Journal of Clinical Medicine

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9 pages, 203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Impact of Interdisciplinary Collaboration on Oral Health in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome: A 12-Year Retrospective Study

by Paula Piekoszewska-Ziętek, Małgorzata Pańczyk-Tomaszewska and Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(8), 2696; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082696 - 15 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Objectives: Children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are prone to oral health issues due to immunosuppression and systemic inflammation, which may exacerbate their renal condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 12-year interdisciplinary collaboration between pediatric dentists [...] Read more.

Objectives: Children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are prone to oral health issues due to immunosuppression and systemic inflammation, which may exacerbate their renal condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 12-year interdisciplinary collaboration between pediatric dentists and nephrologists on oral health in children with NS. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 80 NS patients—40 assessed in 2012 and 40 in 2024—was conducted using caries indices (dmft/DMFT), Plaque Index, and Gingival Index. Statistical tests assessed differences between groups (p < 0.05). Results: The prevalence of active caries significantly decreased (50% vs. 78%; p = 0.011), with fewer decayed permanent teeth (0.96 ± 1.56 vs. 2.66 ± 2.51; p = 0.003) and improved oral hygiene (good hygiene in 52.5% vs. 30%; p = 0.041) in the 2024 group. Gingivitis was less severe compared to 2012. Conclusions: Long-term interdisciplinary care significantly improved oral health in children with NS. These improvements may contribute to reduced systemic inflammation and better overall disease control. Integrating dental care into NS management is recommended to support long-term outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

21 pages, 1708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Repeatability and Reproducibility Levels of ANB, Tau and Yen Angle Measurements Used in Cephalometric Diagnostics in the Assessment of Sagittal Discrepancy: A Comparative Study

by Jacek Kotuła, Konrad Szendoł, Krzysztof Kotuła, Wojciech Dobrzyński, Joanna Lis, Beata Kawala, Michał Sarul and Anna Ewa Kuc

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2408; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072408 - 1 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Introduction: Cephalometric analysis is an essential tool used in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the measurement reliabilities (repeatability and reproducibility) of the Tau and Yen angles and compare them to the results [...] Read more.

Introduction: Cephalometric analysis is an essential tool used in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the measurement reliabilities (repeatability and reproducibility) of the Tau and Yen angles and compare them to the results obtained for the ANB angle. Methods: Repeatability and reliability assessments for the seven points (N, A, B, S, W, M, G) used in the analysis of ANB, Yen and Tau angles were performed twice with an interval of 7 days by 22 orthodontists. The measurement results for ANB, Yen and Tau angles were assessed using the Bland–Altman formula, Dahlberg formula, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), R² coefficients and R&R. In order to assess the number of individual skeletal classes of sagittal discrepancy, the Pearson chi-squared test was used. With common parameters of df = 4, p < 0001, for the ANB angle, the result was χ² = 9104; for the Tau angle, χ² = 4556; and for the Yen angle, χ² = 4207. In order to determine the inter-rater reliability based on two-way ANOVA analysis without repetitions, the ICC (2,2) was used. The ICC (2,2) index at the 95% confidence level was 0.998 for the ANB angle, 0.997 for Tau and 0.998 for Yen. High values of the ICC index close to 1 indicate the agreement of the measurements and their high reliability. Results: The orthodontists in the study measured sagittal discrepancy significantly more accurately using the ANB angle compared to the Yen and Tau angles. Using a Bland–Altman plot, the bias and range of agreement within which 95% of the differences between measurements were accounted for were determined. For the ANB angle, the mean difference between measurements was 0.07 with a confidence interval of −1.55 to +1.69; for the Tau angle, the mean difference between measurements was 0.19 with a confidence interval of −2.92 to 3.30; and for the Yen angle, the mean difference was 0.09 with a confidence interval of −2.71 to +2.89. Using regression analysis, the measurements were assessed using the R2 index, which for the ANB angle was 0.952 (p < 0.001); for the Tau angle, R2 = 0.928 (p < 0.001), and for the Yen angle, R2 = 0.942 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The obtained results of the assessment of the ANB, Tau and Yen angles confirm the thesis of the highest reliability, including repeatability and reproducibility, in the assessment of sagittal discrepancy in orthodontic diagnostics using the ANB angle, previously considered the gold standard. One of the basic factors attributed to the poorer repeatability and reproducibility of Tau and Yen measurements is human error related to the precision of determining new anthropometric points. Further studies to assess the usefulness of using the new Tau and Yen angle measurements in orthodontic diagnostics for sagittal discrepancy should be correlated with other measurements used so far, depending on the type of defects in the vertical dimension. It is necessary to consider enlarging the study group and performing longitudinal studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

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10 pages, 240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tooth Wear and Salivary Factors: Insights from a Cohort of Dental Students

by Manuel Nobre, Laura Almeida, Madalena Magalhães, Rui Carvalho, João Rua, Luís Proença and Ana M. Vieira

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 1936; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14061936 - 13 Mar 2025

Viewed by 478

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Tooth wear is a progressive and multifactorial condition influenced by mechanical and chemical factors. Saliva plays a crucial role in modulating erosive wear through its buffering capacity and remineralization potential. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of erosive [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Tooth wear is a progressive and multifactorial condition influenced by mechanical and chemical factors. Saliva plays a crucial role in modulating erosive wear through its buffering capacity and remineralization potential. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear among dental students and explore its correlation with salivary factors such as flow rate and pH. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 96 individuals from the Egas Moniz School of Health & Science. Erosive wear was evaluated using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. Unstimulated and stimulated saliva samples were collected to measure salivary flow rate and pH. Statistical analyses included Spearman’s correlation and multinomial logistic regression. Results: All individuals were classified as no risk (BEWE Score 0–2) or low risk (BEWE Score 3–8). The most affected teeth were the lower first molars and the 4th and 6th sextants. Salivary analysis showed a mean unstimulated flow rate of 0.5 mL/min and stimulated flow of 1.7 mL/min. A significant negative correlation (rho = −0.224, p = 0.029) was found between stimulated salivary pH and BEWE score, indicating that higher acidity contributes to greater erosive wear. Conclusions: This study highlights the impact of salivary properties on erosive tooth wear, emphasizing the protective role of higher salivary pH. Regular monitoring of saliva and preventive strategies should be integrated into early diagnosis and management of erosive wear in young adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

10 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tooth Wear Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among a Small Portuguese Community: A Retrospective Study

by Rui Carvalho, Sofia Rodrigues, Manuel Nobre, João Rua, Eduardo Guerreiro, Luís Proença and Ana M. Vieira

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 1810; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14061810 - 7 Mar 2025

Viewed by 585

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Early tooth wear (TW) assessment prevents challenging and costly dental treatments. Knowledge of data on the prevalence and risk factors is crucial for developing preventive guidelines. This retrospective cross-sectional study aims to study the prevalence of TW in a sample of [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Early tooth wear (TW) assessment prevents challenging and costly dental treatments. Knowledge of data on the prevalence and risk factors is crucial for developing preventive guidelines. This retrospective cross-sectional study aims to study the prevalence of TW in a sample of patients seeking a Screening and Emergency appointment at Egas Moniz Dental Clinic (EMDC) and its associated risk factors. Methods: Descriptive and logistic regression analysis were applied to data from a sample of 2266 patients, collected between 2021 and 2023, to ascertain the presence of tooth wear, its different types and its correlation with potential risk factors. Results: The prevalence of dental wear was found to be 54.7%, with attrition (24.1%) being the most prevalent lesion and erosion (2.7%) the least prevalent. Concerning the risk predictors for tooth wear, age (OR = 1.01–1.05, p < 0.05), decreased DVO (OR = 2.16, p = 0.028), antacids (OR = 7.07, p = 0.003), mastication difficulties (OR = 1.87, p = 0.039), drugs (OR = 2.38, p = 0.032) and use of mouthwash (OR = 1.47, p = 0.008) were positively associated. Gender (OR = 0.7, p = 0.015) was negatively associated, with females showing a 30% less risk than males. Conclusions: It was concluded that TW is prevalent and increases with age, underscoring the necessity for timely and accurate diagnosis to minimize its progression. Additionally, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation of the risk factors involved to implement effective preventive measures and treatment strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

21 pages, 1339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Mouthwash Containing Spilanthol and Cannabidiol on Improving Oral Health in Patients with Gingivitis—Clinical Trial

by Maksymilian Kiełbratowski, Anna Kuśka-Kiełbratowska, Anna Mertas, Elżbieta Bobela, Rafał Wiench, Małgorzata Kępa, Agata Trzcionka, Rafał Korkosz and Marta Tanasiewicz

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1641; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051641 - 28 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Plaque-associated gingivitis is widely regarded as a local inflammatory condition initiated by the accumulation of a non-specific dental biofilm in the interaction with the host immune system. The initial symptom noticed by the patient is bleeding gums. The use of mouthwash [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Plaque-associated gingivitis is widely regarded as a local inflammatory condition initiated by the accumulation of a non-specific dental biofilm in the interaction with the host immune system. The initial symptom noticed by the patient is bleeding gums. The use of mouthwash can serve to supplement mechanotherapy. However, there is an increasing interest in mouthwashes comprising natural ingredients, including cannabidiol (CBD) and spilanthol. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an oral rinse containing spilanthol and CBD oil compared to a rinse containing tea tree oil on the oral microbiota and the values of selected oral status indicators in patients with gingivitis. Methods: The study included 40 patients treated with a rinse containing tea tree oil (TTO)/TTO + spilanthol + CBD for a period of 42 days. Patients rinsed their mouth twice daily for 30 s. The patients’ oral microbiome was assessed before and after treatment, and bleeding on probing (BOP) and approximal plaque index (API) were assessed. The study was double-blind. Results: API and BOP were reduced in all groups, both the test and control. The most significant decrease in baseline BOP-1 scores was observed in test groups A and D (p = 0.005062 and p = 0.005062, respectively). A significant difference in API improvement was observed between the initial and final visits in the test (A, D) and control (B, C) groups (p = 0.012516, p = 0.005062, p = 0.004028, p = 0.003172, respectively). Conclusions: Firstly, the use of a mouthwash containing cannabidiol (CBD) and spilanthol was demonstrated to be efficacious in the maintenance of oral microbiota homeostasis. Secondly, the combination of TTO with spilanthol and CBD in the rinse was shown to result in a more significant reduction in selected oral health parameters (BOP and API) and anti-inflammatory effects when compared to a rinse with TTO alone. It should be noted that this is a pilot study and will continue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

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23 pages, 996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Health and Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Key Findings from a Romanian Study

by Ramona Dumitrescu, Vanessa Bolchis, Simona Popescu, Adriana Ivanescu, Adrian Bolos, Daniela Jumanca and Atena Galuscan

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(2), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14020400 - 10 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1354

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with various oral health complications that can negatively impact quality of life. Despite evidence of the relationship between diabetes and oral health issues, limited research exists on the perceptions, behaviors, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of [...] Read more.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with various oral health complications that can negatively impact quality of life. Despite evidence of the relationship between diabetes and oral health issues, limited research exists on the perceptions, behaviors, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of diabetic patients in Romania. This study aims to evaluate self-reported oral health, knowledge, behaviors, and OHRQoL among diabetic patients in western Romania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in early 2024 at Pius Brinzeu County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, involving 121 patients with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires that assessed oral health status, behaviors, and OHRQoL, with the OHIP-14 instrument employed for quality-of-life measurement. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and correlation analyses to identify the predictors of oral health knowledge and OHRQoL. Results: Participants (mean age: 63.24 years; 52.1% female; 60.5% urban residents) reported significant oral health challenges. Over half (56.2%) did not visit a dentist regularly, with financial constraints identified as the primary barrier (23.5%). Oral hygiene practices were suboptimal: only 38.0% brushed twice daily, while 78.5% used fluoride toothpaste. Auxiliary hygiene tools, such as mouthwash and toothpicks, were rarely used (13.22% and 11.57%, respectively). Regression analyses identified the significant predictors of oral health knowledge, including tooth mobility (β = 0.33, p < 0.01) and brushing frequency (β = −0.18, p < 0.05). The mean OHIP-14 score (0.55) indicated a moderate impact on OHRQoL, with domains such as psychological discomfort and social disability revealing nuanced challenges. Conclusions: Diabetic patients in Romania face oral health challenges and care barriers, emphasizing the need for preventive strategies, oral health education, and integrated diabetes care. Addressing these gaps can improve oral health outcomes and overall quality of life in this vulnerable population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

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12 pages, 261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Elderly Romanian Edentulous Patients: Implant-Supported Versus Conventional Complete Dentures

by Denisa Tabita Sabău, Abel Emanuel Moca, Raluca Iulia Juncar, Teofana Bota and Mihai Juncar

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(22), 6865; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13226865 - 14 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 938

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The integration of quality of life (QoL) assessments into dental health evaluations acknowledges the profound impact of oral health on overall well-being. This study aims to compare the impact of implant-supported complete dentures versus conventional complete dentures on oral health-related quality of [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The integration of quality of life (QoL) assessments into dental health evaluations acknowledges the profound impact of oral health on overall well-being. This study aims to compare the impact of implant-supported complete dentures versus conventional complete dentures on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in elderly Romanian edentulous patients. Methods: This longitudinal study involved 93 initially recruited edentulous patients, with 52 completing the study over an 18-month period. Data collection utilized the OHIP-5 questionnaire, assessing the OHRQoL at baseline with conventional dentures and three months post-implant-supported denture placement. Ethical approval was secured from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy University of Oradea, adhering to the Helsinki Declaration principles. A statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25 and included non-parametric tests for score comparisons and Fisher’s exact test for categorical data. Results: The comparative analysis of the questionnaire responses revealed significant improvements in all five OHRQoL dimensions post-treatment with implant-supported dentures. For instance, the proportion of patients reporting “never” experiencing difficulty chewing any foods increased from 1.9% at baseline to 57.7% post-treatment. Similarly, those reporting “never” experiencing painful aching rose from 3.8% to 76.9%. There was also a notable reduction in discomfort regarding the appearance of mouth, dentures, or jaws from 3.8% reporting “never” at baseline to 75% post-treatment. The improvements in sense of taste and difficulty in performing usual activities saw comparable increases. Conclusions: The findings support the hypothesis that implant-supported complete dentures significantly enhance OHRQoL among elderly edentulous patients compared to conventional dentures, with improvements noted in mastication ability, pain reduction, aesthetics, taste perception, and activity performance. These results underscore the value of prosthetic interventions in dental care to substantially improve patients’ OHRQoL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

9 pages, 1046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area by Salivary Lactate Dehydrogenase Level Using a Test Kit

by Koichiro Irie, Satsuki Sato, Yohei Kamata, Yuki Mochida, Takahisa Hirata, Motohiro Komaki and Tatsuo Yamamoto

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(19), 5904; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13195904 - 3 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1055

Abstract

Background: Salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LD) levels are a feasible and useful parameter for screening periodontal diseases. The periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) is useful to clinically assess periodontal diseases. However, PISA is difficult to calculate and PISA-compatible screening kits are required. We aimed [...] Read more.

Background: Salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LD) levels are a feasible and useful parameter for screening periodontal diseases. The periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) is useful to clinically assess periodontal diseases. However, PISA is difficult to calculate and PISA-compatible screening kits are required. We aimed to investigate the association between salivary LD levels, using a test kit, and PISA and PISA-Japanese and determine the feasibility and reliability of the salivary LD test kit for evaluation of periodontal status. Methods: This study included 110 patients (66.4% female, median and 25–75 percentiles of age were 66.5 and 53.0–75.0 years, respectively) who visited the Dental University Clinic in Japan. Resting saliva samples were collected from each participant and LD levels were evaluated in real time using a kit featuring an integer scale ranging from 1 to 10. PISA and PISA-Japanese were calculated using periodontal parameters. Results: The median salivary LD level was 4.0. The medians of PISA and PISA-Japanese were 46.9 and 61.0, respectively. Salivary LD levels were positively correlated with the bleeding on probing rate (r = 0.626, p < 0.001), PISA (r = 0.560, p < 0.001), and PISA-Japanese (r = 0.581, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that salivary LD levels assessed using the salivary LD kit showed a significantly positive correlation with PISA and PISA-Japanese. In addition, we developed the PISA estimation formula using salivary LD levels measured with a test kit, sex, and age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

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8 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Child Oral Health Impact Profile—Short Form 19 Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validity for the Portuguese Pediatric Population

by Fanny Laborne, Vanessa Machado, João Botelho and Luísa Bandeira Lopes

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(16), 4725; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13164725 - 12 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1466

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To better understand the impact of different oral conditions on children, several instruments are available to measure oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). To adapt and validate cross-culturally the Child Oral Health Impact Profile—Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF19) questionnaire to the Portuguese [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: To better understand the impact of different oral conditions on children, several instruments are available to measure oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). To adapt and validate cross-culturally the Child Oral Health Impact Profile—Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF19) questionnaire to the Portuguese language. Methods: The COHIP SF-19 was translated and back-translated, and tested for its reliability and for psychometric properties in children who were aged between 8 and 17 years old. The COHIP-19-PT was tested for its internal consistency, construct validity, content validity, and test–retest reliability. Results: The COHIP-19-PT revealed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88) and test–retest reliability (interclass correlation = 0.78). The CFA analysis confirmed the structure of COHIP-19-PT. The first-order model showed an adequate fit: GFI = 0.878; CFI = 0.812; RMSEA = 0.083 (90% CI: 0.077–0.090). No invariance was found for the gender-based groups. The correlation between the sub-scales was also assessed, confirming significant correlations between all subdomains. Conclusions: The COHIP-19-PT is a valid and reliable scale for measuring children’s oral health-related quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

12 pages, 1634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy’s Influence on Alpha-Synuclein and Inflammatory Marker Levels: A Pilot Study

by Patrícia Lyra, João Botelho, Silvia Rota, Karolina Poplawska-Domaszewicz, Vanessa Machado, Daniela Guerreiro, Luís Proença, Helena Barroso, José João Mendes and Kallol Ray Chaudhuri

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(12), 3586; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13123586 - 19 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1083

Abstract

Background: Microbial dysbiosis may contribute to alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) homeostasis disruption, yet the burden of inflammatory periodontal infection and its treatment have never been studied in this regard. We aimed to compare the cytokine and α-Syn levels in the saliva and blood of [...] Read more.

Background: Microbial dysbiosis may contribute to alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) homeostasis disruption, yet the burden of inflammatory periodontal infection and its treatment have never been studied in this regard. We aimed to compare the cytokine and α-Syn levels in the saliva and blood of patients with periodontitis who underwent non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) and those of their healthy counterparts. Methods: Periodontal examination and saliva and blood sample collection were carried out in incoming patients at a university clinic. The periodontitis group (PG) received NSPT. The sample collection and periodontal observation were repeated 30 days after. IL-6, IL1-β and total α-Syn were quantified using immunoassay methods. The periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was calculated as a proxy for periodontal inflammation. Results: Eleven participants formed the PG, and there were fifteen healthy controls (HC). At baseline, no correlation between salivary and plasma α-Syn was found. The salivary α-Syn levels revealed a tendency to decrease 30 days after, particularly in the PD cases. The variation in PISA and α-Syn showed significant correlation. Salivary α-Syn correlated negatively with salivary IL-6 levels at both timepoints in the total sample (rho = −0.394 and rho = −0.451) and in the HC (rho = −0.632 and rho = −0.561). Variations in plasma IL-6 and α-Syn were negatively correlated (rho = −0.518) in the healthy participants. Baseline plasma IL1-β negatively correlated with plasmatic α-Syn at 30 days in the HC (rho = −0.581). Conclusions: Salivary and plasma α-Syn bioavailability operate independently, and periodontal diagnosis was not a confounding factor. Salivary α-Syn levels were significantly affected by NSPT, contrary to plasma levels. These results should be confirmed in future larger and prospective studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

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Review

Jump to: Research

13 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Digital Technologies in Dental Medicine: Enhancing Precision in Virtual Articulators

by Sofia Lobo, Inês Argolinha, Vanessa Machado, João Botelho, João Rua, Junying Li and José João Mendes

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1495; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051495 - 23 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1650

Abstract

Precision in diagnosis is essential for achieving optimal outcomes in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and orthognathic treatments. Virtual articulators provide a sophisticated digital alternative to conventional methods, integrating intraoral scans, facial scans, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to enhance treatment predictability. This review examines [...] Read more.

Precision in diagnosis is essential for achieving optimal outcomes in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and orthognathic treatments. Virtual articulators provide a sophisticated digital alternative to conventional methods, integrating intraoral scans, facial scans, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to enhance treatment predictability. This review examines advancements in virtual articulator technology, including digital workflows, virtual facebow transfer, and occlusal analysis, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven methodologies such as machine learning and artificial neural networks. The clinical implications, particularly in condylar guidance and sagittal condylar inclination, are investigated. By streamlining the acquisition and articulation of digital dental models, virtual articulators minimize material handling errors and optimize workflow efficiency. Advanced imaging techniques enable precise alignment of digital maxillary models within computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing systems (CAD/CAM), facilitating accurate occlusal simulations. However, challenges include potential distortions during digital file integration and the necessity for robust algorithms to enhance data superimposition accuracy. The adoption of virtual articulators represents a transformative advancement in digital dentistry, with promising implications for diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes. Nevertheless, further clinical validation is essential to ensure the reliable transfer of maxillary casts and refine digital algorithms. Future developments should prioritize the integration of AI to enhance predictive modeling, positioning virtual articulators as a standard tool in routine dental practice, thereby revolutionizing treatment planning and interdisciplinary collaboration. This review explores advancements in virtual articulators, focusing on their role in enhancing diagnostic precision, occlusal analysis, and treatment predictability. It examines digital workflows, AI-driven methodologies, and clinical applications while addressing challenges in data integration and algorithm optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

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16 pages, 2760 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancements in Diagnostic Methods and Imaging Technologies in Dentistry: A Literature Review of Emerging Approaches

by Ana Amélia de Magalhães and Ana Teresa Santos

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(4), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041277 - 14 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1708

Abstract

Introduction: Recent advancements in diagnostic imaging technologies have significantly improved the field of dental medicine. This review examines these new imaging techniques and their impact on enhancing accuracy, enabling early detection, and facilitating effective treatment planning in dentistry. Methods: A bibliometric [...] Read more.

Introduction: Recent advancements in diagnostic imaging technologies have significantly improved the field of dental medicine. This review examines these new imaging techniques and their impact on enhancing accuracy, enabling early detection, and facilitating effective treatment planning in dentistry. Methods: A bibliometric and content analysis was conducted on 61 peer-reviewed articles retrieved from the Scopus database, published between 2019 and 2024. The selection criteria focused on studies exploring advances in dental diagnosis through innovative imaging methods and personalized techniques for identifying oral pathologies. The bibliometric approach analyzed publication trends, while content analysis categorized emerging technologies and their clinical applications. Results: Our findings indicate a notable shift towards integrating cutting-edge technologies, including Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), artificial intelligence (AI), and biosensors. These advancements have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, particularly in complex cases such as periodontal diseases, dental fractures, and oral infections. Studies demonstrate that molecular diagnostics and AI-driven algorithms enhance the personalization of treatment plans, optimizing patient outcomes. Conclusions: Emerging diagnostic technologies have the potential to enhance both the quality and efficiency of dental care. However, their implementation is challenged by high costs, the need for specialized training, and disparities in access. Future research should focus on refining AI-driven diagnostic models, addressing regulatory considerations, and expanding the clinical validation of novel imaging tools. As these technologies evolve, they are expected to increase diagnostic specificity, leading to more precise, patient-centered treatment approaches. Ultimately, these advancements offer substantial opportunities to transform dental practice by providing faster, less invasive, and more reliable diagnoses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

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12 pages, 2362 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dental Hygiene Challenges in Children with Autism: Correlation with Parental Stress: A Scoping Review

by Pablo López Alegría, Síbila Floriano Landim, Braulio Henrique Magnani Branco, Florencia Carmine, Katherine Birditt, Cristian Sandoval and Manuel Martín González

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(16), 4675; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13164675 - 9 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2500

Abstract

Background: Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are shown to have poor periodontal health and dental hygiene habits. Extensive research has revealed that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently encounter heightened levels of stress, despair, and anxiety in comparison to [...] Read more.

Background: Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are shown to have poor periodontal health and dental hygiene habits. Extensive research has revealed that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently encounter heightened levels of stress, despair, and anxiety in comparison to parents of neurotypical children. The aim was to understand the relationship between the dental hygiene of children with ASD and the stress generated in their parents. Methods: A scoping review was carried out to identify any gaps or research opportunities for clinical practice concerning oral care and stress levels in parents in the PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. Results: A total of 139 articles were reviewed. Of these, only 10 met the selection criteria for inclusion. Our results reveal a lack of studies presenting evidence on the topic of poor dental hygiene in children with ASD and high stress levels in their parents. Discussion: There is ample evidence that children with ASD have poor dental hygiene, as well as higher levels of stress in their parents. However, little or no evidence links these two variables. Future studies should focus on this link, which could have practical implications for improving dental care for children with ASD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

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24 pages, 779 KiB

Open AccessReview

Evaluating the Quality of Systematic Reviews on Pediatric Sedation in Dentistry: An Umbrella Review

by Carolina Marques, Mafalda Dinis, Vanessa Machado, João Botelho and Luísa Bandeira Lopes

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(12), 3544; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13123544 - 17 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2407

Abstract

Sedation is a depression of a patient’s state of consciousness, induced by medications, that can reach different levels of intensity during a medical procedure. Conscious sedation produces a minimally depressed level of consciousness without impairment of the ability to maintain an open airway, [...] Read more.

Sedation is a depression of a patient’s state of consciousness, induced by medications, that can reach different levels of intensity during a medical procedure. Conscious sedation produces a minimally depressed level of consciousness without impairment of the ability to maintain an open airway, of protective reflexes or of responses to verbal and physical stimulation. This umbrella review is aimed at critically assessing the available systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MA) on sedation in children/adolescents. An electronic database search was conducted that included Pubmed-Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, Scielo, Embase, LILACS and TRIP and the scope of which extended until January 2023. The risk of bias (RoB) of SRs was analyzed using the Measurement Tool to Assess SRs criteria 2 (AMSTAR2). Of 998 entries, 37 SRs were included. In terms of methodological quality, eight studies were assessed as having critically low quality, four studies had low quality, nine studies had moderate quality, and sixteen were considered to be of high quality. Based on the current guidelines, the most employed drugs in pediatric dentistry for sedation are nitrous oxide and midazolam; however, the available evidence supporting their use is insufficient and of low/critically low quality. The combined technique is recommended (nitrous oxide (30–50%) + midazolam). The optimal dose of oral midazolam is 0.75 mg/kg. The level of methodological quality of SRs is expected to increase according to the results and future directions of this umbrella review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine and Oral Health)

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