations remained intact, with esthetic satisfaction increasing by a factor of 3.08 (OR = 3.08, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and functional satisfaction increasing by a factor of 3.9 (OR = 3.9, <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> Endodontic treatments performed by AEGD residents demonstrated high success rates and favorable patient-reported outcomes. Restoration integrity, periodontal health, and post and final restoration selection play critical roles in treatment success and patient satisfaction.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12294042/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144706781","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":"Oral Health and Healthy Ageing: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies.","authors":"Lujain Sahab, Jonathon Timothy Newton, Wael Sabbah","doi":"10.3390/dj13070303","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13070303","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: The global rise in life expectancy and the resulting shift toward ageing populations pose significant public health and socioeconomic challenges. As healthy ageing becomes a priority, understanding the factors that support well-being in older age is essential. Oral health is increasingly recognised as a critical determinant of overall health and has been linked to chronic conditions. <b>Objectives</b>: To conduct a systematic review of longitudinal studies examining the relationship between oral health and healthy ageing. <b>Materials and Methods</b>: Two independent reviewers conducted searches in three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS) up to April 2025, following a defined search strategy. Grey literature was explored using Open Grey and Google Scholar. The quality and the risk of bias of the included studies were evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) for longitudinal studies. The review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD420251029090). <b>Results</b>: Four longitudinal studies reporting the association between oral health and healthy ageing were recognised and included. All selected studies were considered of good quality according to the NOS. The studies varied in defining and measuring healthy ageing, the follow-up period, the sample size, and the measure of oral health; therefore, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis. The studies included in the review demonstrated a positive relationship between the number of natural teeth and healthy ageing. <b>Discussion</b>: Despite variations in the definition of healthy ageing and the application of different oral health indicators, the review identified significant associations between the number of natural teeth and trajectories of healthy ageing. <b>Conclusions</b>: This review recognised significant longitudinal associations between oral health measures (number of teeth) and trajectories of healthy ageing. The findings emphasise the need to incorporate oral health into research and policy related to healthy ageing.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12293620/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144706748","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}
Pietro Rigotti, Alessandro Polizzi, Anna Elisa Verzì, Francesco Lacarrubba, Giuseppe Micali, Gaetano Isola
{"title":"Impact of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for Periodontitis Diagnostics: Current Overview and Advances.","authors":"Pietro Rigotti, Alessandro Polizzi, Anna Elisa Verzì, Francesco Lacarrubba, Giuseppe Micali, Gaetano Isola","doi":"10.3390/dj13070305","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13070305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution, real-time visualization of soft and hard periodontal tissues. It offers micrometer-level resolution (typically ~10-15 μm) and a scan depth ranging from approximately 0.5 to 2 mm, depending on tissue type and system configuration. The field of view generally spans a few millimeters, which is sufficient for imaging gingiva, sulcus, and superficial bone contours. Over the past two decades, its application in periodontology has gained increasing attention due to its ability to detect structural changes in gingival and alveolar tissues without the need for ionizing radiation. Various OCT modalities, including time-domain, Fourier-domain, and swept-source OCT, have been explored for periodontal assessment, offering valuable insights into tissue morphology, disease progression, and treatment outcomes. Recent innovations include the development of three-dimensional (3D) OCT imaging and OCT angiography (OCTA), enabling the volumetric visualization of periodontal structures and microvascular patterns in vivo. Compared to conventional imaging techniques, such as radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), OCT offers superior soft tissue contrast and the potential for dynamic in vivo monitoring of periodontal conditions. Recent advancements, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of portable OCT systems, have further expanded its diagnostic capabilities. However, challenges, such as limited penetration depth, high costs, and the need for standardized clinical protocols, must be addressed before widespread clinical implementation. This narrative review provides an updated overview of the principles, applications, and technological advancements of OCT in periodontology. The current limitations and future perspectives of this technology are also discussed, with a focus on its potential role in improving periodontal diagnostics and personalized treatment approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12294104/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144706729","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":"Role of Brain Networks in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Takahiko Nagamine","doi":"10.3390/dj13070304","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13070304","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective</b>: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic and often debilitating orofacial pain condition characterized by a burning sensation in the oral mucosa without clear abnormal lesions. While its etiology is considered multifactorial, the underlying pathophysiology remains unclear. This narrative review aims to synthesize existing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies to shed light on the central neural mechanisms contributing to BMS. <b>Methods</b>: A focused electronic search was conducted across the PubMed and J-STAGE databases for relevant articles published in English from January 2000 to May 2025. The review prioritized studies investigating brain structure and function using fMRI in individuals with BMS. <b>Results</b>: Our synthesis of the literature consistently demonstrated that the brains of individuals with BMS exhibit augmented connectivity within the medial pain system and a diminished gray matter volume in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). These findings suggest a crucial role for altered brain circuitry, particularly a reduction in the output of the basal ganglia dopamine system, in the experience of BMS pain. <b>Conclusions</b>: The consistent fMRI findings strongly indicate that BMS involves significant functional and structural brain alterations. The observed changes in the mPFC and its connections to the basal ganglia dopamine system highlight this pathway as a potential target for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological neurological interventions for individuals with BMS.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12293904/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144706762","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}
Andrea Bors, Felicia Gabriela Beresescu, Melinda Szekely
{"title":"Longitudinal Assessment of Dental Erosion in a Romanian Cohort of Young Adults: A Ten-Year Follow-Up Pilot Study.","authors":"Andrea Bors, Felicia Gabriela Beresescu, Melinda Szekely","doi":"10.3390/dj13070302","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13070302","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Dental erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth structure from acid exposure. Its prevalence is rising globally, making it an important oral health concern. However, longitudinal data from Eastern Europe are scarce, especially in Romania. This pilot study aimed to assess the 10-year incidence of dental erosion in Romanian young adults and to compare clinical index scoring with digital scanning. <b>Methods:</b> A 10-year prospective study followed 540 Romanian adults (aged 18-30) selected with no erosive lesions at baseline (Basic Erosive Wear Examination BEWE = 0). Erosive wear was assessed at the 10-year follow-up using BEWE, with 40 participants also undergoing digital intraoral scanning to measure enamel loss (μm). Gender differences were analyzed. Chi-square tests, relative risk, and correlation analyses were performed. <b>Results:</b> After 10 years, 23.2% of participants developed dental erosion. Males exhibited a higher incidence than females (29.9% vs. 17.2%; RR = 1.74, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Among the scanned subset (<i>n</i> = 40), the mean enamel loss was 137 ± 79 µm, with greater wear on palatal vs. buccal surfaces (<i>p</i> = 0.002). BEWE scores were moderately correlated with digital enamel loss (<i>r</i> = 0.58, <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> Erosion progressed over time in this cohort, with males at higher risk. Digital scanning detected subtle enamel loss not captured by BEWE, indicating greater sensitivity to early changes. BEWE and digital methods provided complementary information; their combined use offers a more comprehensive assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12293306/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144706746","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}