Muhammad Usman Sultan, Muhammad Anas, Aamna Mansur, Jaber Hamad Jaber Amin
{"title":"Effect of working length determination on postoperative pain using Electronic Apex Locator versus Radiographic method: a systematic review of randomized control trials.","authors":"Muhammad Usman Sultan, Muhammad Anas, Aamna Mansur, Jaber Hamad Jaber Amin","doi":"10.1007/s44445-026-00158-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44445-026-00158-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>When it comes to root canal therapy, the right working length (WL) must be established in order to minimize material extrusion and the resulting post- procedure pain. Although electronic apex locators (EALs) are a radiation-free, time-saving substitute for conventional or digital radiography techniques, but their impact on postoperative pain has been controversial. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251247626) and adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EAL versus radiographic WL determination, with postoperative pain as an outcome, were searched in PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ScienceDirect from January 2000 to November 17, 2025. Only peer-reviewed RCTs involving permanent teeth were considered. Bias risk was evaluated using Cochrane RoB 2.0. Four RCTs (total n = 414 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Four RCTs (2014-2024) showed no statistically significant difference in postoperative pain incidence, intensity (measured by VAS or 4-point verbal rating scale), analgesic consumption, or time to pain resolution between EAL and radiographic groups at any time point (4 h to 7 days). Pain levels were generally low to moderate and resolved within 72 h in both groups. One three-arm trial demonstrated significantly lower early pain (6-48 h) with a simultaneous/hybrid EAL plus radiographic technique compared with either method alone. No flare-ups or serious adverse events were reported. Based on limited evidence from four RCTs with methodological concerns (including risks in randomization, blinding, and subjective pain assessment) and very low certainty, electronic apex locators and radiographic methods may yield similar postoperative pain outcomes in single-visit root canal treatment of vital teeth. A combined method of both techniques showed preliminary indications of early pain alleviation in one small trial on symptomatic conditions, but this requires confirmation. EALs may represent a radiation free alternative or supplement to radiography that does not appear to increase pain, though the evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47246,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Dental Journal","volume":"38 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Artificial intelligence in periodontal disease research: a bibliometric and visualized analysis of global research trends (2007-2025).","authors":"Wuyan Zhou, Xun Liu, Jinghong Yu, Yaoxu Li, Lin Cheng, Guanliang Wang, Fulin Jiang","doi":"10.1007/s44445-026-00160-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44445-026-00160-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases in stomatology. With the continuous development of artificial intelligence (AI), its integration with periodontology is rapidly evolving. However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis mapping this interdisciplinary field is currently lacking. We conducted a bibliometric analysis by retrieving publications related to AI and periodontal disease from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) for the period January 2007 to July 2025. Data processing and visualization were performed using R (Bibliometrix), VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. A total of 496 relevant articles (437 research papers; 59 reviews) were included. Annual publication output has shown sustained growth, particularly since 2021. China contributed the most publications (153 articles), followed by the United States. Among institutions, Pusan National University, South Korea (32 articles), and Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, India (31 articles) were the most productive. BMC Oral Health published the highest number of articles (n = 23). The co-authorship network involved 2,604 authors, with Pradeep Kumar Yadalam being the most prolific (15 articles). Co-citation analysis identified Orhan Kaan, Abu Patricia Angela R., and Falk Schwendicke as the most cited authors. Keyword analysis revealed \"periodontitis,\" \"machine learning,\" and \"artificial intelligence\" as core research foci, while burst detection indicated \"progression\" and \"expression\" as emerging thematic directions. This study provides a systematic overview of the research landscape, highlighting evolving trends, key contributors, and knowledge structure in AI applications for periodontal disease. The findings offer valuable insights to help dentists and researchers understand current applications, identify frontiers, and potentially guide the future clinical translation of AI technologies in periodontology.</p>","PeriodicalId":47246,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Dental Journal","volume":"38 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanical and adhesive properties of monolithic zirconia and their clinical implications: a narrative review.","authors":"Areej Ata Abdulgader","doi":"10.1007/s44445-026-00136-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44445-026-00136-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Monolithic zirconia has become increasingly popular in clinical dentistry as an indirect restorative material fabricated using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. It is widely used due to its favorable combination of mechanical strength, aesthetic potential, and biocompatibility. Its monolithic design reduces the risk of veneer chipping, thereby improving restoration longevity. To narratively review the mechanical and adhesive properties of monolithic zirconia and discuss their clinical implications. This narrative review was based on a comprehensive, non-systematic literature search conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. English-language publications addressing monolithic zirconia, mechanical behavior, surface treatments, adhesive strategies, and clinical performance were considered. Additional studies were identified through manual screening of reference lists. Study selection was guided by relevance to the review topic rather than predefined inclusion or exclusion criteria. Monolithic zirconia demonstrates high flexural strength and fracture toughness, supporting its use in posterior load-bearing restorations. However, direct exposure to the oral environment may promote low-temperature degradation (LTD), potentially affecting long-term mechanical stability. Despite improvements in translucency, aesthetic performance remains a consideration. Adhesive durability depends largely on appropriate surface conditioning and the use of functional primers, particularly those containing 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP), which enhance chemical bonding to zirconia. Monolithic zirconia offers a reliable balance between strength and clinical durability. Nevertheless, its long-term performance is influenced by environmental exposure and adhesive protocols. Further research is needed to optimize the resin-zirconia interface while maintaining both mechanical reliability and aesthetic outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":47246,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Dental Journal","volume":"38 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13135608/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822160","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":"Fueling failure or fostering fusion? A critical review of the potential effect of ketogenic, intermittent fasting, and low-carbohydrate diets on dental implant osseointegration.","authors":"Faris A Alshahrani, Noha Taymour","doi":"10.1007/s44445-026-00164-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44445-026-00164-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To synthesize current evidence (2010-2025) on ketogenic, intermittent fasting, and low-calorie diets' effects on bone health, inflammation, osseointegration and identifying research gaps relevant to dental implantology. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for human and animal studies, mechanistic work, and systematic reviews. Evidence was extracted and summarized, prioritizing studies on diet patterns, bone biology, and dental implant outcomes. Mechanistic and animal studies suggest dietary influence on bone remodeling, inflammation, and angiogenesis, crucial for osseointegration. Vitamin D level correlates with implant outcomes, and moderate intermittent fasting appears not to harm systemic bone markers short-term. Major gaps include peri-implant mechanistic data, comparative trials, and optimal dietary timing. Current evidence indicates a potential influence of different diets on dental implant success factors. Definitive dietary recommendations for implant patients are premature due to insufficient human clinical data. Comprehensive, implant-specific research is still needed to establish guidelines and integrate nutrition into implant practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":47246,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Dental Journal","volume":"38 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13135605/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822179","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":"What is the impact of digital technologies on removable complete dentures: Advances, challenges, and clinical implications: A narrative review.","authors":"Parsa Maasoomnia, Somayeh Zeighami","doi":"10.1007/s44445-026-00134-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44445-026-00134-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>With the rapid advancement of digital technologies, dentistry has witnessed significant innovations, particularly in the fabrication of removable complete dentures. The objective of this narrative review is to examine the evolution, current state, and future directions of digital removable complete dentures, with a focus on comparing computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) approaches to conventional techniques in terms of clinical efficiency and patient satisfaction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for articles published between January 2010 and April 2025. Relevant keywords related to digital dentures, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and patient outcomes were used. Studies focusing on digital complete denture fabrication and comparisons with conventional methods were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Evidence indicates that digitally fabricated complete dentures demonstrate comparable or superior outcomes in retention, adaptation, and patient satisfaction. They also reduce the number of clinical visits and post-insertion adjustments. However, concerns remain regarding material properties, cost-effectiveness, and long-term performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Digital denture fabrication presents a promising alternative to conventional methods, although further advancements in materials and long-term clinical validation are needed. Tailored implementation of digital workflows can enhance treatment efficiency and patient experience in removable prosthodontics.</p>","PeriodicalId":47246,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Dental Journal","volume":"38 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13133267/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822149","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":"Effect of simulated bur radius compensation on full-contour CAD crown morphology and trueness across tooth types. An in- silico study.","authors":"Nabeel S Martani","doi":"10.1007/s44445-026-00169-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44445-026-00169-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To systematically investigate and quantify the influence of bur radius compensation size on the design parameters of full-contour computer-aided design (CAD) crowns. The study analyzes the deterministic trends in morphological characteristics, surface area, volume, and geometric trueness across varying tooth anatomies to provide data-driven guidelines for CAD protocols. This study utilized a deterministic computer simulation to generate idealized virtual crown designs for three distinct anatomical tooth types (molar [#3], premolar [#5], and central incisor [#8]). Because the computational algorithm yields identical outputs from identical inputs with zero variance, a sample size calculation was not applicable; instead, single standardized designs were analyzed. The crowns were processed with seven varying bur radius settings: a 0.00 mm baseline (representing an ideal design with no bur constraints) and six test radii ranging from 0.10 mm to 1.50 mm. The resulting standard tessellation language (STL) files were analyzed using a custom Python algorithm (Eyleen Code) by utilizing Trimesh and NumPy libraries, to calculate trend geometric deviation metrics Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Hausdorff Distance (H.D) relative to the baseline. The simulation data revealed that increasing the bur radius from 0.10 mm to 1.50 mm resulted in progressive morphological changes across all tooth types. A marked trend of volumetric loss was observed; the molar volume decreased from a baseline of 160.60 mm<sup>3</sup> down to 135.13 mm<sup>3</sup> at the maximum radius. Conversely, surface area and roughness metrics showed a consistent upward trend. Geometric trueness deteriorated substantially with larger radii. While maximum localized deviations (H.D) peaked between the 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm settings, overall morphological deviation (RMSE) continued to climb, peaking at the 1.25 mm to 1.50 mm settings depending on the tooth type. Specifically, the RMSE for the central incisor rose from 0.049 at the minimal compensation to a peak of 0.184, indicating substantial volumetric and geometric distortion compared to the ideal baseline design. The selection of bur radius size directly dictates the morphological reliability of dental CAD. The data demonstrate that a minimal radius (0.10 mm) yields the highest trueness to the ideal baseline, whereas larger settings cause substantial volumetric reduction and geometric deviation, particularly in posterior teeth. To minimize anatomical discrepancies, digital laboratory workflows better to restrict bur radius compensation to the minimum technically feasible values, pending further validation in physical milling processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":47246,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Dental Journal","volume":"38 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13133305/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822131","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}
Amal Jamjoom, Shatha Bamashmous, Rusha Alyafi, Arwa Badahdah, Mohammad Assaggaf, Arwa Banjar, Badr Othman, Talal Zahid, Ady Azhari, Reem Alharbi, Jana Alwaznah, Ola Khoujah, Razan Alhashmi, Basel Sharabi, Mohammed Alulaiyan
{"title":"Hyaluronic acid versus microneedling with injectable platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of partial loss of interdental papillae: A pilot randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Amal Jamjoom, Shatha Bamashmous, Rusha Alyafi, Arwa Badahdah, Mohammad Assaggaf, Arwa Banjar, Badr Othman, Talal Zahid, Ady Azhari, Reem Alharbi, Jana Alwaznah, Ola Khoujah, Razan Alhashmi, Basel Sharabi, Mohammed Alulaiyan","doi":"10.1007/s44445-026-00174-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44445-026-00174-8","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47246,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Dental Journal","volume":"38 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129183/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785291","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":"Effect of Limosilactobacillus reuteri probiotic on dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus sobrinus and Candida albicans: an in vitro study.","authors":"Ranny Grevanny, Mochamad Fahlevi Rizal, Margaretha Suharsini","doi":"10.1007/s44445-026-00173-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44445-026-00173-9","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47246,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Dental Journal","volume":"38 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129185/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785281","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":"Dental fear, anxiety, oral hygiene and dental caries in Al Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.","authors":"Elwalid Nasir, Nada Suliman","doi":"10.1007/s44445-026-00153-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44445-026-00153-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To assess possible association between dental fear, anxiety, oral hygiene, and sociodemographic factors and prevalence, severity of dental caries among adult patients at a university dental clinic in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study conducted from September to December 2022, a convenience sample was used. Data were collected through clinical examinations to determine the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and oral hygiene levels. Dental fear and anxiety were assessed using structured questionnaires. Bivariate analyses and multivariable regression models were used to identify significant associations. 619 patients with a mean age of 29.46-years, 63.2% were males. The prevalence of dental caries was (89.5%), with a mean DMFT score of 10-teeth (SD ± 7.6), and the mean significant caries index SiC30 was 18 (SD ± 6.4). 36.6% had dental fear, whereas less than third (25.8%) had anxiety. In the final binary regression model, factors significantly associated with a higher likelihood of having dental caries were being older (AOR = 3.3, C.I. 1.4-8.1, p-value 0.008), having lower education (AOR 0.4, C.I. 0.2-0.8, p-value 0.006), and exhibiting poor oral hygiene (AOR = 0.4, C.I. 0.2-0.8, p-value 0.006). Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries in this clinical cohort was determined to be high as reported by previous studies. The primary risk factors for dental caries were age, lower educational attainment, and inadequate oral hygiene, whereas dental fear and anxiety showed no correlation with dental caries.</p>","PeriodicalId":47246,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Dental Journal","volume":"38 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13111744/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785278","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}
Lobna M Abdel-Aziz, Radwa M Esmail, Heba Abdelfatah, Amira I Sayed
{"title":"Comparative radioprotective effects of ascorbic acid and telmisartan, alone and in combination, on gamma-irradiated mandibular bone: an experimental rat study.","authors":"Lobna M Abdel-Aziz, Radwa M Esmail, Heba Abdelfatah, Amira I Sayed","doi":"10.1007/s44445-026-00148-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44445-026-00148-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study was purposed to assess the radioprotective influences of ascorbic acid and Telmisartan, solitary and in combination, on rats exposed to gamma radiation. After different treatment regimens, the study assessed radiographic and histopathological outcomes in bone tissue. Four groups of forty male albino rats were created casually (n = 10). All groups were subjected to fractionated gamma radiation (6 Gy), 2 Gy day after day, three times per week. Group 1 (R) was subjected to fractionated gamma radiation only. Group 2 (MR) received Telmisartan 12 mg/kg orally once/day for 7 days before radiation. Group 3 (CR) received 200 mg/kg orally once/day for 7 days, Ascorbic Acid before radiation. Group 4 (MCR) received Telmisartan 12 mg/kg orally once/day for 7 days, and Ascorbic Acid 200 mg/kg orally once/day for 7 days before radiation. All groups were divided into two subgroups based on two-time intervals (3 days and 10 days). The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated through histological analysis and CBCT, or cone beam computed tomography, for bone density examination. Radiographically, the highest values of bone density measured after 3 days were for the MCR group, while the lowest values of bone density measured after 3 days were for the R group. The histological examination revealed a notable distinction between the 4 groups, with enhanced early matrix deposition in the MCR group at 3 days. The Haversian canals appeared wide and filled with RBCs; also, many reversal lines can be easily noticed and showing that the bone is highly compact with stenosis of Haversian canals at 10 days. A Combination of ascorbic acid with telmisartan demonstrated superiority over ascorbic acid and telmisartan monotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":47246,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Dental Journal","volume":"38 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13109477/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785269","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}