Field Of Dentistry Research Articles

Dental Hygienists' Influence on Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavioural of Patients and Effectiveness on Improving Patients' Periodontal Status—Evaluations of a Hospital Based Oral Hygiene Training Program in China

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate the possibility of integrating dental hygienists (DHs) into the dental field in China, and investigate its effectiveness on improving patients' knowledge, attitudes, self‐care behaviours as well as their periodontal status.MethodsA hospital‐based oral hygiene training program was developed at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital's (SRRSH) Dental Clinic with the support of two registered DHs from Loma Linda University in California. A questionnaire evaluating oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours was conducted in patients who visited SRRSH's Dental Clinic. Scores of oral health knowledge and proportions of positive oral health attitudes and favourable self‐care behaviours were estimated between patients treated and not treated by DHs (DH group and NDH group). The improvements in patients' periodontal conditions following non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) administered by DHs at the Dental Clinic of SRRSH, as assessed through the measurement of periodontal pocket depths and the incidence of bleeding upon probing.ResultsPatients in DH group exhibited relatively better results in several aspects of oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, compared to those in NDH group. Moreover, NPST performed by DHs significantly improved the periodontal status of the patients, with a remarkably reduction in periodontal pocket depth and bleeding on probing.ConclusionsIntegrating DHs into SRRSH's Dental Clinic showed effectiveness in enhancing patients' oral health knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and succeeded in improving patients' periodontal status. This program demonstrated that incorporating DHs into dental care team is not only practical but also enhances the value of the dental workforce in China.

The Hippo pathway in oral diseases and treatments: A review

This review aims to provide a recent update on the Hippo pathway in oral diseases. The Hippo pathway plays a crucial role in organ development, tissue regeneration, wound healing, maintaining epithelial homeostasis, and modulating the immune system. Globally, billions of people suffer from various oral diseases, posing significant public health risks and resulting in substantial economic losses. This article reviews the recent advancements in the research on the Hippo signaling pathway and its effectors in various conditions related to oral health. The implications of Hippo signaling in various dental fields, including endodontics, orthodontics, periodontology, oral implantology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oncology are discussed. It provides readers with an overview of the regulatory role of the Hippo pathway in the development of various oral diseases and the potential for exploiting this pathway for developing targeted therapeutics.

Digital Smile Design Software: An Overview

Digital Smile Design (DSD) software have revolutionized the field of aesthetic dentistry by enabling clinicians to design and visualize patient-specific treatment outcomes. This software integrates digital tools like 2D and 3D imaging, CAD/CAM technology, and simulation algorithms to create comprehensive and highly accurate treatment plans. It facilitates communication between dentists, technicians, and patients by providing a visual representation of potential results, enhancing patient understanding and confidence. This article presents an overview of digital smile design software currently available.

Navigating the digital frontier: transforming endodontic diagnosis through digitization. part 1

The current advances and innovations in material technology and armamentaria help to negate the difficulties faced by clinicians in diagnosing and treating patients. Oral healthcare contributes much to the wellbeing of a person. However, the oral cavity is a small and difficult area in which to work since it is filled with vascularized mobile tissues and various shaped teeth, and connected to sinuses, nerve canals, lungs and the gastrointestinal tract via the trachea and pharynx. Moreover, each tooth has a complex root canal system that must be explored if it is infected or inflamed. Root canal treatment can be compared to entering a blind tunnel and treating something unseen. Endodontics is a field in dentistry where a clinician must use their tactile sense and correlate it with clinical knowledge, as well as skill, to treat dental infections. Digital evolution has simplified diagnosis, treatment planning, documentation and communication with patients, rendering more predictable outcomes and providing evidence for the healing or non-healing of disease. The evolution of digital radiography has offered us the best technology available. The present review discusses various helpful digital tools that are currently available, and future technologies that may guide clinicians in better diagnosis. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Advances in diagnostic tools have improved accuracy in identifying and treating dental pathologies, thereby achieving more predictable outcomes and enhancing patient care.

Selective outcome reporting among randomized controlled trials published in leading dental journals: A research-on-research study

ObjectivesTo study the prevalence and manifestation of selective outcome reporting (SOR) among randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in leading dental journals, and to explore the association between SOR and potentially related factors. MethodsWe hand-searched RCTs published in the leading dental journals between 2018 and 2023. RCTs with registrations and defined primary outcomes were included, and their relevant characteristics were extracted for analysis. Discrepancies between publication and corresponding registration were compared regarding primary outcome and other study characteristics. The generalized estimating equation model was applied to identify factors associated with SOR. ResultsTwo hundred and seventy trials were included. SOR was identified in 51.5% (n = 139) of the included RCTs with the discrepancy in the assessment timing of the primary outcome as the most common manifestation (n = 86, 31.9%). Substantial discrepancies were observed regarding sample size (n = 148, 54.8%) and source of funding (n = 105, 38.9%). Sample size [odds ratio (OR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.92], timing of registration (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.31), and discrepancy in follow-up length (OR 32.01, 95% CI 11.80 to 86.83) were identified as statistically significant factors associated with SOR. ConclusionsSOR was prevalent among RCTs in leading dental journals. Researchers and other stakeholders should be aware of this reporting issue and make joint efforts to improve the outcome reporting quality. Clinical significanceThe findings of this research-on-research study indicate a substantial presence of SOR in the field of dentistry. Such bias can potentially mislead readers and distort the pooled effect estimates in evidence synthesis, ultimately influencing clinical decision-making.

Testing the strength of thin feather-edge monolithic multilayered zirconia crowns: A pilot study with a novel acoustic test

Intoduction: Limited research has explored the mechanical characteristics of recently introduced multilayered monolithic zirconia (MZC) crowns with feather-edge margins design. Moreover, most of the conventional techniques for evaluating the mechanical behavior of brittle dental ceramics rely on destructive tests, making it impossible to precisely evaluate real strength values due to premature crack initiation detection failure. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to assess the load capacity of translucent multilayered monolithic zirconia crowns with feather-edge margin thicknesses of 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm. Additionally, the research introduced a novel non-destructive acoustic emission testing (AET) technique in the laboratory to identify early cracks in dental ceramics. Methods: Forty multilayered zirconia crowns produced using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology were evenly divided into two groups, each with distinct feather-edge margin thicknesses: 0.5 mm (group 1) and 0.4 mm (group 2). These crowns were securely cemented onto customized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) dies using a universal restorative glass ionomer. Subsequently, the crowns underwent a compressive axial loading test, controlled by an innovative AET crack detection system rooted in the principles of non-destructive laboratory testing. Fractographic analysis was conducted to determine the location of crack or eventual fracture. Results: The proportion of MZCs with a crack was statistically higher than the proportion with a fracture in the whole sample (p<0.001). In addition, the results showed that the crowns in group 1 exhibited higher loading values than those in group 2. The mean loading capacity in group was 911.2 N ± 614.7 N. Two locations of crack and fracture were registered: occlusal and marginal. No statistical association was observed between the two groups for the location of cracks or fractures. Conclusions: The feather-edge crowns with a 0.5 mm margin thickness had a higher loading capacity than those with a 0.4 mm. However, the latter supports loads that exceed occlusal force in the oral cavity suggesting that 0.4 mm feathered edge MZCs may be a valid and less invasive alternative to thicker margins. The novel load-to-fracture AET setup proved effective in detecting early crack initiation, suggesting it as a promising method for assessing the mechanical properties of brittle materials prior to failure, potentially impacting the field of dentistry. However more advanced research is needed to enhance the accuracy of the proposed technique. Clinical implications: The examined MZC demonstrates the ability to withstand occlusal forces in a patient’s mouth, offering clinical practitioners the option of embracing minimally invasive dentistry through the use of 0.4 mm feather-edge MZC in their treatment options. Furthermore, the positive results from the innovative acoustic emission testing technique, facilitating early crack detection, indicate a promising future for studying the behavior of brittle materials in dental laboratory testing.

Comparing the dental knowledge of large language models.

Introduction With the advancement of artificial intelligence, large language models (LLMs) have emerged as technology that can generate human-like text across various domains. They hold vast potential in the dental field, able to be integrated into clinical dentistry, administrative dentistry, and for student and patient education. However, the successful integration of LLMs into dentistry is reliant on the dental knowledge of the models used, as inaccuracies can lead to significant risks in patient care and education.Aims We are the first to compare different LLMs on their dental knowledge through testing the accuracy of different model responses to Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) questions.Methods We include closed-source and open-source models and analysed responses to both 'patient box' style board questions and more traditional, textual-based, multiple-choice questions.Results For the entire INBDE question bank, ChatGPT-4 had the highest dental knowledge, with an accuracy of 75.88%, followed by Claude-2.1 with 66.38% and then Mistral-Medium at 54.77%. There was a statistically significant difference in performance across all models.Conclusion Our results highlight the high potential of LLM integration into the dental field, the importance of which LLM is chosen when developing new technologies, and the limitations that must be overcome before unsupervised clinical integration can be adopted.

Bibliometric analysis of the current status and trends in dental applications of glass fiber-reinforced composites from 1998 to 2022.

Over the last few years, considerable attention has been devoted to glass fiber-reinforced composites (GFRCs) in the field of dentistry. Glass fiber-reinforced composites are useful in prosthodontics, endodontics, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, and periodontics. This study considered various aspects related to GFRCs to assess the publications and citations on the subject from 1998 to 2022.A bibliometric method of analysis was adopted to conduct the study. The relevant papers published within the established time frame were identified. A document-type filter was applied to retrieve only those results that were peer-reviewed. The most influential authors, journals, institutions, and countries were identified, as indicated by the number of citations, as well as the most frequently used keywords.The findings of the bibliometric analysis revealed that the first article on GFRCs in the context of dentistry was published in 1998. The greatest number of papers on this subject was published in 2011 (n = 51), while the number of citations reached its peak in 2008 (n = 1,546). The University of Turku in Finland published the greatest number of articles, whereas Brazil was the most prolific country, producing the highest number of publications on dental fiber. Researchers from Brazil, Italy and Germany mainly collaborated with researchers from other countries, including the USA and Finland. The analysis revealed that publications of multiple authors were more likely to be cited.Significant advancements have been made in the field of GFRCs, as demonstrated by an increased collaboration amongst different countries, organizations and investigators, which enhanced the development and progression of research related to GFRCs.

Progress in Dentin-Derived Bone Graft Materials: A New Xenogeneic Dentin-Derived Material with Retained Organic Component Allows for Broader and Easier Application.

The optimal repair of rigid mineralized tissues, such as bone, in cases of fracture, surgical resection, or prosthetic placement, is a complex process often necessitating the use of bone graft materials. Autogenous bone from the patient is generally the gold standard in terms of outcomes but also has disadvantages, which have resulted in extensive research in the field of tissue engineering to develop better and more convenient alternatives. In the dental field, several initiatives have demonstrated that the dentin material derived from extracted teeth produces excellent results in terms of repairing bone defects and supporting dental implants. Dentin is acellular and thus, in contrast to autogenous bone, cannot provide osteoblasts or other cellular elements to the grafted region, but it does contain growth and differentiation factors, and has other properties that make it an impressive material for bone repair. In this review, the beneficial properties of dentin and the ways it interacts with the host bone are described in the context of bone graft materials. Autogenous tooth material has limitations, particularly in terms of the need for tooth extraction and the limited amount available, which currently restrict its use to particular dental procedures. The development of a xenograft dentin-derived material, which retains the properties of autogenous dentin, is described. Such a material could potentially enable the use of dentin-derived material more widely, particularly in orthopedic indications where its properties may be advantageous.

A Study on Ways to Expand the Speed Operation Range of Dental Laboratory Handpiece Motors Using Low-Cost Hall Sensors

In the dental prosthetics field, BLDC micro-motors are primarily used for implant procedures. As dental materials become increasingly harder, there is a growing demand for higher performance motors to precisely process these materials. However, difficulties in motor development arise due to price competitiveness. Dental motors require capabilities such as low-speed, high-torque for drilling operations and high-speed rotation for precise machining of high-strength dental materials. Additionally, there is a requirement to address thermal issues to prevent user burns due to motor-generated heat. Typically, motors requiring precision control utilize high-resolution position sensors like encoders or resolvers to acquire and control the rotor’s position. However, the high cost of these sensors and constraints such as increased device size pose challenges in maintaining price competitiveness. In this paper, we propose a control algorithm that satisfies the requirements for low-speed, high-torque and high-speed operation requirements for precision machining without hardware modifications using a BLDC micro-motor equipped with an inexpensive Hall sensor commonly used in the dental field. Furthermore, the algorithm is designed to ensure stable operation even in the event of Hall sensor failure or malfunction, and its effectiveness is validated through experiments.

Silver nanoparticles in medicine and technology: Synthesis, functionality and future prospects

Nanomaterials, particularly nanoparticles (NPs), have emerged as forefront materials of the 21st century due to their unique properties and potential applications. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most attractive inorganic nanomaterials, widely used due to their significant antibacterial properties, broad-spectrum activity, and potential applications across various fields, including health, food storage, textiles, and environmental solutions. AgNPs exhibit a large surface-area-to-volume ratio, enabling enhanced interaction with bacterial cells, making them effective in medical and industrial applications. Despite concerns over their toxicity, AgNP-based products have been approved by multiple regulatory bodies. Nanoparticle synthesis methods are generally divided into physical, chemical, and biological approaches. Although physical and chemical methods are efficient, they involve toxic chemicals and energy-intensive processes. Biosynthesis, particularly plant-based, offers an eco-friendly alternative, reducing the environmental and health risks associated with chemical agents. The review also explores the therapeutic potential of AgNPs in drug delivery systems, especially in topical formulations like nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). These nanocarriers enhance drug stability, skin penetration, and controlled release, making them ideal for dermal and transdermal delivery. Moreover, the use of AgNPs in dentistry is highlighted for their bactericidal properties, which help prevent infections and implant failure, with the potential for enhancing therapeutic outcomes without common drawbacks like tooth staining. Overall, AgNPs exhibit promising applications in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and dental fields, and their novel functionalities continue to advance the development of nanotechnology-driven solutions.

Factors Related to Dental Ergonomics Practice Among Indonesian Dentists.

Dentists are at greater risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) which can be caused by repetitive movements, improper posture and long working hours. If ergonomic principles are applied in the field of dentistry, they help to prevent occupational ergonomic health hazards and provides more comfort to the dentist and patient. To obtain information regarding dental ergonomics practice of dentists in Indonesia and its related factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a purposive sampling method via Google Form to 231 dentists in DKI Jakarta, Indonesia from November to December 2022. The questionnaire consisted of 34 items divided into five sections; socio-demographic, job characteristics, knowledge of dental ergonomics, attitude towards dental ergonomics and the practice of dentists regarding dental ergonomics. Bivariate analysis was conducted using Pearson Chi-square Test. 76.2% dentists have poor dental ergonomics practice. There is a significant relationship (p-value < 0.05) between the practice of dental ergonomics and age group, years of practical experience and level of knowledge. Most Indonesian dentists (76.2%) still lack of dental ergonomics practice. Age, duration of work experience and ergonomic dental practice knowledge are significantly correlated.

What is the level of knowledge of first year dentistry students about human papillomavirus? a cross-sectional study

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown increasing trends of HPV-associated oral cancers worldwide. HPV-related diseases are a new public health problem that negatively affects the field of dentistry. The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge levels of first-year dentistry students about HPV. Methods: The study population consisted of 130 students enrolled in the first year of the Faculty of Dentistry in the academic year of 2023 and 2024. The Human Papilloma Virus Knowledge Scale (HPV-KS) was used to determine students' HPV knowledge levels. In the analysis of the data, the t test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used. Results: 53.6% of the students were female and 96% were in the 18-21 age group. The HPV-KS score of the students was found to be 10.60±7.27 (0-33). 58.4% of the students stated that they had heard of HPV before, 57.6% had heard of the HPV test before, and 50.4% had heard of the HPV vaccine before. Furthermore, female students scored significantly higher than male students in the HPV vaccine knowledge questions sub-dimensions (p=0.037). Conclusions: Considering the knowledge levels of students in the first grade, it can guide the educational programs to be prepared. In order to protect public health, it is recommended to increase the knowledge of dentistry students about HPV and HPV-related diseases.

Computer-guided implant surgery and tooth-mirroring digital workflow to treat an esthetically compromised clinical case

Background: In multidisciplinary dentistry, it is common to observe clinical cases that present multiple complications at the end of orthodontic therapy, such as differences in gingival height, alterations in size and shape of the teeth, and reduced residual spaces for implant therapies. Aim: The aim of the study was to solve an esthetic case with the help of digitally assisted prosthetic and surgical design. Methods: A young patient had been treated orthodontically for the agenesis of tooth 12 and the conoid shape of tooth 22. Previous therapy consisted of opening the space for tooth 12 by positioning a Maryland-type composite bridge, followed by reconstruction with a composite of tooth 22. Various composite reconstructions on teeth 11 and 21 were no longer adequate. Furthermore, both elements had discordant coronal axes, the diastema was observed at the incisal level, and tooth 21 was approximately 1 mm longer than tooth 11. Radiographic analysis revealed that the roots of teeth 11 and 13 converge, providing sufficient space for the insertion of a small-diameter implant. An intraoral scan and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were performed; both data files were merged using surgical design software. A surgical guide was developed for the insertion of an implant in site 12. After insertion, the composite bridge, which was no longer suitable, was removed and a new temporary metal-composite Maryland bridge was positioned. Using an artificial intelligence tool of the design software, tooth 22 was isolated, mirrored, inserted in site 12 to reproduce the gingival profile, and subtracted from the digital impression. A technician then copied this emergence profile to build a zirconia prosthetic crown to be screwed on the implant. Teeth 22, 11, and 21 were restored with a lithium disilicate crown and two veneers, respectively. Results: The initial digital design and the use of a guided surgery procedure allowed for the insertion of a small diameter implant without damaging the roots of the adjacent teeth. The prosthetic design procedure, using the digital tools of the design program, made it possible to standardize and create symmetrical gingival profiles of teeth 12 and 22. The overall composition was completed by the use of minimally invasive adhesive prosthetic techniques on teeth 11, 21, and 22. Conclusion: Digital resources have become essential tools for dental professionals. The knowledge and use of technologies like intraoral scanning and CBCT, combined with various innovations such as artificial intelligence in prosthetic and implant design software, enable dentists to manage even the most complex interdisciplinary clinical cases with greater confidence. Relevance for Patients: Digital techniques are now widely used across all fields of dentistry. This has led to the need for operators of all ages to adjust their decision-making process compared to traditional techniques. These new techniques have also improved communication with patients, allowing the dental team to have a clearer understanding of the clinical path to follow and consequently offer their patients precise dentistry solutions.

Formation of Graded TiO2 Layer on Ti Wire by Direct Alternating Current Discharge Plasma at Atmospheric Pressure

Although metallic materials have been used as load-bearing materials in dental and biomedical fields since they have good mechanical properties such as good ductility and strength, their aesthetic properties are inferior to those of ceramic or resin. To obtain aesthetically improved Ti dental devices, the formation of white titanium oxide on pure Ti dental devices was studied. Direct atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) treatment using alternating current was carried out on pure a Ti plate and wire. It was found that a titanium oxide layer with enough whiteness can be obtained on pure Ti wire using direct APP treatment. Although delamination of the titanium oxide layer was found after a bending test, the concept of functionally graded materials (FGMs) can overcome the shortcoming.

DENTAL MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH SYNDROMIC CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS; CASE REPORT

Introduction: Apert syndrome is a challenging syndromic condition for health care specialists because it affects the patient's overall physical, oral and behavioral health. Knowledge of the protocols to be followed and dental management by the operator of patients with AS are of great importance in the dental field, allowing for adequate and guided craniofacial and behavioral control of the patient. Objective: The objective of this article is to present a clinical case that shows an adequate treatment plan for a patient with Apert syndrome. Methodology: an objective description of the clinical case is made with analysis of a total of articles, including review and original articles, as well as clinical cases, of which 12 bibliographies were used because the other articles were not relevant for this study. The sources of information were indexed journals, as well as search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane; the terms used for the information search were: Apert syndrome, acrocephalosyndactyly, craniosynostosis, dental care. Results: We report a 15-year-old female patient who presented the characteristic triad of Apert syndrome: craniosynostosis, facial malformations and symmetrical syndactyly. Conclusions: Knowledge of the disease by health professionals will be of vital importance in order to develop appropriate strategies and efficient care protocols for patients with Apert syndrome, resulting in a better quality of life for the patient in the short and long term. KEY WORDS: acrocephalosyndactyly, craniosynostosis, dental care.

Effects of trigeminal neurostimulation on heart rate variability: comparing cutaneous (Tragus) and tongue (Antero-Dorsal mucosa) stimulation

BackgroundTrigeminal neurostimulation of the dorsal anterior mucosal surface of the tongue has been proposed to treat a variety of pathologies and to promote neuro-muscular coordination and rehabilitation. Dental ULFTENS can also be considered a form of trigeminal neurostimulation applied to the skin surface bilaterally at the level of the tragus. It has been used for years in dentistry for practical and diagnostic purposes. Previous work has combined the two stimulation techniques showing an efficacy in improving HRV in healthy young women of dental ULFTENS applied to the mucosal surface of the tongue. This work sought to assess whether there is a difference in HRV in relation to the site of application of dental ULFTENS (tragus vs. tongue). If effective in reducing the activity of arousal circuits, this tongue-level stimulation technique could have new clinical applications.Material and methodA new intraoral device allowed electrical stimulation of the dorsal anterior mucosa of the tongue in 80 healthy young women divided into two groups: TUD group (ULFTENS stimulation on the mucosa of the tongue) and Tragus group (stimulation with ULFTENS bilaterally in the area of the tragus). The effects on HRV were monitored by photoplethysmographic wave (PPG). The HRV parameters studied were RMSSD, HF, LF, LF/HF.ResultsOnly the TUD group showed a significant change in selected HRV parameters that was maintained even in the epoch after the end of electrical stimulation. This effect can be considered as a vagal activation and an increased of HRV parameter. The Tragus group did not show significant change in the direction of increased HRV but showed an opposite trend. There were no undesirable or annoying effects of stimulation.ConclusionStimulation of the dorsal anterior (trigeminal) mucosal surface of the tongue with ULFTENS applied with an intraoral device was shown to be able to increase HRV while the same stimulation on tragus area, according to traditional dental ULFTENS procedure, did not show the same effects.Clinical implicationsThis stimulation technique could be an aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders characterized by autonomic disequilibrium such as, in the dental field, TMDs.Trial registration“Effects of Trigeminal Neurostimulation on Heart Rate Variability: Comparing Tragus and Tongue Stimulation”. ID number: NCT06549205. Date of first registration: August 1st 2024. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06549205?id=%09NCT06549205&rank=1.

UV Exposure Time Optimization for Enhanced Conversion, Hardness, and Flexural Strength in UDMA/TEG-DMA Composite Resins

This study examines the effects of varying ultraviolet (UV) exposure times on the properties of UDMA/TEG-DMA composite resins, focusing on degree of conversion, surface morphology, water absorption, shrinkage, hardness, and flexural strength. Composite resin samples were exposed to UV light for 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. The degree of conversion was assessed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Surface morphology was analyzed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Water absorption and shrinkage were measured following standard procedures, while mechanical properties, including hardness and flexural strength, were evaluated using a Vickers hardness tester and a 3-point bending test, respectively. The results indicate that a UV exposure time of 90 min optimizes the composite resin properties, achieving the highest degree of conversion at 77 %, optimal surface morphology, minimal water absorption and shrinkage, and superior mechanical properties, including maximum flexural strength and hardness. In contrast, both shorter and longer UV exposure times detrimentally affected these properties, with prolonged exposure causing thermal degradation and reduced performance. This research underscores the importance of precise UV curing time control to enhance the performance and durability of UDMA/TEG-DMA composite resins, providing valuable insights and practical guidelines for their application in dental and industrial fields. HIGHLIGHTS The incorporation of UDMA/TEG-DMA in composite resin formulations significantly enhanced mechanical properties such as flexural strength and modulus. Exposure to UV light affected the degree of conversion of the resin, impacting its polymerization kinetics and potentially influencing long-term durability. The study revealed notable changes in surface morphology, indicating potential implications for bonding characteristics and aesthetic outcomes. Investigating water absorption and shrinkage behavior provided insights into material stability and dimensional changes over time, critical for clinical longevity and patient satisfaction. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Use of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin for the Treatment of Multiple Adjacent Mucogingival Recessions: A Technical Report of the Fibrin-Assisted Soft-Tissue Promotion Protocol.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has had a marked impact on regenerative medicine due to its widespread ability to promote angiogenesis to defective tissues. Particularly in the dental field, evidence from randomized clinical trials has further shown that PRF facilitates greater soft-tissue regeneration when compared with hard tissues. Recently, the fibrin-assisted soft-tissue promotion (FASTP) technique has been developed as a means to promote soft-tissue regeneration of mucogingival recessions utilizing PRF. Within the present case report, a 28-year-old male presented with multiple adjacent mucogingival recessions in the maxilla ranging in probing depths (1-3 mm) and gingival recessions (1-5 mm). For optimal regenerative outcomes, the use of advanced PRF (A-PRF; 1300 RPM for 8 min) has been utilized to enhance regenerative outcomes by fully taking advantage of the low-speed centrifugation concept (LSCC). This case report highlights the latest surgical concepts, centrifugation protocols, and use of the LSCC to regenerate multiple adjacent mucogingival recessions in the esthetic zone.

Biomimetic Tissue Engineering Strategies for Craniofacial Applications.

Biomimetics is the science of imitating nature's designs and processes to create innovative solutions for various fields, including dentistry and craniofacial reconstruction. In these areas, biomimetics involves drawing inspiration from living organisms/systems to develop new materials, techniques, and devices that closely resemble natural tissue structures and enhance functionality. This field has successfully demonstrated its potential to revolutionize craniofacial procedures, significantly improving patient outcomes. In dentistry, biomimetics offers exciting possibilities for the advancement of new dental materials, restorative techniques, and regenerative potential. By analyzing the structure/composition of natural teeth and the surrounding tissues, researchers have developed restorative materials that mimic the properties of teeth, as well as regenerative techniques that might assist in repairing enamel, dentin, pulp, cementum, periodontal ligament, and bone. In craniofacial reconstruction, biomimetics plays a vital role in developing innovative solutions for facial trauma, congenital defects, and various conditions affecting the maxillofacial region. By studying the intricate composition and mechanical properties of the skull and facial bones, clinicians and engineers have been able to replicate natural structures leveraging computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and 3D printing. This has allowed for the creation of patient-specific scaffolds, implants, and prostheses that accurately fit a patient's anatomy. This review highlights the current evidence on the application of biomimetics in the fields of dentistry and craniofacial reconstruction.