Congenital absence of mandibular second premolars occur in 2.91-3.22% of individuals, with nearly half of cases being bilateral. Interceptive hemisection of primary second molars promotes mesial drift but exposes the pulp for an extended period. This study investigates histopathological responses of pulp and associated mineralized tissues. Children aged 7-12 in Skaraborg region, Sweden, were screened for over-retained primary mandibular second molars as part of a single-center, blinded, prospective split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial comparing hemisection with extraction. Mesial roots of 21 hemisected teeth were collected for histopathological analysis of inflammatory infiltrate, pulpal necrosis, fibrosis, and hard tissue formation. Mean interval between distal and mesial root extraction was 11.54 ± 4.3 months. Histopathological analysis revealed no pulpal inflammation in 14% of specimens, acute/subacute inflammation in 38%, chronic inflammation in 48%, and necrosis in 24%. Reparative tertiary dentin with capping occurred in 48% and without capping in 33%. Necrotic mineralized tissue appeared in one specimen. Three patients reported symptoms during follow-up. Prolonged pulp exposure following hemisection induced tertiary dentinogenesis, maintaining pulp vitality for up to 17 months. Despite histological evidence of inflammation or necrosis, most cases remained asymptomatic, indicating remarkable regenerative capacity of primary pulp-dentin complex.

This qualitative study aimed to investigate how patients with severe dental anxiety perceived cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered by interdisciplinary teams consisting of psychologists and dental personnel. Twelve individual semi-structured interviews were conducted at the Oral Health Center of Expertise in Eastern Norway, using an exploratory qualitative design. The analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Self-determination theory (SDT) was applied as the theoretical and analytical framework. The qualitative analysis identified five themes shaping patients' experiences with CBT and progress in managing dental treatment: Establishing positive relationships with the psychologist and dental personnel, Experiencing enhanced competence in managing one's anxiety, Discovering the opportunity to use one's own capacities, Identifying factors nurturing plans for future dental visits, and Experiencing additional effects on quality of life. These results underscore the importance of autonomy-supportive treatment that fulfills patients' basic psychological needs (BPNs) for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, thereby fostering more autonomous motivation and desired behavioral changes. The findings indicate that CBT provided by interdisciplinary teams may benefit from adopting SDT as a framework, integrating autonomy-supportive principles to fulfill patients' BPNs. This approach may enhance CBT's patient-centered effectiveness and potentially improve patients' quality of life.

Condylar process fractures are a common mandibular injury predominantly affecting males, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. This study examines outcomes in patients with mandibular condylar fractures treated either conservatively or surgically, comparing long-term subjective results. A total of 281 cases were reviewed (144 treated conservatively and 137 treated surgically), with symptoms and functional outcomes assessed through questionnaires.Surgical intervention was more common in complex cases (e.g. bilateral fractures or concurrent maxillofacial injuries), and the surgical treatment group had a higher proportion of male patients and trauma related to violence. Mandibular joint sounds (e.g. clicking and crepitation) were more frequent in patients treated conservatively, whereas pain both at rest and during movement was more common in women and those with interpersonal violence-related trauma. Multivariable analysis indicated the presence of concurrent fractures as a risk factor for joint sounds, and gender and trauma type influenced pain and symptom frequency.Despite these differences, both treatments achieved comparable success in maintaining stable occlusion and achieving painless jaw function. These findings suggest that both conservative and surgical treatments can be effective, although individual factors such as gender, trauma type and concurrent fractures may affect post-treatment symptomatology and choice of treatment.

The popularity of dermal filler treatments is increasing in the Nordic countries. In Finland, legislation does not mandate healthcare training for those performing dermal filler treatments, potentially leading to increased complications. This registry-based study aimed to characterize complaints on dermal filler treatments received by Finnish Authorities, using data from (1) Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (TUKES), (2) the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira), (3) the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV), and (4) Regional State Administrative Agency (AVI). From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2024, 19 complaints were received by KKV, unsuccessful lip filler treatments being the most common issue (59%). No life-threatening complications were reported. Most cases (56%) occurred in beauty salons, with treatments primarily performed by beauty salon employees (44%), followed by registered nurses (24%), and only 8% by medical doctors. Notably, 72% of the complications occurred in the last 3 years. The study underscores the need for regulatory oversight and advanced medical expertise in administering dermal filler treatments due to the increasing complications and the involvement of non-medical personnel. Complications may require immediate medical first aid and should be classified as procedures requiring advanced medical expertise.

ObjectiveTo map dental health service utilization (DSU) and associated factors among older adults receiving home care services (HCS) in south-eastern Norway, using Andersen’s model.Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional study of older adults receiving HCS aged ≥ 65 years, data on oral health practices, general health, and predisposing, enabling, and need-based factors were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaire.ResultsOf 116 participants (mean age 83, 53.6% female), 67.2% reported annual DSU, while 24.1% used dental health services only for acute problems. Although 95.6% were entitled to free dental care in the public dental service (PDS), 66 were aware of this, and 56.5% made use of their rights. Awareness of entitlements was associated with more frequent PDS use. A higher self-reported number of teeth and using private dental services were also linked to higher DSU.ConclusionsThe present study showed underutilization of dental health services among older adults receiving HCS and unawareness of entitlement of their rights in PDS. However, higher self-reported number of teeth and use of private dental services were linked to more frequent DSU. To address underuse, the PDS should improve awareness of entitlements, enhance information delivery, and further investigate reasons for non-utilization.

Orthodontically induced external apical root resorption is a common iatrogenic effect of tooth movement. With the increasing use of clear aligner therapy, it is important to evaluate whether its biomechanics reduce root resorption compared with fixed orthodontic appliances. To compare apical root resorption in patients treated with clear aligners and fixed appliances using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A retrospective comparative CBCT-based analysis was conducted on 120 orthodontic patients. Root volumes and lengths were measured from the cementoenamel junction to the apex using pre- and post-treatment CBCT scans. Apical root resorption was quantified as percentage volume loss and absolute root length reduction. Primary analyses employed linear mixed-effects models adjusted for clustering of teeth within patients and for tooth type, arch, extraction status, and treatment duration. Clear aligner therapy was associated with significantly lower apical root resorption than fixed appliances. Mean percentage root volume loss was lower in the aligner group (6.1 ± 4.8%) than in the fixed appliance group (8.4 ± 6.1%) (p = 0.004). Mean root length reduction was also smaller with aligners (p = 0.001). Clinically significant root resorption occurred less frequently in the aligner group (p = 0.048). Longer treatment duration increased resorption risk. Clear aligner therapy is associated with less apical root resorption than fixed orthodontic treatment, while treatment duration remains an independent risk factor.

ObjectiveErosive tooth wear (ETW) is generally recognized as a widespread condition and a rising concern within the oral healthcare system. This study aimed to investigate dental hygienists` experiences and treatment methods regarding ETW in young adults.Material and methodsA questionnaire was sent to 1,084 Norwegian dental hygienists working in both public and private dental services. In total, 313 responded (response rate 28.9%). After excluding 47 respondents who did not meet the inclusion criteria of working with young adults (15–30 years), 266 dental hygienists were included in the final analyses (24.5% of those invited).ResultsIn total, 96% of the study population of 266 dental hygienists reported recording ETW in the register, with the public dental service doing so more frequently than the private sector. Sports drinks, energy drinks and soft drinks were believed to be the primary risk indicators of ETW, analogously across groups. Furthermore, there was consensus that the most frequently performed preventive measures were dietary guidance and self-administration of fluoride rinse and/or tablets.ConclusionsOverall, this study suggests that, in our sample, dental hygienists possess substantial knowledge of ETW and hold strong views on potential improvements in their work as healthcare professionals.

This is a comment on the article 'Bisphosphonate and statin: adverse effects of co-medication on wound healing in in vitro models of periodontal tissues' https://doi.org/10.2340/aos.v85.45585.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate Schneiderian membrane perforation incidence and complications in graftless transcrestal sinus floor elevation. Several databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched for studies reporting perforation rates, early implant failure (≤12 months) and postoperative complications. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed bias. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Evidence certainty was graded using the GRADE system. Among 14 studies comprising 2119 sinus-lift sites, the pooled incidence of Schneiderian membrane perforation was 1% (95% CI: 0% (95% CI: 0% the pooled incidence of Schneiderian membrane perforation was 1% (95% CI: 0% months) and postoperative failure (≤12 months) was also 1% (95% CI: 0-6%) based on 711 evaluated implants, showing no heterogeneity (I² = 0%). No postoperative complications (acute sinusitis or epistaxis) were reported in the included literature. Subgroup analysis revealed that motor-driven techniques were associated with a significantly higher perforation rate (34%) compared to conventional osteotome methods (0%). The certainty of evidence was rated as very low for all outcomes, including membrane perforation and secondary indicators. Graftless transcrestal sinus elevation is associated with low Schneiderian membrane perforation rates, favourable implant survival and minimal postoperative complications. Despite methodological heterogeneity, current evidence supports the clinical safety of graftless techniques. Clinicians can confidently utilise graftless sinus floor elevation approaches with appropriate patient selection and careful surgical techniques to minimise complications.

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy, consistency, and scientific reliability of two AI-powered chatbots-ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4o-in clinical endodontic decision-making, using the recently published European Society of Endodontology (ESE) S3-level Clinical Practice Guideline as the gold standard reference. Twenty-five dichotomous (yes/no) questions were developed based on the ESE guideline and presented to both chatbots across three time intervals, yielding 300 total responses. Each response was evaluated for accuracy and consistency, and the quality of the supporting references was assessed according to their journal ranking (Q1, Q2, others). Both ChatGPT versions demonstrated high internal consistency across repeated measurements. ChatGPT-3.5 showed 94.4% agreement (κ = 0.824; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.786-0.898; p < 0.001), whereas ChatGPT-4o demonstrated 98.9% agreement (κ = 0.937; 95% CI: 0.893-0.965; p < 0.001). The accuracy of ChatGPT-3.5 relative to the guideline-based answers was 81.4%, 88.9%, and 82.2% in the morning, afternoon, and evening sessions, respectively, while ChatGPT-4o achieved 82.9%, 83.3%, and 85.4%, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the models across the three time intervals (p > 0.05). The proportion of Q1/Q2-ranked references was high and comparable between ChatGPT-3.5 (74-82%) and ChatGPT-4o (76-84%). Both ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4o demonstrated substantial alignment with the ESE S3-level clinical practice guideline. However, these findings should not be interpreted as definitive assessments of current clinical conversational AI systems, and further evaluation of evolving models is required.