Journal of Oral Research

Significant challenges to conducting research on people with special needs in chile

Lorena-Mirtala Orellana — 2025-04-30

Clinical practice and research play a key role in ensuring high-quality university-level instruction in dentistry. Research, in particular, enables continuous assessment of whether the content delivered to both undergraduate and graduate students remains up-to-date and relevant.

Breaking through barriers: the potential of dental students in multicenter studies

Giancarlo Pares-Ballasco — 2025-04-27

Is it possible for dental students to carry out multicenter studies? Before the formation of the Sociedades Científicas de Estudiantes de Odontología (SCEO) and their integration into the Asociación Nacional Científica de Estudiantes de Odontología del Perú (ANACEOP), the viability of such a feat could be considered unlikely.¹....

Envisioning dentistry's future: highlighting self-care and hygiene amid the challenges of the WHO global oral health action plan

Cesar Rivera — 2025-05-05

The global burden of oral diseases, despite decades of advances in dentistry, has remained persistently high, with little change in incidence or prevalence over the past 30 years

Territorial inequalities in oral health among children and adolescents: the cases of Biobío and Ñuble as risk factors in Chile

Raúl Flores-Cartes — 2025-05-05

Factors related to oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice among adolescent in Jember, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study

Elyda Misrohmasari — 2025-04-28

Aim: The study aimed to analyze the factors related to oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice among adolescents in Jember, Indonesia.
Material and Methods: The population of this study was junior secondary school students in Jember, Indonesia. Sampling was generated using cluster random sampling with a total of 398 students from eight different schools. A questionnaire on oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices was given to the students. Data on the family's socioeconomic characteristics were collected from the school database of parents. The correlation of socioeconomic status (gender, school, mother and father education, father and mother occupation, monthly income, number of children) and oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice were first analyzed statistically using the univariate Spearman test (p<0.05). Significant correlation variables from univariate analysis were then entered into a multi-regression model to find the strongest predictor of oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice (p<0.05).
Results: The age of adolescents in this study was 12-16. Multi regression analysis showed a significant relation between gender, ethnicity, school, and oral health knowledge. Females were more likely to have higher knowledge than males (p=0.003). Students from public schools were more likely to have a higher knowledge than students from private schools (p=0.000). Javanese adolescents have significantly higher knowledge than Maduranese (p=0.028) or other ethics (p=0.022). Mother education and gender were significantly associated with the attitude. Adolescents with higher mother education were more likely to have higher attitude scores (p=0.000). Females were significantly related to higher attitude scores (p=0.016).
Conclusions: This study highlights the need for an oral health promotion program among adolescents in Jember, Indonesia, that addresses socioeconomic backgrounds, predominantly male, students from private schools and uneducated mothers.
Keywords: Oral health; Adolescent health; Health knowledge, attitudes, practice; Social determinants of health; Health inequities; Gender inequity.

Health literacy, self-reported oral health, and oral health–related quality of life among adolescents in San Fabián, Chile, 2023

Osvaldo Aránguiz-Genel — 2025-05-05

Introduction: Health literacy, the ability to access, understand, evaluate, and apply relevant information, plays a key role in making informed decisions about health. Promoting health literacy from early childhood may help reduce disparities in oral health. This study aimed to examine the relationship between health literacy, perceived oral health, and oral health-related quality of life among adolescents in San Fabián, Chile.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted involving 122 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, selected through stratified sampling. Health literacy and oral health–related quality of life were assessed using the HLS-EU-Q16 and OHIP-14 questionnaires, respectively. Perceived oral health was measured using a single validated question. The strength of the relationships between variables was evaluated through correlation analysis.
Results: A total of 62.3% of adolescents showed inadequate and problematic levels of health literacy. Despite reporting good brushing habits, gaps were identified in flossing and regular dental visits. Health literacy was positively associated with perceived oral health and oral health-related quality of life.
Conclusions: This study highlighted the importance of improving health literacy among adolescents in a rural area. It is suggested that health promotion efforts and dental services be tailored to the health literacy levels of Chilean youth to enhance their oral health and overall quality of life.

Oral health information and access to dental care in peruvian children: a study of a national health survey database

Natalie Hadad-Arrascue — 2025-05-05

Introduction: Certain diseases of the oral cavity are associated with adopting inadequate health behaviors, where oral health information plays an essential role in preventing these conditions.
Objectives: To analyze the association between access to dental care and oral health information in Peruvian children.
Material and Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional design utilizing data from the 2021 Demographic and Family Health Survey database. The study focused on records of children under 12 who provided information regarding their access to oral health information. Independent variables encompassed access to dental care, time since the last care, and the place of care, with additional inclusion of covariates. Descriptive evaluations of the variables were conducted, followed by bivariate and multivariate analyses using Poisson regression. The statistical significance was established at a 95% confidence level, with p-value <0.05.
Results: Access to oral health information was oral health was 44.66% (n=11262); on the other hand, access to dental care reached 55.77% (n=13007), 12.37% (n=1507) expressed that their care was within the last two years and the main place of care was the Peruvian Ministry of Health with 45.51% (n=7396). Natural region, area of residence, place of residence, altitude, wealth index, health insurance coverage, and age were associated with access to oral health information. Access to oral health information showed a significant association with access to dental care (aPR: 1.72; 95%CI:1.59-1.86; p<0.001).
Conclusions: Peruvian children's access to dental care services and the time elapsed since the last dental care are associated with receiving information on oral health. Receiving care at the Social Health Insurance system was negatively associated.

Comparison in the estimation of the age of majority according to the demirjian indices and the third molar of cameriere using cone beam tomography in a peruvian population

Martín Lopez-Muñoz — 2025-05-05

Objetive: To compare majority age estimation according to Demirjian's method and Cameriere's third molar maturity index using cone-beam computed tomography in patients who attended the Maxillofacial Diagnostic Institute during 2014-2018, Lima- Peru.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional and analytical analysis was performed evaluating 492 lower third molars corresponding to 38 and 48 teeth. Patients included were between 12 and 23 years-old and were of both sexes. Data obtained were analyzed with a double entry frequencies distribution table. Sensitivity, specificity tests, and plotting on a ROC curve were selected to assess the methods capacity to estimate the majority age.
Results: Sensitivity values for Demirjian's and Cameriere's indexes were 0.80 and 0.70. Specificity values were 0.87 and 0.93, respectively. The AUC for Demirjian's and Cameriere's indexes were 0.84 (0.79-0.88) and 0.81 (0.77-0.86) respectively and the Delong test p-value was > 0.05.
Conclusions: There was no difference on majority age estimation accuracy according to Demirjian's method and Cameriere's third molar maturity index using cone-beam computed tomography.

Perception of students and teachers on the use of simulation in imaging

Macarena Rodríguez-Luengo — 2025-04-30

Introduction: Simulation is used to teach and practice radiographic image acquisition through the use of an ideal model or phantom that reproduces the ideal intraoral characteristics of a patient. It utilizes real X-ray equipment, allowing for standardized and repeatable practice. This study aims to understand the perception of learning periapical radiographic image acquisition with a phantom among teachers and students who took imaging courses between 2020 and 2022 at the Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar campus, Chile.
Material and Methods: An observational, descriptive, quantitative study with a convenience sample of 201 students and 3 teachers. The Barsuk questionnaire was applied to measure learning perception, with 7 questions rated on a 5-point Likert scale, plus a dichotomous question leading to an open-ended question. Data were analyzed with SPSS statistical software, and measures of central tendency, Chi-square, and Z-test (p<0.05) were observed.
Results: Students had a positive perception (p<0.05) regarding useful feedback, the mandatory nature of the phantom practice, and that this experience improves their preparation. The realism of the phantom obtained the lowest mean (2= Disagree). Teachers expressed a positive perception (median= 5) in all statements except for the realism of the phantom (median= 2).
Conclusions: Both students and teachers perceive the use of phantoms for radiographic image acquisition practice positively; therefore, its use is suggested for teaching imaging in dentistry.

Volumetric assessment of internal voids and shear bond strength of primer based and non-primer based orthodontic adhesives - an in vitro study

Anjusha Divakar — 2025-05-30

Aim: The aim of this study was volumetric evaluation and comparison of internal voids and shear bond strength (SBS) between primer-based adhesives (PB) and non-primer-based adhesives (NPB).
Material and Methods: Extracted 40 human maxillary premolar teeth were bonded with four different adhesives - group 1: Ormco enlight, group 2: Transbond XT, group 3: Aqualine LC, group 4: Orthofix SPA, followed by three-dimensional microscopic tomographic valuation of the adhesive - tooth bracket interface. The images were reconstructed and 3D volumetric visualisation for mean void volume was performed. Shear bond strength (SBS) assessment was also performed.After shear mode testing, each tooth's enamel surface was examined to determine the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI), which assesses the amount of adhesive remaining after debonding. Data was tabulated and SPSS software was used for statistical analysis with level of significance set at 0.05.
Results: A statistically significant difference (p-value-0.000) in mean void volume and void percentage was observed. SBS showed a statistically significant difference between the groups. (p-value-0.000). ARI scores with the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed statistically significant differences (p-value= 0.000)
Conclusions: Teeth bonded with NPB adhesive (Aqualine LC) had the highest void volume. Teeth bonded with PB adhesive (Transbond XT) had the highest SBS. Minimal adhesive remnants on enamel were noted for teeth bonded with PB adhesives (Transbond XT & Ormco enlight). Ormco Enlight and Transbond XT left little to no adhesive (Scores 0 and 1), while Aqualine LC and Orthofix SPA had higher adhesive retention (Scores 2 and 3).

Self-perception of smile aesthetics and oral health-related quality of life in Peruvian adolescents

Nicholle Pérez-Pérez — 2025-04-29

Objetive: To assess how adolescents’ self-perception of smile aesthetics (SSA) is related to their oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL).
Material and Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study carried out in a sample of 270 adolescents from 12 to 18 years old (mean age: 14.91 ± 1.98) attending a public school in Lima, Peru. Two questionnaires on the Smile Perception Impact-related Quality of Life (SPIRQoL) and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) were translated and adapted demonstrating their validity (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin ≥ 0.9; Bartlett Test p< 0.001) and reliability (α ≥ 0.893) before being applied in person. The Mann-Whitney U, Chi square and Spearman correlation statistical tests were used to examine variable relationships at p<0.05.
Results: The majority of adolescents had a positive SSA (88.9%) and a low OHIP-14 score (58.5%). The SPIRQoL score was 13 [IQR = 14] and the OHIP-14 score was 5 [IQR = 12]. The SPIRQoL score was not associated with age (p≥ 0.05) but was higher in women than in men (p= 0.025). The OHIP-14 score was similar by sex and age. A high positive correlation was found between the total and the partial scores adjusted for sex and age between the SPIRQoL and the OHIP-14 (rho = 0.665 - 0.666; p< 0.01).
Conclusions: SSA and OHRQoL in adolescents were found to be highly related, regardless of sex and age.

Resilience as a predictor of empathetic behaviour in dentistry students

Mildred Sandoval — 2025-10-01

Introduction: Empathy is an important attribute in the relationship between the health professional and the patient and is responsible for establishing the intersubjective relationship between them. However, empathy could be modulated by exogenous factors where one of them could be resilience. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that resilience serves as a predictor of empathy. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether resilience can predict empathy.
Material and Methods: A non-experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted. The levels of two latent constructs were measured: individual resilience and student-patient empathy. Population: Dentistry students at the Universidad Autónoma de Santa Ana, El Salvador. The sample was chosen based on the voluntary participation of students in this research. The sample is convenience-based. Resilience was considered as the independent variable and empathy as the dependent variable. There is no established theory fully supporting the nature of these variables. A Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was applied to determine the relationship between both variables.
Results: It was found that resilience is capable of predicting empathy. Specifically, the engineering dimension negatively and significantly predicts all dimensions of empathy. The adaptation dimension of resilience negatively and significantly predicts the CC (Compassionate Care) and WIPS (Walking in the Patient's Shoes) dimensions of empathy, and finally, the ecological dimension positively and significantly predicts all dimensions of empathy. The negative and significant predictions are explained based on the students' responses, which may reflect their concept of themselves in relation to resilience.
Conclusions: There is a relationship between resilience and empathy. The findings could constitute empirical elements that could contribute to verifying a working hypothesis consistent with describing resilience as a predictor variable of empathy.

Severity of malocclusions and its relationship with Quality of Life in children according to socioeconomic level in the La Araucanía Region, Chile

Álvaro Jerez Daza — 2025-05-05

Introduction: The Malocclusion-Associated Quality of Life (MAQOL) evaluates the impact of malocclusions on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life. The relationship between MAQOL and the severity of malocclusions and socioeconomic status is not clear and has not been studied in Chile. The aim of this research was to determine the level of MAQOL in children aged 10 to 16 years and to determine if there are differences according to the severity of malocclusion and the Community Development Index (CDI).
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional and inferential study was carried out with stratified probabilistic sampling with proportional allocation. 306 subjects were randomly selected from schools in the La Araucanía Region. The Dental Aesthetic Index and the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire were applied. Descriptive analysis and non-parametric Chi-Square test were performed to determine associations. p<0.05 was chosen as the threshold for significance.
Results: The frequency of malocclusions was 45.8% minor malocclusion, 23.1% defined malo-cclusion, 17% severe malocclusion, and 14.1% very severe malocclusion. The MAQOL was poor (34%). Children with minor malocclusion presented a median MAQOL (33.6%), while those with defined, severe, and very severe malocclusion presented a poor MAQOL (36.6%, 46.2%, and 41.9% respectively), there was no relationship between CDI and MAQOL. The differences between cities of different IDC were not statistically significant.
Conclusions: The severity of malocclusion, by itself, is not capable of significantly interfering with MAQOL, nor is the socioeconomic environment, suggesting that the impact on MAQOL is influenced by psychological parameters of each individual.

Instruments for measuring anxiety in dental students: a bibliometric analysis

Sebastian Zamorano — 2025-05-05

Introduction: Mental health, and anxiety in particular, is a critical area of research among dental students. The dimensions and sources of anxiety within this population are diverse. Bibliometric tools offer a quantitative approach to evaluating the current status and development of research on these topics. Objective: To conduct a bibliometric analysis of scientific articles available in PubMed that reference the instruments used to measure anxiety in dental students between 2003 and 2023.
Material and Methods: A unique search strategy was used in PubMed (("Anxiety" [Mesh] AND "Students" [Mesh])) AND (“School of Dentistry" [Mesh] OR "Dentistry" [Mesh]), with MeSH terms and Boolean operators defined in advance. Inclusion criteria applied were articles published in English between 2003 and 2023. Data collection was carried out in November 2023.
Results: Fifty-one articles were identified that met the search criteria. The most commonly used instrument for measuring anxiety was self-developed, accounting for 37.7%. A total of 56.9% of the articles were published in Q2 journals, with the Journal of Dental Education being the one with the largest number of publications. Brazil led in the number of individual studies, representing 15.7% of the sample; however, Europe, as a continent, accounted for 37.8% of the research output.
Conclusions: Anxiety is increasingly becoming an important issue in dental practice. A considerable proportion of studies uses self-developed instruments, with approximately one-third of them lacking validation. Furthermore, there is a significant number of publications in Q2 journals.

Treatment needs and oral health status of institutionalized deaf and non-speaking children compared to typically developing children in Ahmedabad city

Jina Jani — 2025-05-05

Aim and Objective: To assess and compare the oral health status and treatment needs in institutionalized deaf and non speaking children to typically developing children in Ahmedabad city, Gujarat, India.
Material and Methods: A total 2200 children aged between 5-15 years were included in the study, Group I: 1100 typically developing, and Group II: 1100 deaf and non-speaking children. A customized proforma was used to evaluate oral health status and treatment needs.
Results: There was an overall higher caries experience as well as preventive, restorative and orthodontic treatment needs in deaf and non-speaking children compared to typically developing children.
Conclusions: This study showed the need for restorative and orthodontic treatment in the deaf non-speaking pediatric population with increased lack of dental care access for sensory-impaired children.

Oral Health Care Practices of Adolescents from Cordoba, Argentina, in the COVID-19 scenery

Lila Susana Cornejo — 2025-05-05

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the measures adopted for its mitigation especially those aimed at preventive social isolation generated multi ple changes in the daily dynamics of most people's lives. Recent research by UNICEF shows that the COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on the mental health of adolescents and young people in Latin America and the Caribbean. Although fortunately the changes were not always negative, it was found that a significant proportion of this group felt less motivated to carry out their usual activities. In this context, we can consider the possibility of changes in health care practices that may have a negative impact on the current and future oral health status of adolescents. Aim: To understand behaviors related to adolescent health care practices in the context of COVID-19.
Material and Methods: The study population consisted of 31 adolescents (10 males and 21 females), who attended for emergency (n=14) and orthodontic treatment control (n=17), at the Dentistry Service of the San Roque Hospital, in the city of Cordoba, Argentina, during the months of April and May 2021. During the pandemic, a self-administered survey was applied to identify oral health-related practices.
Results: The mean age of adolescents surveyed was 16.84 years and 29.03% had COVID-19. The reason for consultation of 47% of the participants was for emergency (pain), and 53% for an orthodontic check-up. Of the participants, 96.66% used a toothbrush, 29.03% used dental floss and 93.55% used toothpaste. During the pandemic, 33.33% of adolescents increased the frequency of brushing; 53.33% changed eating habits, 35% consumed more cariogenic foods; 19.35% started drinking alcohol; 26% could not continue their studies and 19.35% worked before and during the pandemic.
Conclusions: Although our results do not allow us to assert that the COVID-19 pandemic has produced substantial modifications in relation to oral health practices, they do show changes in habits that alert us to the need for different health promotion actions aimed at this age group.

Immunohistochemical visualization of human dental pulp neural development by detection of NF-H and nestin

Cristina Retana-Lobo — 2025-05-05

Objective: To descriptively assess the expression of Neurofilament heavy (NFH) and Nestin in the dental pulp (DP).
Material and Methods: Fifteen human teeth were extracted and classified according to three Moorrees tooth development stages: initial root formation (Ri), root length ½ (R1/2), and root length complete (Rc). Immunohistochemical assays were performed for NFH and Nestin and analyzed under light microscopy. Images for each antibody immunoexpression in tissue sections from each stage of root development were qualitatively analyzed to evaluate the spatial distribution for each antibody.
Results: Paraffin-embedded tooth sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin showed an apical cell-rich zone between the DP and the apical papilla. NFH was expressed in the core of the dental pulp as bundles of nerve fibers and sprouts. NFH immunostaining is closely associated with arteries and capillaries in all the developmental stages samples. Neuroepithelial stem cell protein (Nestin) was highly expressed in differentiated odontoblasts in the predentin odontoblast and odontoblast cell processes, indicating a reservoir of newly differentiated odontoblast-like cells.
Conclusions: Nestin is a crucial antibody in the early stages of dental pulp tissue development, and NFH remains in the core of mature dental pulp suggesting its role in the tissue's homeostasis. Successful tissue regeneration depends directly on forming a functional vascular network and innervation. Therefore, the full comprehension of the biological features provides valuable insights into the complex challenge of regenerating dental pulp innervation.

Optimizing correction of class II malocclusion with miniplate-assisted en-masse maxillary arch distalization: A Case Report

Nikunj Maniyar — 2025-05-05

Objetive: In the management of Class II malocclusion, distalization of maxillary teeth has proven to be an effective and established method, offering an alternative to extraction-based treatment modalities. Traditional en-masse maxillary arch distalization approaches have evolved, giving way to more sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing methods that prioritize patient comfort. Temporary Skeletal Anchorage Devices (TSADs) have become instrumental in this paradigm shift, with miniplates emerging as a particularly advantageous choice.
Material and Methods: This case report outlines the successful treatment of a Class II malocclusion in an adult female patient, wherein bilateral miniplates were strategically employed for total maxillary arch distalization.
Results: The utilization of miniplates demonstrated superiority over other TSADs, showcasing enhanced stability, effectiveness, and predictability in achieving optimal treatment outcomes. In the pursuit of not only correcting the malocclusion but also preserving facial profiles, the described method proved to be adept at achieving functional and aesthetic goals.
Conclusions: This contemporary approach to orthodontic intervention underscores the continual refinement and advancement in orthodontic techniques, ultimately contributing to a more patient-centric and esthetically conscious field of practice.

Large Resorptive Lesions: Endodontist’s Dilemma to Treat or Extract?

Shivangi Vats — 2025-05-05

Case Report: 38-year-old male complained of discolored upper front teeth. Cone Beam CT scan confirmed the clinical diagnosis of invasive cervical resorption (ICR) teeth 11, 21. The treatment plan was a stepwise process, involving extraction of 21, immediate denture placement, followed by restoration of resorption defect tooth 11 and prosthetic replacement tooth 21. The patient was asymptomatic clinically and radiographically at 3-, 6- and 18-months intervals.

Discussion: Due to enigmatic etiology, ICR is often misdiagnosed and mistreated. Thus, proper diagnosis and treatment planning is vital for a successful outcome. This report helps in establishing standardized protocol in diagnosis and treatment of ICR.

Mandibular ossifying fibroma: resection and reconstruction with iliac crest graft using virtual planning – A case report

Pablo Tenorio-Peñafiel — 2025-05-05

Objetive: Ossifying fibroma is a benign bone neoplasm that predominantly affects the mandible and is classified as a fibroosseous lesion. Although generally asymptomatic, it can present with symptoms such as edema, paresthesia, and pain due to the destruction of the mandibular architecture.
Case Report: This report presents the case of a 47-year-old patient with a recurrent mandibular ossifying fibroma subjected to resection and reconstruction with a bone graft of the iliac crest. Initially, the patient was treated with enucleation and curettage, but the lesion recurred after eight years. Upon reevaluation, imaging revealed a well-defined mixed radiopaque lesion extending along the mandibular body. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ossifying fibroma. Given the recurrence and size of the lesion, a more radical approach was chosen, including segmental resection and reconstruction using a custom-made iliac crest graft.
The entire procedure was meticulously planned using virtual surgical planning, allowing for precise resection and reconstruction, minimizing surgical time and improving outcomes. The postoperative recovery was favorable, with excellent aesthetic and functional results. Complete resection, rather than curettage, and the appropriate use of bone grafts are essential to minimize recurrence and ensure proper recovery.
Conclusions: Long-term surveillance is crucial to detect and manage any early recurrence, thus ensuring a favorable prognosis for the patient.

Evaluation of the Stability of Achieved Vertical Tooth Movement with Skeletal Anchorage: A Systematic Review

Víctor Ravelo — 2025-04-30

Introduction: Skeletal anchorage is an effective and predictable complement during fixed orthodontic treatment since it allows tooth movements on the three dimensions. This study aims to evaluate the stability of vertical tooth movements using skeletal anchorage after six months of the retention stage.
Material and Methods: A systematic search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Lilacs databases from January 2012 to May 2023. All the articles were selected by applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the randomized clinical trials was evaluated using the Cochrane ROBINS-I tool.
Results: Five articles were obtained, all studies with a prospective design. A total of 114 patients was obtained, ranging in age between 21 and 41 years. The minimum follow-up time was 5 months, and the maximum 24 months. All studies showed significant changes when performing vertical tooth movements using skeletal anchorage during orthodontic treatment. Millimetric recurrences were observed between 6 and 36 months in the retention stage with no clinically significant differences. Four studies were classified as moderate in the overall risk of bias assessment, while one was classified as serious. In conclusion, the movements of tooth intrusion with skeletal anchorage in the maxilla cause significant changes during treatment. Meanwhile, when evaluating the stability of the intrusion movements, millimetric changes are observed with no statistical differences.
Conclusions: Studies with greater methodological rigor are needed, which follow up with three-dimensional imaging of tooth movement and which, in addition, assess the amount of force and its association with the amount of recurrence in the vertical movement.

Geographical variations in root canal anatomy of permanent molars: a systematic review

Alain M. Chaple Gil — 2025-04-28

Introduction: The anatomical variability in root canal systems of permanent molars presents significant challenges for endodontic treatment, which still need to be explored. Objective: To synthesize scientific evidence on geographical variations in the number of root canals in permanent molars.
Material and Methods: A systematic review was conducted at the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, analyzing the number of root canals in permanent molars. Primary studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were included, focusing on the anatomical details of root canals. Clinical case studies, editorials, and studies without specific root canal information were excluded. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for relevant studies published from 1971 to 2023. Sensitivity analysis assessed the impact of methodological quality on the results. Findings were synthesized by geographical region, describing the prevalence of different root canal configurations.
Results: Data from 93 studies encompassing 60,402 molars were analyzed. Significant geographical variations in root canal anatomy were observed. In Africa, first and second upper molars typically had three root canals (45.62% and 41.31%), as did first and second lower molars (59.79% and 67.55%). In America, upper first molars predominantly had four root canals (56.66%). In Asia, most molars had three root canals, except for lower third molars which commonly had two or three canals (42.88% and 57.12%). In Europe, molars generally had three root canals, except for lower third molars which lacked specific data. In Oceania, upper first molars frequently had six root canals (65%).
Conclusions: Significant geographical variations in root canal anatomy of permanent molars were observed, with distinct patterns among different continents. These findings call for standardized, comprehensive research, particularly in underrepresented areas and on third molars, to better inform clinical practice and add to global understanding of molar anatomy.
Clinical significance: Understanding regional root canal variations improves endodontic treatment planning and accuracy. Thus, this knowledge is fundamental for adapting techniques and should inform dental education.

Clinical and histopathological presentation of Histoplasmosis in the oral cavity - A Systematic review

Poonguzhalnalli Kumar — 2025-05-30

Objective: Oral lesions can be an early indicator of systemic histoplasmosis, especially in immunocompromised patients. The main aim of this review was to summarise demographic and clinical findings and correlate them with histopathological findings.
Material and Methods: The literature search included articles published on oral histoplasmosis from databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and EMBASE. The included articles provided information regarding sociodemographic and clinical data, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection status, histopathological features, treatment, and outcome. This review included 30 case reports encompassing a total of 92 individual cases, of which 34 were HIV‑positive.
Results: The oral manifestation was observed as a disseminated form in all HIV patients. Oral histoplasmosis is clinically presented as a painful ulcerated lesion commonly seen in the tongue, gingiva, palate, and buccal mucosa. Histopathologically, sheets of histiocytes with yeast-like cells, inflammatory infiltrate, and multinucleated giant cells were seen. Histopathological findings are essential for an early diagnosis of oral histoplasmosis since it could mimic other diseases clinically. Itraconazole was found to be an effective treatment for oral histoplasmosis.
Conclusions: Oral lesions of histoplasmosis can occur in non-endemic countries and immunocompetent individuals. Histopathological findings are essential for an early diagnosis of oral histoplasmosis since it could mimic other diseases clinically.

The adjunct probiotics in the periodontal treatment of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Laís Rezende Carvalho Chaves — 2025-05-30

Background: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can promote health benefits. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of probiotics as an adjunct to periodontal therapy in patients with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Material and Methods: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, Cochrane, Embase and Scopus databases and OpenGrey and Clinical Trials, without language or date restrictions. Studies that investigated probiotic treatment as an adjunct to periodontal therapy in patients with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes were included. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed in duplicate. A meta-analysis was conducted, reporting the mean difference (MD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results: A total of 149 references were screened, with three studies meeting inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis from two studies revealed no significant difference between individuals undergoing probiotic treatment as an adjunct to periodontal therapy and those undergoing periodontal therapy alone for probing depth (MD=0.10, CI=-0.12–0.32, I²=0%) and clinical attachment level (MD=-0.12, CI=-0.43 – 0.18, I²=0%) at 3 months. Two studies were classified as low risk of bias and one was classified as moderate risk of bias.
Conclusions: The addition of probiotics to periodontal therapy in individuals with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus did not show additional benefits compared to periodontal treatment alone.