Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral and Maxillofacial Disease: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 2193

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We want to thank all researchers who contributed high-quality manuscripts to the Special Issue “Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral and Maxillofacial Disease”. The positive feedback and general interest we received encouraged us to launch a second volume, focusing on the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial diseases.

The forthcoming Special Issue of Diagnostics, titled "Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral and Maxillofacial Disease: Volume 2", will present cutting-edge developments in the field of diagnosing conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, and related structures. This comprehensive collection of articles will delve into the latest advancements in diagnostic techniques, technologies, and methodologies, aiming to enhance the early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective management of oral and maxillofacial diseases.

The contributions within this edition will explore various aspects of diagnostic modalities, including advanced radiology techniques such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which offer detailed anatomical information for precise diagnosis and treatment planning. Additionally, the articles included will discuss the application of optical imaging and diagnostic tools, providing insights into non-invasive methods for detecting early signs of disease and monitoring treatment responses.

Pathology and biopsy techniques will also be discussed, highlighting the role of histopathological analysis in confirming diagnoses and guiding therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, the integration of molecular diagnostics and medical screening protocols will be explored, showcasing the potential of genetic and molecular markers in early disease detection and personalized treatment approaches.

This Special Issue will also address prognostic assessments and the identification of biomarkers associated with disease progression and treatment response. By synthesizing the latest research findings and clinical insights across these diverse diagnostic modalities, this edition of Diagnostics will serve as a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of oral and maxillofacial diseases. Ultimately, these advancements will contribute to improved patient care, treatment outcomes, and quality of life.

Dr. Luís Eduardo Almeida
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • maxillofacial disease
  • oral disease
  • biomarkers
  • prognosis
  • periodontal disease
  • machine learning
  • MRI
  • CBCT

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 9571 KiB  
Article
Bilateral Condylar Hyperplasia: Importance of Its Diagnosis in the Treatment and Long-Term Stability of Skeletal Class III Correction
by Diego Fernando López, Martín Fernando Orozco, Sofia Ochoa Gómez, Santiago Herrera Guardiola and Luis Eduardo Almeida
Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070809 - 22 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Background: Condylar hyperplasia (CH) leads to mandibular overgrowth with anatomical, aesthetic, and functional consequences, particularly affecting facial harmony. It is characterized by severe mandibular prognathism (MP) in bilateral cases. This study aims to propose a therapeutic algorithm for diagnosing and treating bilateral condylar [...] Read more.
Background: Condylar hyperplasia (CH) leads to mandibular overgrowth with anatomical, aesthetic, and functional consequences, particularly affecting facial harmony. It is characterized by severe mandibular prognathism (MP) in bilateral cases. This study aims to propose a therapeutic algorithm for diagnosing and treating bilateral condylar hyperplasia (BCH) based on demographic, clinical, craniofacial growth, and clivus ratio uptake conditions. Methods: Ten patients with severe skeletal Class III by MP, whose alteration was clinically associated with BCH, were consecutively evaluated in a specialized dentofacial deformity center between the period of 2019 and 2024. A detailed protocol was followed to gather clinical history, assess anatomical features, evaluate malocclusion, and identify potential BCH. When suspicion arose, a nuclear medicine test measured condylar scintigraphy uptake. If the result was positive, patients underwent bilateral condylectomy, following one of three treatment protocols. Results: Severe PM, pronounced Class III with excessive negative overjet, elongated condyles of normal anatomy, absence of family history, and accelerated growth since preadolescence and adolescence were common characteristics in these patients. Regarding the treatment protocol chosen according to the characteristics of the patients, five cases followed treatment protocol A: condylectomy and surgical correction of the alteration in two surgical stages. Two cases followed protocol B: bilateral condylectomy and orthognathic surgery in the same surgical time, and three cases followed protocol C: condylectomy and later post-surgical orthopedics and/or orthodontics without a second surgical intervention. Histopathological results confirmed bilateral hyperplastic growth and stability in mandibular size, and occlusion was observed during follow-up. Conclusions: Specialists need to recognize the clinical signs of BCH and use scintigraphy tests to measure condylar metabolic activity when suspected. Early detection of BCH is crucial, as it influences treatment decisions and helps prevent relapses in orthodontic or surgical interventions aimed solely at correcting or compensating for Class III malocclusion caused by MP. Full article
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13 pages, 2014 KiB  
Article
Salivary Cortisol as a Biomarker for Assessing Fear and Anxiety in Patients with Molar–Incisor Hypomineralization
by Laura-Roxana Contac, Silvia Izabella Pop, Minodora Dobreanu, Madalina Oprica, Septimiu Voidazan and Cristina Ioana Bica
Diagnostics 2025, 15(4), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15040489 - 17 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a prevalent dental condition characterized by hypomineralized enamel affecting the first permanent molars and incisors. It leads to visible enamel opacities, with varying severity. Children with MIH often experience dental hypersensitivity, which can result in increased dental [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a prevalent dental condition characterized by hypomineralized enamel affecting the first permanent molars and incisors. It leads to visible enamel opacities, with varying severity. Children with MIH often experience dental hypersensitivity, which can result in increased dental fear and anxiety, complicating dental treatment. Salivary cortisol, a well-established biomarker of stress, has been used to assess stress levels in various pediatric conditions but has not been extensively studied in MIH. This study aimed to assess salivary cortisol levels as a stress biomarker in children with MIH and compare them to those in children without MIH. Methods: Sixty children aged 5–9 years were divided into two groups: 31 with MIH and 29 healthy controls. Salivary cortisol levels were measured using ELISA, and statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software, version 23 The Mann–Whitney test was used for group comparison, and the Kruskal–Wallis test evaluated the correlation between MIH severity and cortisol levels. Results: Children with MIH showed significantly higher mean cortisol levels (2.63 ng/mL) compared to controls (0.96 ng/mL), with a p-value of 0.0001. A progressive increase in cortisol levels was observed with the severity of MIH, with the highest levels recorded in grade 3 (4.38 ng/mL), in contrast to grade 0 (0.95 ng/mL), with a p-value of 0.001. Conclusions: Salivary cortisol levels are significantly higher in children with MIH, suggesting that MIH-related stress may contribute to dental anxiety and hypersensitivity. These findings highlight the importance of stress management in pediatric dental care. Full article
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16 pages, 924 KiB  
Article
Age- and Gender-Based Tongue Volume Variations on Asymptomatic Patients: A Simplified Approach to Form Baseline Data for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
by Betül Tiryaki Baştuğ
Diagnostics 2025, 15(3), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15030322 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 969
Abstract
Background: Tongue anatomy plays a critical role in airway-related disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Understanding variations in tongue volume across age and gender is essential for refining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study aims to establish baseline data for tongue volume [...] Read more.
Background: Tongue anatomy plays a critical role in airway-related disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Understanding variations in tongue volume across age and gender is essential for refining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study aims to establish baseline data for tongue volume using a simplified geometric approach, addressing the gap in large-scale anatomical assessments, specifically in asymptomatic patients without clinical indications of OSA. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 120 asymptomatic patients aged 18–75 years, stratified into three age groups (18–40, 41–60, 61+). Tongue volume was estimated using anterior–posterior length, width, and height measurements from neck CT scans, applying a geometric approximation formula. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and post hoc tests, was used to evaluate differences across age groups and between genders. Regression analysis examined the influence of age and gender on tongue volume. Results: Tongue volume showed a significant decline with advancing age (p < 0.05), with the 61+ age group exhibiting the smallest volumes. Gender differences were pronounced, with males consistently having larger volumes than females (p < 0.05). Post hoc analyses confirmed significant differences between age groups, and regression analysis indicated that gender was a stronger predictor of tongue volume than age. Conclusions: This study highlights the impact of age and gender on tongue volume, emphasizing the need for demographic-specific approaches in the evaluation and management of airway-related conditions. The simplified measurement method offers a practical solution for large-scale studies, providing baseline data for future research and clinical applications. These findings pave the way for personalized diagnostic thresholds and therapeutic strategies in conditions like OSA. Full article
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