Dentistry Journal最新文献

{"title":"Age-Related Oral and Para-Oral Tissue Disorders: The Evolving Therapeutic and Diagnostic Potential of Exosomes.","authors":"Mohamed Khaled Mohamed Maria, Esraa Mohamed Abdel Moniem, Ahmed Khaled Hanafy, Dina B E Farag, Israa Ahmed Radwan, Marwa M S Abbass, Sara El Moshy, Dina Rady, Christof E Dörfer, Karim M Fawzy El-Sayed","doi":"10.3390/dj13030106","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13030106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review highlights the key molecular and cellular mechanisms contributing to aging, such as DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere shortening, protein dysfunction, and defective autophagy. These biological mechanisms are involved in various oral health conditions prevalent in the elderly, including periodontal disease, oral cancer, xerostomia, dental caries, and temporomandibular joint disorders. Exosomes generated by mesenchymal stem cells possess substantial therapeutic potential. These exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles derived from cells and are involved in essential intercellular communication and tissue homeostasis. The exosome-based therapies proved superior to traditional cell-based approaches, due to lower immunogenicity, ease of storage, and avoidance of complications associated with cell transplantation. Furthermore, the diagnostic potential of exosomes as non-invasive biomarkers for aging processes and age-related oral diseases offers insights into disease diagnosis, staging, and monitoring. Among the challenges and future perspectives of translating exosome research from preclinical studies to clinical applications is the need for standardized procedures to fully harness the therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities of exosomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941486/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709100","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":"Comparing the Effectiveness of Human Extracted Teeth and Plastic Teeth in Teaching Dental Anatomy.","authors":"Noora Helene Thune, Anna Tostrup Kristensen, Amer Sehic, Julie Marie Haabeth Brox, Tor Paaske Utheim, Hugo Lewi Hammer, Qalbi Khan","doi":"10.3390/dj13030105","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13030105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: A thorough knowledge of tooth morphology, encompassing the detailed structural complexities, is essential for the practice of dental hygienists in all aspects of their profession. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of two instructional approaches in tooth morphology education, by analyzing the performance of dental hygienist students trained with human extracted teeth compared to those educated with plastic teeth models. <b>Methods</b>: This study included two cohorts of undergraduate dental hygienist students: a control group (n = 27) trained using human teeth, and an experimental group (n = 34) trained using plastic teeth models. Each group underwent two consecutive practical exams where they identified all 32 permanent teeth and 8 deciduous molars. Initially, students were tested on the training material that they were assigned (either extracted human teeth or plastic teeth), and, subsequently, they were tested using the alternative material. Both the number and patterns of identification errors were recorded and analyzed. Paired <i>t</i>-tests were used to compare error rates between real and plastic teeth for students trained on either plastic or real teeth, unpaired <i>t</i>-tests were conducted to assess differences in performance between students trained on plastic versus real teeth when tested on both tooth types, and Fisher's exact tests were employed to examine variations in error proportions across maxillary and mandibular tooth categories. <b>Results</b>: The control group recorded a mean of 6.41 errors per student (total of 173 errors), with three students (11.1%) failing by committing over 12 errors. Their performance improved to a mean of 5.44 errors (total of 147 errors) when tested on plastic teeth, although the improvement was not statistically significant (<i>p</i> = 0.20). Conversely, the experimental group demonstrated high accuracy on plastic teeth, with 19 out of 34 students (55.9%) achieving perfect scores and a total of only 50 errors (mean, 1.47). Their performance, however, declined when tested on real teeth, escalating to a total of 354 errors, with 32 students (94.12%) making more errors on real teeth than on plastic, resulting in a significant increase in errors to an average of 10.41 per student (<i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions</b>: This study demonstrates that students perform best when tested on the materials that they initially were trained with, showing that real teeth provide better educational outcomes than plastic models. This advantage underscores the importance of using natural teeth when learning dental anatomy.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940867/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709076","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":"MAMA-Mandibular Advancement Magnetic Appliance: A Digital Workflow and a CAD-CAM Development of a New Mandibular Advancement Device for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.","authors":"Riccardo Nucera, Enrico Nastro Siniscalchi, Giancarlo Consolo, Luigi Calabrese, Daniela Caccamo, Angela Mirea Bellocchio, Marco Portelli","doi":"10.3390/dj13030104","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13030104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Mandibular advancing devices (MADs) are removable intraoral apparatuses to use during sleep that modify the spatial position of the mandible, increasing airway patency and improving respiratory function at night in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). <b>Methods:</b> In this work, a new mandibular advancement device useful for mild-to-moderate OSAS patients is presented. It is developed through a CAD-CAM process and involves a passive propulsion of the mandible thanks to the attraction of rare-earth magnets positioned in the thickness of two thermally molded PET-G devices. The use of a PET-G device compared to traditional resin ones offers several clinical advantages related to the innovative characteristics of this polymer, which allows the fabrication of thinner devices, with high resistance to fluid corrosion, resulting in less bulk inside the oral cavity. <b>Results:</b> The innovative feature of the device proposed by the authors is that mandibular propulsion induced by the attraction of the magnetic jigs is not affected by a patient's mandibular posture during sleep. <b>Conclusions:</b> The original apparatus proposed by the authors determines a mesializing movement of the jaw through a different mechanism to traditional MADs and presents the great advantage of a digital and CAD-CAD workflow that can be developed directly by the clinicians in the practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940989/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709093","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":"Prevention of White Spot Lesions Induced by Fixed Orthodontic Therapy: A Literature Review.","authors":"Francesco Saverio Ludovichetti, Edoardo Stellini, Andrea Zuccon, Patrizia Lucchi, Niccolò Dessupoiu, Sergio Mazzoleni, Roberta Gaia Parcianello","doi":"10.3390/dj13030103","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13030103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: This study aims to review the scientific literature on the prevention of white spot lesions (WSLs) associated with fixed orthodontic treatment. WSLs result from enamel demineralization and pose aesthetic and functional challenges. The study evaluates the effectiveness of various preventive interventions to reduce the risk of WSLs during orthodontic care. <b>Methods</b>: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MeSH terms such as \"white spot\", \"fixed orthodontic treatment\", \"CPP-ACP\", \"topical fluoride\", and \"demineralized lesion\", combined with the Boolean operator 'AND'. Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and OpenGrey, focusing on studies published between January 2014 and September 2024. The inclusion criteria required studies to evaluate interventions aimed at reducing WSL risk in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. A total of 41 articles were screened, with 17 selected based on relevance and methodological rigor. <b>Results</b>: The review identified several effective strategies for preventing WSLs. Topical fluoride applications, particularly high-concentration varnishes, significantly reduced WSL prevalence, with some studies favoring fluoride varnish over other interventions. CPP-ACP and CPP-ACPF formulations demonstrated potential for remineralizing demineralized enamel, especially when combined with fluoride toothpaste. High-fluoride toothpaste and acidulated phosphate fluoride mouthwash were effective in reducing lesion incidence, emphasizing the importance of patient compliance in daily oral hygiene routines. Professional interventions, such as fluoride varnish applications, showed enhanced outcomes when re-applied periodically. <b>Conclusions</b>: Preventing WSLs during orthodontic treatment is crucial for ensuring the aesthetic and functional success of therapy. Strategies combining fluoride-based interventions with casein phosphopeptide formulations offer significant benefits. However, patient education and adherence to recommended oral hygiene practices remain critical. Further research is needed to compare the long-term effectiveness of these interventions and to explore new technologies for WSL prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941627/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709114","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":"The Decision Between Tooth Retention or Replacement with Implants: A Continuing Dilemma.","authors":"Eleni Bentour, Eirini Papamanoli, Ioannis K Karoussis","doi":"10.3390/dj13030099","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13030099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The global adoption of dental implants has significantly reshaped modern dental practices, with the market projected to reach USD 16 billion by 2029. However, despite high success rates, dental implants can still be prone to complications, particularly when underlying causes of tooth loss, such as periodontal disease and bone loss, are not addressed. This paper explores the biological and mechanical considerations in the decision-making process between preserving a tooth through periodontal therapy or opting for extraction and implant placement. It also highlights the importance of a holistic approach that includes assessing the patient's oral health, periodontal status, and the biomechanical factors influencing tooth retention. Periodontal therapy has been proven to be highly effective, with both non-surgical and surgical therapies showing long-term efficacy in preserving natural teeth, especially in the presence of furcation involvement. Studies show that proper periodontal management, including regular maintenance therapy after the active therapy, significantly enhances tooth survival, even in cases of severe periodontitis. In contrast, dental implants, while effective, are not free of complications, mainly inflammatory peri-implant diseases, but also mechanical complications, which can compromise long-term outcomes. The paper reviews clinical studies on implant survival, demonstrating that periodontal therapy can sometimes offer a more cost-effective and biologically sound alternative to implant therapy, especially for teeth with severe attachment loss or furcation involvement. In conclusion, treatment decisions should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of clinical, biological, and patient-specific factors. By integrating regenerative therapies even in more compromised teeth and addressing the root causes of tooth loss, implant rehabilitation can be postponed for many years and offer a cost-effective and successful long-term treatment plan. This approach underscores the importance of individualized care in the evolving landscape of restorative dentistry and implantology.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941452/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709121","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":"Enhancing Root Canal Disinfection with Er:YAG Laser: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Jakub Fiegler-Rudol, Zuzanna Grzech-Leśniak, Marcin Tkaczyk, Kinga Grzech-Leśniak, Anna Zawilska, Rafał Wiench","doi":"10.3390/dj13030101","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13030101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The quest for minimally invasive disinfection in endodontics has led to using Erbium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Er:YAG) lasers. Conventional approaches may leave bacterial reservoirs in complex canal anatomies. Er:YAG's strong water absorption generates photoacoustic streaming, improving smear layer removal with lower thermal risk than other laser systems. <b>Methods:</b> This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Database searches (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library) identified studies (2015-2025) on Er:YAG laser-assisted root canal disinfection. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria: antibacterial efficacy, biofilm disruption, or smear layer removal. Data on laser settings, irrigants, and outcomes were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using a ten-item checklist, based on guidelines from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. <b>Results:</b> All studies found Er:YAG laser activation significantly improved root canal disinfection over conventional or ultrasonic methods. Photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) and shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS) yielded superior bacterial reduction, especially apically, and enabled lower sodium hypochlorite concentrations without sacrificing efficacy. Some research indicated reduced post-operative discomfort. However, protocols, laser parameters, and outcome measures varied, limiting direct comparisons and emphasizing the need for more standardized, long-term clinical trials. <b>Conclusions:</b> Er:YAG laser-assisted irrigation appears highly effective in biofilm disruption and smear layer removal, supporting deeper irrigant penetration. While findings are promising, further standardized research is needed to solidify guidelines and confirm Er:YAG lasers' long-term clinical benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941447/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143708811","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":"Factors Reducing Postoperative Pain Related to Root Canal Treatment: A Narrative Review of Systematic Reviews.","authors":"Abdelrahman M Alhilou","doi":"10.3390/dj13030102","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13030102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Pain after root canal treatment is a common concern that can greatly affect a patient's quality of life. Identifying the factors contributing to this pain and focusing on those supported by high-quality research can lead to more effective pain management. This narrative review aims to analyze all available systematic reviews on this topic to determine what has been proven to help decrease pain following the root canal procedure. <b>Methods:</b> A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus and Google Scholar from January 2000 to January 2024, using defined MeSH terms. This yielded 51 systematic reviews, of which 45 specifically investigated factors reducing postoperative pain related to root canal treatment. <b>Results:</b> Eleven factors were identified in the literature, with only eight factors supported by low- to moderate-quality evidence to reduce postoperative pain related to root canal treatment. These eight factors include (1) laser therapy, (2) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (especially when combined with acetaminophen) and corticosteroids, (3) ultrasonic irrigation and low concentrations of sodium hypochlorite, (4) cryotherapy, (5) specific combinations of intracanal medicaments (notably calcium hydroxide with chlorhexidine), (6) bioceramic sealers, (7) rotary instrumentation, and (8) apical patency. <b>Conclusions:</b> The insights gained from this narrative review highlight several important factors that reduce postoperative pain related to root canal treatment. Nevertheless, the observed variability in the quality of the evidence calls attention to the necessity for further high-quality research.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941235/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143708960","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":"Chronic Inflammation and Glycemic Control: Exploring the Bidirectional Link Between Periodontitis and Diabetes.","authors":"Jyotsna Suresh Ranbhise, Songhyun Ju, Manish Kumar Singh, Sunhee Han, Salima Akter, Joohun Ha, Wonchae Choe, Sung Soo Kim, Insug Kang","doi":"10.3390/dj13030100","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13030100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Periodontitis and diabetes mellitus are two highly prevalent chronic conditions that share a bidirectional relationship, significantly impacting public health. Periodontitis, a gum inflammation caused by microbial dysbiosis, aggravates glycemic control in diabetics, while uncontrolled diabetes heightens periodontitis severity. These conditions create a vicious cycle, where inflammation and microbial dysbiosis mutually drive disease progression, exacerbating systemic health. The underlying mechanisms involve inflammation, immune dysfunction, and microbial dysbiosis, with both diseases contributing to a chain of chronic inflammation that exacerbates systemic health. This relationship is significant because managing one condition can significantly impact the other. In diabetic individuals, interventions such as periodontal therapy have shown effectiveness in improving glycemic control, underscoring the potential of integrated strategies for managing these conditions simultaneously. In this review, we highlight the importance of a deeper understanding of the molecular and immunological interactions between these diseases is essential for developing integrated therapeutic approaches, with the potential to enhance the quality of life of the patient significantly.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940948/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709074","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":"Unveiling the Molecular Crosstalk Between Periodontal and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Gunaraj Dhungana, Dollada Srisai, Chethan Sampath, Jeremiah Soliman, Regan M Kelly, Honar Y Saleh, Abdelrahman Sedik, Edilberto Raynes, Alexys Ferguson, Leela Subhashini Choudary Alluri, Pandu R Gangula","doi":"10.3390/dj13030098","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13030098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Periodontal disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by dysbiosis of the oral microbiome. PD is linked to systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which associate it with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This systematic review explores the molecular and microbial mechanisms through which periodontal pathogens, including \"Red Complex\" bacteria (<i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i>, <i>Tannerella forsythia</i>, <i>Treponema denticola</i>) and <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i>, influence cardiovascular health via inflammatory pathways, immune modulation, and microbial dissemination. <b>Methods</b>: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases using relevant keywords, with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, from the first week of September 2024 to the first week of October 2024. Studies addressing the relationship between PD and CVD were assessed for methodological rigor, relevance, and data availability. The outcomes were synthesized using a descriptive narrative approach. Out of 591 records screened, 421 full-text articles were sought for retrieval. The final review included 58 articles providing supplementary aggregated data after eligibility assessment. <b>Results:</b> The pathogenesis of PD involves the activation of immune cells and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE2) and chemokines (including IL-8 and MCP-1) along with oxidative stress driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Periodontal pathogens trigger endothelial oxidative stress and systemic inflammation via Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NF-κB signaling, and nitric oxide (NO) dysregulation, contributing to endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. Biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, interleukins, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), further highlight the systemic inflammatory response. <b>Conclusions:</b> This review underscores the significant role of periodontal pathogens and inflammatory mediators in systemic health, particularly in the progression of CVD. Although existing evidence illustrates these associations, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain inadequately understood, indicating a need for further research to advance precision medicine and therapeutic strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941040/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709144","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":"Permanent Maxillary Lateral Incisors' Agenesis Managed by Mini-Screw Implant-Supported Pontics: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Elena Caramaschi, Elisabetta Lalli, Valentino Garau, Alessio Verdecchia, Enrico Spinas","doi":"10.3390/dj13030096","DOIUrl":"10.3390/dj13030096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> The Agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors occurs with a variable prevalence in different ethnic groups, and there is a need for a temporary replacement until maturity has been reached in patients for whom the replacement solution has been chosen. This study aims to analyze the scientific evidence available to date concerning the use of mini-screw implant (MSI)-supported pontics for the transitional management of permanent maxillary lateral incisors' agenesis in developmental age subjects. <b>Methods:</b> Electronic research was conducted using four databases: PubMed, Clarivate Analytics/Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and the Wiley/Cochrane Library. Six studies were included in the final review. Data were extracted based on the first and second author, year of publication, study design, sample characteristics, mini-screw implant (MSI) characteristics, MSI insertion and loading protocol, characteristics of the prosthetic component, and outcomes during the follow-up time. <b>Results:</b> Clinical outcomes were proven positive in all studies. In only one study did MSIs show mobility and consequent failure after one month. Discoloration of the prosthetic part proved to be the main complication. <b>Conclusions:</b> The comparison with conventional removable prostheses and fixed dental prostheses revealed that MSI-supported pontics are a viable alternative and a promising temporary solution until the end of growth. Further studies to standardize protocols and assess long-term outcomes are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":11269,"journal":{"name":"Dentistry Journal","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941009/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709110","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}