Topic Editors

Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, BioClin Lab-CAST Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G.d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy

Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment

Abstract submission deadline
31 May 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
31 July 2026
Viewed by
14501

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Oral health management and disease treatment encompasses a comprehensive approach to maintaining oral hygiene, preventing dental diseases, and treating existing conditions. Effective oral health management involves regular dental check-ups, professional cleaning, and a rigorous at-home care routine, including brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use. Key elements include diet regulation to reduce sugar intake, fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel, and dental sealants to protect teeth from decay. Disease treatment in oral health addresses tooth caries, periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), oral cancers, oral infections, and temporomandibular and craniofacial growth disorders. Treatments range from non-invasive procedures to operative options. Innovations in dental technology, including laser treatments, digital dentistry, and biocompatible materials, have significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes. Patient education is critical, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention to prevent the progression of dental diseases. Integrating oral health into healthcare strategies underscores its impact on systemic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Oral health is linked to general systems and lifestyle balance. The maintenance of mouth function and esthetics plays a key role in biological stability at the oral health level due to novel advances in terms of innovative biomaterials and surgical procedures and techniques that are able to improve tissue response and the long-term predictability of rehabilitation.

By adopting a holistic approach, oral health management and disease treatment aim to improve oral and general health, ensuring a higher quality of life for patients. The purpose of the present Topic Issue, “Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment”, is to present the recent findings involved in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery concerning recent innovations in terms of devices and bio-complexes oriented to improve oral health prevention and clinical procedures.

Dr. Christos Rahiotis
Dr. Felice Lorusso
Dr. Sergio Rexhep Tari
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • oral pathology
  • oral surgery
  • operative dentistry
  • implantology and rehabilitation
  • prosthesis
  • oral health management
  • dental hygiene
  • oral disease prevention
  • tooth caries
  • dental technology
  • digital dentistry
  • early detection
  • patient education

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Dentistry Journal
dentistry
2.5 3.7 2013 26.2 Days CHF 2000 Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
ijms
4.9 8.1 2000 16.8 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Journal of Clinical Medicine
jcm
3.0 5.7 2012 16 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Medicina
medicina
2.4 3.3 1920 17.1 Days CHF 2200 Submit
Applied Sciences
applsci
2.5 5.3 2011 18.4 Days CHF 2400 Submit

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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14 pages, 1091 KiB  
Article
Perioperative/Periprocedural Antithrombotic Management in Oral Health Procedures. A Prospective Observational Study
by María González-Zamora, Nagore Ambrosio, Raquel González, Paula Anguita, Ana Molina, David Herrera, Mariano Sanz, Francisco Marín, María Anguita-Gámez, Raquel Ferrandis, David Vivas, Manuel Anguita and Elena Figuero
Dent. J. 2025, 13(5), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13050196 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This paper evaluates the incidence of thrombotic and/or hemorrhagic adverse events within 30 days after oral health procedures (OHPs) in patients taking antithrombotic agents. Secondary objectives were to determine proper antithrombotic management and its association with adverse events. Methods: As part of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This paper evaluates the incidence of thrombotic and/or hemorrhagic adverse events within 30 days after oral health procedures (OHPs) in patients taking antithrombotic agents. Secondary objectives were to determine proper antithrombotic management and its association with adverse events. Methods: As part of a multicenter multispecialty prospective observational study (ReQXAA), individuals with antithrombotic therapy and receiving at least one OHP were selected. Before OHP, participants were referred to their medical doctors to indicate the antithrombotic therapy management. Adverse events were evaluated thirty days after OHP by phone call. Proportions and odds ratios (ORs) were generated applying Fisher’s exact test, chi-square tests and multiple regression models. Results: A total of 138 patients underwent 144 OHPs. Fifteen adverse events (10.5%) were registered, among which the most frequent was slight bleeding (n = 13), which was followed by bleeding that required suspension of the antithrombotic agent (n = 1) and a myocardial infarction (n = 1). Antithrombotic management was appropriate in 122 (84.7%) cases. In 15.3% of the cases it was inappropriate, the main reason being the unnecessary interruption of the antithrombotic medication (n = 11; 50%). Inadequate management was associated with a higher incidence of adverse events (OR = 4.7; 95% confidence interval [1.3, 16.3]; p = 0.016) after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusions: The incidence of adverse events 30 days after OHPs was low (10.5%). An inappropriate perioperative/periprocedural antithrombotic management occurred in 15.3% of the cases and was associated with a higher incidence of adverse events (OR = 4.7). Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)
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18 pages, 5349 KiB  
Technical Note
Innovative Approach to Computer-Aided Measurement of Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Models Using OnyxCeph3
by Sarah Bühling, Cedric Thedens, Katrin Eßing, Sara Eslami, Babak Sayahpour, Nicolas Plein, Robert Sader and Stefan Kopp
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3278; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063278 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
As advancements in digital technologies reshape the modern healthcare, integrating digital impression techniques, such as intraoral 3D scanning and 3D analysis and treatment planning, is becoming increasingly essential in the standard care of infants with cleft lip and palate. This study introduces a [...] Read more.
As advancements in digital technologies reshape the modern healthcare, integrating digital impression techniques, such as intraoral 3D scanning and 3D analysis and treatment planning, is becoming increasingly essential in the standard care of infants with cleft lip and palate. This study introduces a novel digital measurement method designed specifically for analyzing digital models of infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate, utilizing OnyxCeph3™ software within the interdisciplinary framework of the Frankfurt approach. To support its integration into routine clinical practice, we outlined the complete digital workflow—from data acquisition through intraoral 3D scanning to model preparation and processing. Our method involves precise anatomical and constructed measurement points and diverse distances and angles to evaluate sagittal, transverse, and vertical parameters comprehensively. By leveraging OnyxCeph3™ software for computer-aided measurements of digital 3D models, this approach aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of cleft treatment planning, facilitating more informed, personalized care decisions and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)
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18 pages, 2990 KiB  
Systematic Review
Optimizing Endodontic Surgery: A Systematic Review of Guided Tissue Regeneration, Grafting, and Platelet Concentrates vs. No Intervention
by Mohammad Sabeti, Natalie Black, Mohsen Ramazani, Nafiseh Zarenejaddivkolahei and Mahmood Moosazadeh
Dent. J. 2025, 13(3), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13030091 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 974
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and the use of various grafting materials and platelet concentrates have emerged as promising adjunctive techniques in endodontic surgery to enhance bone regeneration and improve healing outcomes, although evidence regarding their consistent effectiveness remains inconclusive. The aim of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and the use of various grafting materials and platelet concentrates have emerged as promising adjunctive techniques in endodontic surgery to enhance bone regeneration and improve healing outcomes, although evidence regarding their consistent effectiveness remains inconclusive. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective clinical trials to determine the efficacy of bone grafts, membranes, or platelet concentrates on outcomes in endodontic periapical surgery, employing a robust evidence-based approach. Methods: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, and gray literature databases from their inception until March 2024. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective clinical trials underwent critical appraisal for risk of bias and quality of evidence and were subjected to meta-analysis to determine treatment effects. Results: Twelve studies were included. The pool success rate for periapical surgery using any regenerative material (bone graft, membrane, or platelet concentrate) was 2.48 (OR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.42–4.34). Multiple subgroup analyses based on the type of regenerative material used during treatment were performed, presenting high certainty of evidence. The subgroup analysis, which examined bone graft only, bone graft with membrane, membrane only, concentrated growth factor only, and concentrated growth factor with bone graft, yielded significant results only for concentrated growth factor with bone graft (OR: 15.01, 95% CI: 1.12–271.70). While the success rate of periapical surgery with other regenerative materials did not reach statistical significance, the effect size was substantial. Conclusions: Overall, the findings indicate that utilizing a concentrated growth factor with a bone graft significantly improves the success of bone regeneration procedures over a 12-month follow-up period compared to interventions without these components. However, more research will be needed with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up times. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)
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16 pages, 2668 KiB  
Review
Treatments for Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Literature Review
by Maurizio D’Amario, Giordano Foffo, Filippo Grilli, Mario Capogreco, Tommaso Pizzolante and Sofia Rastelli
Dent. J. 2025, 13(2), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13020066 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1798
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This literature review aims to provide guidance on the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) based on studies published over the past 10 years. Methods: This study included randomized clinical trials involving human patients from 2013 and 2023, published in any language. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This literature review aims to provide guidance on the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) based on studies published over the past 10 years. Methods: This study included randomized clinical trials involving human patients from 2013 and 2023, published in any language. The trials examined both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for aphthous lesions, mainly focusing on the adult population, with pain management as the primary outcome. The research was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and CINHAL databases. Results: Most of the 45 analyzed studies focused on non-pharmacological therapies, which led to positive results with minimal adverse effects or contraindications, even when compared to cortisone-based treatments. Laser therapy also showed excellent results, particularly in the immediate post-treatment period. Non-pharmacological therapies appeared to offer the best risk–benefit ratio for patients suffering from RAS. Conclusions: Treatment should be individualized based on the patient’s specific form of RAS, and laser therapy can be used either as a standalone treatment or as an adjunct to other treatments considered in the review. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)
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14 pages, 793 KiB  
Article
A Survey of Physicians’ Knowledge and Practices Towards Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
by Chaniporn Ananwattananon, Supatchai Boonpratham, Yodhathai Satravaha, Chaiyapol Chaweewannakorn and Supakit Peanchitlertkajorn
Dent. J. 2025, 13(2), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13020063 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 819
Abstract
Background: Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an effective treatment alternative for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Understanding physicians’ knowledge and practices regarding OAT is crucial for improving OSA treatment, particularly in Southeast Asia, where there is limited research on this topic. Objectives: This study [...] Read more.
Background: Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an effective treatment alternative for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Understanding physicians’ knowledge and practices regarding OAT is crucial for improving OSA treatment, particularly in Southeast Asia, where there is limited research on this topic. Objectives: This study sought to survey physicians’ knowledge and practices regarding OAT for OSA treatment. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among Thai physicians attending the annual Sleep Society of Thailand meeting. The questionnaire included questions on demographics (six items), educational background (four items), OAT knowledge (two items), indications (three items), effectiveness (seven items), referral practices (five items), treatment planning (eight items), and the importance of OAT education (one item). Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using SPSS to assess differences in knowledge and referral practices across various demographics. Results: This study achieved a response rate of 51.7% (30/58), with the respondents averaging 37.8 ± 6.0 years in age and 13.7 ± 6.7 years in practice. Although over 66.7% of the respondents recognized OAT’s effectiveness and understood its indications, only 36.7% regularly prescribed OAT, and 57.7% referred patients to specific dentists. Knowledge and referral practices differed significantly based on years of practice and postgraduate training in sleep medicine. Physicians with 11–20 years of practice demonstrated higher pediatric OAT knowledge scores compared to those with less experience. Those with postgraduate training achieved higher adult OAT knowledge scores and had greater referral experience. Conclusions: Despite the general awareness and good knowledge of OAT among physicians, clinical use and referral rates remain low. To bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, it is recommended that postgraduate training in dental sleep medicine is promoted and further research is conducted to identify barriers to the adoption of OAT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)
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36 pages, 3188 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Early Exposure Rate and Vertical Bone Gain of Titanium Mesh for Maxillary Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Felice Lorusso, Sergio Alexandre Gehrke, Iris Alla, Sergio Rexhep Tari and Antonio Scarano
Dent. J. 2025, 13(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13020052 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1739
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The use of titanium meshes in bone regeneration is a clinical procedure that regenerates bone defects by ensuring graft stability and biocompatibility. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of titanium mesh procedures in terms of vertical [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The use of titanium meshes in bone regeneration is a clinical procedure that regenerates bone defects by ensuring graft stability and biocompatibility. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of titanium mesh procedures in terms of vertical bone gain and the exposure rate. Methods: The product screening and eligibility analysis were performed using the Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar electronic databases by two authors. The selected articles were classified based on the study design, regenerative technique, tested groups and materials, sample size, clinical findings, and follow-up. A risk of bias calculation was conducted on the selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized trials and a series of pairwise meta-analysis calculations were performed for the vertical bone gain (VBG) and exposure rate. A significantly lower exposure rate was observed using coronally advanced lingual flaps (p < 0.05). No difference was observed between the titanium mesh and GBR techniques in terms of VBG (p > 0.05). Results: The initial search output 288 articles, and 164 papers were excluded after the eligibility analysis. The descriptive synthesis considered a total of 97 papers and 6 articles were considered for the pairwise comparison. Conclusions: Within the limits of the present investigation, the titanium mesh procedure reported high VBG values after the healing period. The mesh exposure rate was drastically lower with passive management of the surgical flap. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)
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12 pages, 894 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Relationship Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Dento-Skeletal Maturation: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study
by Alessio Verdecchia, Inmaculada Coronado de la Torre, Ivan Menéndez Diaz, Veronica García Sanz, Yolanda García Mesa, Teresa Cobo and Vanessa Paredes Gallardo
Dent. J. 2025, 13(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13010008 - 26 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2834
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to establish if there is a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and skeletodental development in young obese patients in comparison with normal-weight patients. Methods: The sample consisted of 178 individuals (115 normal weight, 37 [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to establish if there is a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and skeletodental development in young obese patients in comparison with normal-weight patients. Methods: The sample consisted of 178 individuals (115 normal weight, 37 overweight and 26 obese), aged 6 to 16 years, with a mean biological age of 11.96 ± 2.44 years. Dental maturation (dental age) was determined by using Demerjian’s method; craniofacial growth pattern, skeletal and dental class were determined by using cephalometric measurements; skeletal maturation was determined by using Baccetti’s method. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: According to Demirjian’s method, the mean dental age of the overweight and obese subjects was significantly higher than that of the normal-weight subjects (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). A higher rate of dental class III was detected in the overweight group (p = 0.002). Concerning cephalometric records, statistically significant differences (p = 0.018) were observed in the distribution of SNA and SNB values, higher values being found in obese subjects. No difference was detected in the distribution of the ANB angle between the groups. As regards craniofacial growth pattern, no significant differences were found between the groups. Children with obesity presented more advanced skeletal maturation, reaching statistically significant differences (p = 0.02), in comparison with the normal-weight subjects. Conclusions: In conclusion, obese children showed increased tooth and skeletal development in comparison to the normal-weight subjects. These findings may be of interest for orthodontists, who should consider weight status when performing orthodontic treatment in children and adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)
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12 pages, 258 KiB  
Article
Nutritional Status, Frailty, Oral Health, and Oral Motor Functions in Long-Term Care Residents with Swallowing Dysfunction
by Chih-Hung Ko, Chia-Ling Chao, Chih-Hsing Hung, Je-Kang Du and Ming-Chu Feng
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14010062 - 26 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 858
Abstract
Background: Swallowing dysfunction is a prevalent but often overlooked problem in long-term care facilities. This study investigated the relationships between nutritional deficits, frailty, oral health, and swallowing dysfunction. Additionally, we explored the associations between oral muscle weakness, frailty markers, and swallowing dysfunction. [...] Read more.
Background: Swallowing dysfunction is a prevalent but often overlooked problem in long-term care facilities. This study investigated the relationships between nutritional deficits, frailty, oral health, and swallowing dysfunction. Additionally, we explored the associations between oral muscle weakness, frailty markers, and swallowing dysfunction. Methods: We recruited 373 participants from seven long-term care facilities across Taiwan. Swallowing function, frailty, nutrition status, and oral health were assessed by research staff. Oral muscle function was evaluated through tongue strength measurements, cheek bulging function tests, the Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test (RSST), and a diadochokinetic task. Frailty was assessed through grip strength as well as mid-upper arm and calf circumference measurements. Results: The Functional Oral Intake Scale revealed that 97 participants (26%) had swallowing dysfunction. Participants with swallowing dysfunction had poorer nutritional status, higher frailty levels, and worsened oral health. Frailty was the factor most strongly associated with swallowing dysfunction. Participants with swallowing dysfunction also exhibited lower tongue pressure, decreased cheek-bulging ability, fewer repetitions in the diadochokinetic task, lower scores on the RSST, lower calf circumferences, and lower grip strength. Logistic regression demonstrated that cheek bulging was most strongly associated with swallowing dysfunction. Furthermore, lower grip strength was significantly associated with swallowing dysfunction. Conclusions: Frailty was most strongly associated with swallowing dysfunction, followed by poorer nutritional status and worsened oral health. These factors should be thoroughly assessed in long-term care residents. Participants with swallowing dysfunction also experienced oral muscle weakness, particularly in cheek bulging. Grip strength, which represents frailty, was directly associated with swallowing dysfunction and could serve as a crucial indicator of swallowing dysfunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)
20 pages, 5171 KiB  
Case Report
Sporadic Burkitt Lymphoma First Presenting as Painful Gingival Swellings and Tooth Hypermobility: A Life-Saving Referral
by Erofili Papadopoulou, Maria Kouri, Dimitrios Velonis, Anastasia Andreou, Maria Georgaki, Spyridon Damaskos, Evangelia Piperi, Konstantina Delli, Ioannis K. Karoussis, Antonia Vlachou, Georgia Avgerinou, Antonis Kattamis and Nikolaos G. Nikitakis
Dent. J. 2025, 13(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13010006 - 25 Dec 2024
Viewed by 952
Abstract
Background: Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), subdivided into endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated forms. While jaw lesions are common in endemic BL, they are infrequent in sporadic cases, only rarely constituting the first manifestation of the disease. The aim of [...] Read more.
Background: Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), subdivided into endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated forms. While jaw lesions are common in endemic BL, they are infrequent in sporadic cases, only rarely constituting the first manifestation of the disease. The aim of this study is to present a rare pediatric case of sporadic BL first manifesting as gingival swellings and tooth hypermobility and provide a review of all the published sporadic BL case reports as the first sign of disease. Case report: An 11-year-old Caucasian female was referred for the evaluation of hypermobility of posterior lower teeth, associated with painful gingival swellings of 20 days duration. Clinical examination revealed right facial asymmetry and bilateral prominent swellings of the posterior lower gingiva. A panoramic radiograph revealed ill-defined radiolucent lesions in the posterior mandible bilaterally. On computed tomography, soft-tissue masses were identified along the mandibular ramus extending into the maxillary sinus bilaterally. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses of the lesions led to a diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma (BL). The patient underwent a full staging work-up, revealing bone marrow involvement and widespread disease. A multi-chemotherapy regimen was initiated with the regression of oral lesions and symptoms within a few weeks and complete disease remission after nine chemotherapy cycles. The patient remains free of disease 11 years later. Conclusions: This case underscores the critical importance of the timely diagnosis and life-saving referral of rapidly growing jaw lesions, which may represent the first sign of an underlying lymphoreticular malignancy with aggressive course, such as BL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)
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17 pages, 6362 KiB  
Case Report
Challenges in Differential Diagnosis of Diffuse Gingival Enlargement: Report of Two Representative Cases and Literature Review
by Erofili Papadopoulou, Maria Kouri, Anastasia Andreou, Smaragda Diamanti, Maria Georgaki, Konstantinos Katoumas, Spyridon Damaskos, Emmanouil Vardas, Evangelia Piperi and Nikolaos G. Nikitakis
Dent. J. 2024, 12(12), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12120403 - 10 Dec 2024
Viewed by 2307
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The etiology of diffuse gingival enlargement is multifactorial, and the definitive diagnosis may be challenging. To highlight the nuances of the differential diagnosis, we present two cases of generalized gingival overgrowth and discuss the diagnostic dilemmas. Case description: In the first case, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The etiology of diffuse gingival enlargement is multifactorial, and the definitive diagnosis may be challenging. To highlight the nuances of the differential diagnosis, we present two cases of generalized gingival overgrowth and discuss the diagnostic dilemmas. Case description: In the first case, an 82-year-old male with a medical history of hypertension and prostatitis had a chief complaint of symptomatic oral lesions of a 20-day duration, accompanied by fever and loss of appetite. The clinical examination revealed diffusely enlarged, hemorrhagic, and focally ulcerative upper and lower gingiva, ecchymoses on the buccal mucosa, as well as bilateral cervical lymphadenitis. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings combined with the hematologic examination led to a final diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, and the patient was referred to a specialized hematology/oncology unit for further management. The second case was a 74-year-old female with a medical history of breast cancer (successfully managed in the past), type II diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease, taking various medications. An intraoral examination revealed diffusely enlarged, erythematous, and hemorrhagic upper and lower gingiva. An incisional biopsy showed hyperplastic granulation and fibrous connective tissue with a predominantly chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Considering the patient’s medical history and current medications, the clinical and microscopic findings were in support of the diagnosis of drug-induced gingival overgrowth associated with calcium channel blocker (amlodipine), partially controlled diabetes serving as an additional predisposing factor. Gingivectomy and periodontal scaling, along with substitution of the offending medication, were curative, and better diabetic control was recommended. Conclusions: Diffuse gingival overgrowth may be caused by a variety of diverse conditions, ranging from an exuberant response to local factors, potentially exacerbated by hormonal influences (e.g., puberty or pregnancy), to drug side effects to genetic, systemic, or even neoplastic diseases. A careful evaluation of the medical and drug history and clinicopathologic correlation is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)
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15 pages, 1638 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effectiveness and Personalized Approaches in the Correction of Gummy Smile: A Systematic Review of Orthodontic and Surgical Treatments
by Alessio Danilo Inchingolo, Angelo Michele Inchingolo, Fabio Viapiano, Anna Netti, Anna Maria Ciocia, Irene Ferrara, Antonio Mancini, Andrea Palermo, Francesco Inchingolo and Gianna Dipalma
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(22), 6843; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13226843 - 14 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1917
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This systematic review seeks to assess the effectiveness of different orthodontic and combined orthodontic–surgical approaches for correcting gummy smile, with a focus on treatment efficacy, duration, and the potential for integrating various techniques. The objective is to offer evidence-based recommendations for the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This systematic review seeks to assess the effectiveness of different orthodontic and combined orthodontic–surgical approaches for correcting gummy smile, with a focus on treatment efficacy, duration, and the potential for integrating various techniques. The objective is to offer evidence-based recommendations for the optimal management of gummy smile. Methods: A thorough search of the literature was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering publications from 1 January 1982 to 4 November 2024. Only randomized controlled trials involving adult human subjects with available full-text articles were included, while systematic reviews, editorials, case reports, and studies involving animals or in vitro experiments were excluded. Studies were selected based on their relevance to orthodontic or combined orthodontic–surgical treatments for correcting excessive gingival display (gummy smile), particularly in cases where residual growth does not impact treatment outcomes. The primary focus was on evaluating the efficacy of these interventions in improving smile aesthetics. Follow-up data were considered when available, though not required for inclusion. Results: The findings revealed that both orthodontic and surgical methods are effective in reducing gingival display. Orthognathic surgery offers lasting outcomes, particularly for patients with vertical maxillary excess, whereas orthodontic treatments, including the use of skeletal anchorage devices, are particularly effective for less severe cases. Minimally invasive approaches, such as botulinum toxin injections, provided temporary but promising results for patients reluctant to undergo surgery. Conclusions: Orthodontic and surgical techniques are viable options for treating gummy smile, with treatment choices depending on the condition’s severity. Future research, particularly long-term randomized studies, is required to further refine treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)
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