The aim of this in-vitro study was to verify which field of view (FOV) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) yields greater accuracy in the detection of internal root resorption (IRR) volume, in comparison to the gold standard of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and to a physical method. Twenty-five extractedsingle-rooted teeth were scanned by CBCT with two different FOV parameters (6x6-FOV and 10x10-FOV) and via micro-CT. The volume of dental hard tissue was measured on these images. A simulated IRR was produced by a demineralization protocol. After the simulated IRR, the volumes of the dental hard tissue and the simulated IRR were measured with the same scanning parameters. In addition, the volume of the simulated IRR was measured via a physical method. The simulated IRR volumes obtained by CBCT, micro-CT, and the physical method were statistically compared using one-way ANOVA. Before the simulated IRR, the mean volume of dental hard tissue obtained by 6x6-FOV, 10x10-FOV, and micro-CT were 266.64 ± 11.56, 284.78 ± 14.99, and 233.07 ± 19.91, respectively. The simulated IRR mean volumes obtained by 6x6-FOV, 10x10-FOV, micro-CT, and the physical method were 19.35 ± 5.92, 17.43 ± 5.20, 23.85 ± 6.63, and 13.51 ± 3.11, respectively. The mean volume of the simulated IRR obtained by micro-CT was similar to that of the 6x6-FOV and was significantly different from that of the 10x10-FOV and physical method. The mean volume value of simulated IRR obtained by the physical method was significantly different from those of the micro-CT and 6x6-FOV groups. In conclusion, the 6x6-FOV was better than the 10x10-FOV for the detection of IRR volume by CBCT under clinical conditions.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the occlusion potential of in-office desensitizing agents, and characterize the human dentin elements after acid exposure. Twelve human dentin discs were sectioned into four specimens each, and randomized into treatments (n = 20): no treatment (negative control); no treatment and 6% citric acid exposure (positive control); application of Gluma desensitizer (Heraeus Kulzer) or PRG Barrier Coat (Shofu), followed by 6% citric acid exposure. Occlusion and dentin surface characteristics were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM, n = 10), and elemental composition (at%), by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, n = 10). Three calibrated, blinded evaluators used SEM to categorize the occlusion potential: 1 = occluded, 2 = partially unoccluded, 3 = equally occluded/unoccluded, 4 = partially occluded, 5 = unoccluded. Data were analyzed by weighted kappa, Friedman, and Nemenyi tests (α = 0.05). For SEM, mean occlusion scores were higher for the PRG Barrier Coat than the positive control (p = 0.0235). Most specimens in the controls scored 4 or 5. The most frequent scores for PRG Barrier Coat were 1(60%) and 2(20%), while 30% of Gluma specimens scored 1 and 2. Gluma showed intratubular precipitation, while PRG Barrier Coat covered dentinal tubules totally or partially. For EDS, the K% was lower for Gluma than the negative control (p = 0.0046), with Si peaks in dentin treated with PRG Barrier Coat. The bioactive in-office desensitizing agent with S-PRG filler (PRG Barrier Coat) promoted dentin tubule occlusion, and persisted after exposure to acid.

A cross-sectional study was carried out among patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) in order to determine the frequency of oral mucosal lesions or conditions (OL), as well as to analyze its relationship with some clinical and laboratory parameters. Epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory data were considered. Statistics included univariate and multivariate analyses. Ninety patients [46 (51.1%) males] were included [median age: 43 years (range 18–79 years)]. UC was diagnosed in 65 (72.2%) patients; CD in 25 (27.8%) patients; and inactive CD was detected in 78 (86.6%) patients. All patients (100%) had OL; fissured tongue was the most frequent finding [68 (75.6%)]. Furred tongue was more common in UC than in CD patients [45 (69.2%) vs. 11(44.0%); p = 0.03]; lower levels of hemoglobin were more often detected in mucosal pallor [(median (Md) =12.1 vs. 14.4g/dL); p = 0.02] than in other OLs. Higher frequency of melanosis was observed when oral rinses were used [37 (71.2%) vs. 15 (28.8%)]; p = 0.03], compared to those who did not use them. A higher risk of varix [OR: = 37.6 (95%CI: 4.7–298.9), p < 0.001], leukoedema [OR: 5.8 (95%CI: 1.4–24.2); p = 0.004], candidosis [OR: 3.9 (95%CI: 1.4–10.6); p = 0.05], fissured tongue [OR: 3.8 (95%CI: 1.2–11.5); p = 0.01], and all infectious processes analyzed collectively [OR: 3.6 (95%CI: 1.3–9.8); p = 0.03], was found in patients older than 45 years than in younger ones. Also, patients with fissured tongue presented a higher risk of having candidosis than those without this condition [OR: 6.1 (95%CI: 2.1–17.5); p = 0.007]. OLs were highly frequently observed in UC and CD patients. Age (> 45 years), low levels of hemoglobin, use of mouthwashes, among other variables, were predictive factors of OL in these patients; thus, their assessment and detection in inflammatory bowel disease should be emphasized.

This study investigated the influence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) irrigation on cementum-like tissue formation and TGF-β1, FGF-2, and VEGF immunolabeling during regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) in immature rat molars. The lower first molars of 12 four-week-old male rats (80 g) underwent pulpectomy in the mesial canal and were randomly categorized into two experimental groups (n = 6): sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) – irrigated for 5 min with 2.5% NaOCl; and NaOCl-EDTA – irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl, followed by 5 min of 17% EDTA. After inducing bleeding with a size 10 K-file, the cavities were sealed. Untreated molars served as control-15d (n = 3) and immediate control (n = 3). Either immediately or after 15 days, the animals were euthanized, and the teeth were collected for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical (TGF-β1, FGF-2, and VEGF) analysis. The results were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U-test (p < 0.05). Histomorphometric analysis revealed increased cementum-like tissue formation in the NaOCl-EDTA group compared with that in the NaOCl group (p < 0.05). Regarding growth factor immunolabeling, the NaOCl-EDTA group exhibited enhanced TGF-β1 and VEGF immunolabeling in the root tip area and the center region of the apical third of the pulp tissue, compared with that in the NaOCl group (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed in FGF-2 (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the use of EDTA in REPs positively affected the formation of cementum-like tissue and TGF-β1 and VEGF in the apical region but did not influence FGF-2.

This study aimed to compare the findings of the SB Brasil 2003, 2010, and 2023 surveys and analyze the evolution of caries experience among Brazilian adolescents (aged 15-19 years). A total of 16,832 adolescents were evaluated in 2003, 5,445 in 2010, and 8,054 in 2023. Although the 2010 sample was numerically smaller, all surveys maintained representativeness for Brazil, its regions, and state capitals, following national epidemiological sampling criteria. The DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) and its components were analyzed at the national, regional, and state capital levels, considering socioeconomic and regional disparities. A significant reduction in the mean DMFT index was observed, from 5.51 (2003) to 4.25 (2010) and 3.41 (2023), with more pronounced declines in the Northeast and South regions. The decayed component showed a decrease between 2003 and 2023, while the filled teeth without decay component consistently decreased. Despite these improvements, regional inequalities persist, with the North and Central-West regions reporting higher caries rates and lower access to dental care. These findings highlight notable advancements in adolescent oral health in Brazil, particularly regarding the reduction in caries experience across some regions. However, persistent disparities underscore the need for targeted public health policies to ensure more equitable access to oral healthcare.

This study aimed to identify factors associated with dental pain among schoolchildren in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 627 children aged 8–11 years were assessed through questionnaires and clinical examinations in both public and private schools. We employed a complex, probabilistic, two-stage cluster sampling method involving schools and classes. The sample size was calculated assuming a 50% prevalence of events or diseases, a 95% confidence level, a 5.0% margin of error, a design effect (deff) of 1.5, and a 15% non-response rate. The dependent variable, dental pain, was assessed by asking: “Have you ever had a toothache in your life?” with possible responses of “No” or “Yes.” The independent variables included sociodemographic factors and dental history. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR). Approximately 70.6% of the children reported having experienced dental pain at least once in their lives. In the final model, the likelihood of having experienced dental pain was higher among children who had either deciduous or permanent teeth restored (OR = 1.99; 95%IC: 1.19–3.29), who had a normative need for dental treatment (OR = 3.00; 95%IC: 1.96–4.58), and whose guardians perceived their oral health negatively (OR = 1.81; 95%IC: 1.19–2.75). Dental pain is a significant oral health issue among children. This pain was associated with both unfavorable normative assessments and subjective perceptions of oral health, underscoring the importance of preventive and promotive strategies for children’s oral health.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of orthodontic treatment with orthodontic aligners (OAs) and fixed appliances (FAs) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This parallel randomized clinical trial included 40 male and female patients aged 13 to 35 years diagnosed with Angle's Class I malocclusion. Participants were assigned to two groups: OA (n = 20) and FA (n = 20). OHRQoL was assessed using the Brazilian OHIP-14, which was administered before treatment (T0), at 1 month (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) after treatment initiation. Data were analyzed using the independent t test, the chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney test, and Friedman test (p < 0.05). FAs had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher impact on OHRQoL at T1 in terms of functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, and overall score. Within-group comparison showed higher scores for the FA group in comparison to the OA group. Functional limitation scores were higher at T1 than at T0 (p = 0.034), while physical pain scores were higher at T1 compared to T0 (p = 0.034) and T2 (p = 0.010). Psychological discomfort scores were higher at T1 than at T2 (p = 0.015). Physical disability scores were higher at T1 compared to T0 (p = 0.008). Overall scores were higher at T1 than at T2 (p = 0.003). No significant changes were observed in the OA within-group comparison. Patients treated with OAs had less impact on OHRQoL compared to those treated with FAs in the first month. There was no difference between the groups at the 6-month follow-up.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains the most prevalent neoplasm of the head and neck. In recent decades, the incidence and prevalence of OSCC have not significantly changed, highlighting the critical need to develop and implement new risk assessment measures. The present study aimed to define argyrophilic proteins of the nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) cut-off risk points by oral exfoliative cytological smears comparing specialized humans with a convolutional neural network (CNN) system AgNOR Slide-Image Examiner. This study included four experimental groups: control, exposure to carcinogens (alcohol and tobacco), oral potentially malignant disorders, and OSCC. In the first phase, 50 cells were used for AgNOR quantification. In the second phase, AgNOR quantification was established in an automated manner using an AgNOR System - Slide Examiner (captured - bounding-boxed - CNN analysis). In phase 1, the cut-off point for considering a smear as suspicious was established at 3.69 AgNORs/nucleus with sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 93%, and accuracy of 90%. In phase 2, the analysis of the intraclass correlation coefficient of AgNORs attributed to the system and human was 0.896 (95% confidence interval = 0.875-0.915; p < 0.0001), and this quantification with the CNN was 20 min compared to 67 h, considering human analysis. The AgNOR Slide-Image Examiner successfully differentiated the nuclei and accurately quantified the number of NORs in oral cytological smears. The cut-off risk point of 3.69 AgNOR/nucleus indicates a suspicious sample may contribute to improvements in oral cancer screening.

The aim of this study was to translate and validate the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) into the Collao variant of the Quechua language for the population of southern Peru. A cross-sectional instrumental study was carried out with 288 participants of both sexes aged between 18 and 65 years (M = 37.53 years; SD = 10.38) who were residents of the department of Cusco, Peru. A convenience sampling method was used. The cultural adaptation process included initial translation, back-translation, review by a committee, focus group evaluation for comprehension and clarity of the items, and a pilot test to ensure the cultural adequacy of the questionnaire. Content validity was evaluated by three evaluators using Aiken’s V coefficient. The internal structure was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which tests a three-factor model. The fit indices demonstrated an acceptable model fit, with χ2 = 156.25 (df = 74), RMSEA = 0.062 (90%CI: 0.049–0.076), CFI = 0.999, and TLI = 0.999. The standardized factor loadings exceeded 0.70 for all the items. The corrected item–total correlations indicated strong internal consistency. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha, which is a high value across all dimensions. The evaluators’ assessment demonstrated a high level of agreement for all the items, with Aiken’s V coefficient above 0.70. This finding demonstrates that the OHIP-14 is a valid and reliable instrument for the Quechua-speaking population of the Collao variant in Cusco. The study received approval from an ethics committee and adhered to the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

The iVAC system combines ultrasonic activation with negative-pressure irrigation, highlighting the importance of determining its vibration characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the oscillation characteristics of the iVAC system using laser Doppler vibrometry and to compare them with those of metallic inserts used for ultrasonic irrigation. Four ultrasonic inserts-Irrisonic, Nitisonic, Ultra X Blue, and iVAC-were attached to an ultrasonic unit, secured in a holder, and operated at a power setting of 15%. A laser scanning vibrometer was used to scan the first four millimeters of each insert. Each measurement, lasting approximately 20 seconds, was repeated ten times per insert and performed at millimeter intervals. Displacement amplitude and frequency data were recorded for each insert. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy was employed to evaluate the surface finish of the inserts, and their elemental compositions were analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Analysis of variance and Tukey's test were conducted to compare the performance of the inserts. The displacement amplitudes showed significant differences between inserts and among the scanned points (p < 0.05). All inserts demonstrated ultrasonic vibration frequencies exceeding 20 kHz. EDS analysis revealed that the elemental composition of the E1-Irrisonic tips was consistent with stainless steel. In contrast, the Nitisonic insert displayed a chemical composition characteristic of an equiatomic nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy, whereas the Ultra X Blue insert contained additional elements beyond NiTi. The characteristics and composition of ultrasonic inserts significantly influence their displacement amplitude and vibration frequency. At the tested activation power, the iVAC insert, made of the organic thermoplastic polymer polyether ether ketone (PEEK), demonstrated an ultrasonic vibration pattern but exhibited the lowest oscillation amplitude among the inserts.