Parent-Targeted Oral Health Text Messaging for Underserved Children Attending Pediatric Clinics: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Caries is the most common chronic childhood disease, with substantial health disparities.

Objective: To test whether parent-targeted oral health text (OHT) messages outperform child wellness text (CWT) messages on pediatric caries increment and oral health behaviors among underserved children attending pediatric well-child visits.

Design, Setting, And Participants: The parallel randomized clinical trial, Interactive Parent-Targeted Text Messaging in Pediatric Clinics to Reduce Caries Among Urban Children (iSmile), included participants who were recruited during pediatric medical clinic visits at 4 sites in Boston, Massachusetts, that serve low-income and racially and ethnically diverse (herein, underserved) populations.

Effects of epigallocatechin gallate on the development of matrix-rich biofilm.

In this study, we evaluated the impact of Epigalocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on biofilm development for 24 and 46 h using high-resolution confocal laser scanning microscopy. EGCG treatment led to the formation of interspaced exopolysaccharide (EPS)-microcolony complexes unevenly distributed on the surface of hydroxyapatite disc, forming a thinner and less complex biofilm structure with significantly reduced biomass, matrix volume, and thickness compared to the NaCl treated group (negative control). At 46 h, the biofilm of the EGCG-treatment group failed to form the bacterial-EPS superstructures which is characteristic of the biofilm in the negative control group.

Artificial intelligence application in endodontics: A narrative review.

Purpose: This review aimed to explore the scientific literature concerning the methodologies and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of endodontics. The findings may equip dentists with the necessary technical knowledge to understand the opportunities presented by AI.

Materials And Methods: Articles published between 1992 and 2023 were retrieved through an electronic search of Medline via the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.

The influence of the field of view and voxel size on the contrast-to-noise ratio in cone-beam computed tomography imaging.

Purpose: This study investigated the impact of the field of view (FOV), voxel size, and exposure parameters on the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials And Methods: A SedentexCT phantom was scanned using 3D Accuitomo 170 across 3 FOVs (40×40 mm, 60×60 mm, 80×80 mm). Each FOV had 4 settings for kVp and 3 for mA.

Effect of a metal artifact reduction algorithm on cone-beam computed tomography scans of titanium and zirconia implants within and outside the field of view.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of titanium and zirconia implants, both within and outside the field of view (FOV).

Materials And Methods: In this study, a dry human mandible was positioned in a CBCT scanner with only its left quadrant included in the FOV. Each type of implant (titanium and zirconia) was placed once in the right second premolar extraction socket and once in the left second premolar extraction socket of the mandible.

Analysis of root number and canal morphology of maxillary premolars using cone-beam computed tomography.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the number of roots and type of root canals in maxillary first and second premolars within a selected Korean population utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Additionally, it sought to investigate potential differences in these features according to sex and tooth type.

Materials And Methods: CBCT images of 585 maxillary first premolars and 578 maxillary second premolars from 303 patients were retrospectively reviewed.

Ultrasound irradiation in the presence of microbubbles may enhance the antitumor effect of chemotherapeutic agents against bladder cancer.

Intravesical instillation of chemotherapy has been performed to reduce the risk of intravesical recurrence of bladder cancer. However, its antitumor effect is not necessarily sufficient, which may be partially due to inadequate delivery of intravesically administered chemotherapeutic agents to bladder tumors. Ultrasound irradiation to target tissues in the presence of microbubbles is a technique to transiently enhance cell membrane permeability and achieve efficient drug delivery to the desired sites without damage to non-target areas; this technique has been used in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and radiotherapy for the treatment of various cancers.

Targeting cancer with precision: strategical insights into TCR-engineered T cell therapies.

T cell receptor-engineered T (TCR-T) cell therapies are at the forefront of cancer immunotherapy, offering a transformative approach that significantly enhances the ability of T cells to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This innovative method involves genetically modifying TCRs to increase their affinity for tumor-specific antigens. While these enhancements improve the ability of T cells to recognize and bind to antigens on cancer cells, rigorous assessment of specificity remains crucial to ensure safety and targeted responses.

Chronic stress triggers impairments of the redox status of salivary glands associated with different histological responses in rats.

Stress occurs as a reaction to mental and emotional pressure, anxiety, or scarring. Chronic stress is defined as constant submission to these moments. It can affect several body systems, increase blood pressure, and weaken immunity, thereby interfering with physiological health processes.

The determination of patient-based experiences with smartphone-based report of awake bruxism using a diary.

Objectives: In recent years, a smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach for assessing awake bruxism (AB) has attracted growing interest, both in clinical and research settings. The present study was designed to investigate subjects' experience using an EMA-based smartphone application to detect factors that could hamper or facilitate its use for clinical and research purposes.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-two patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) pain (14 males, 18 females; mean age 28.

Esthetic Solutions in Pediatric Patients With Conical Teeth, From Digital Planning to Execution.

The quest for an esthetically pleasing smile is a key driver in seeking dental interventions aimed at achieving a more balanced and harmonious appearance. The purpose of this report is to discuss the restoration of conical lateral incisors in an 11-year-old patient. The treatment approach employed direct composite resin restorations associated with the Digital Smile Design (DSD) technology.

Progressive Pre-Eruptive Coronal Resorption Associated With Enamel Degeneration: A Case Series.

The purpose of this article is to present three cases of a rare phenomenon called pre-eruptive coronal resorption (PCR), which occurs in teeth with enamel degeneration. In the first case, the enamel defects occurred due to ectodermal dysplasia, which represents the first documented case of a patient with ectodermal dysplasia who underwent PCR. In the other two cases, the enamel defects occurred due to amelogenesis imperfecta.

Pedicle ossification following mandibular reconstruction using fibular free flap in a patient with osteoradionecrosis of the jaw: a case report.

Pedicle ossification is a rare but significant complication following mandibular reconstruction using a fibular free flap (FFF), a technique widely employed in maxillofacial surgery due to its reliable vascularized bone supply and low donor site morbidity. The FFF supports dental implantation and prosthetic rehabilitation, with its vascularized periosteum enhancing osteogenic potential. Despite these advantages, unexpected ossification of the flap's vascular pedicle may occur, potentially mimicking tumor recurrence and causing diagnostic uncertainty.

Long-term clinical study of fixed prosthetic rehabilitation using one-piece narrow-diameter implants: a retrospective study.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of one-piece narrow-diameter implants (NDIs), with diameters of 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm, and to investigate the factors that affect marginal bone loss (MBL) around these implants.

Retrospective analysis of characteristics of patients presenting to the emergency room following dental treatment.

Objectives: This study is a retrospective analysis of patients who visited the emergency room (ER) following dental treatment over a period of 3 years, with the aim to enhance the understanding of emergency situations that may arise after dental procedures and to develop appropriate postoperative management and emergency care methods.

Patients And Methods: A total of 796 emergency patients whose visits were attributed to dental procedures, of 4,241 patients who visited the ER at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital from January 2021 to January 2024, was included in the study. Patients were categorized based on the reason for visit into bleeding, inflammation, and other categories.

Current options in jaw and facial reconstructions.

In recent years, many advances have been made in surgical fields of oral and maxillofacial reconstruction, and the variety and complexity of available surgical approaches consider different functionalities of the jaw and the aesthetics of the face. There is no validated or scientifically proven basis for deciding which flap to use for reconstruction, so decisions are often made based on the direct and indirect experiential knowledge of the reconstructive surgeon. Considering the modified ladder, elevator, and pie reconstructive options, their risk and donor morbidity, and their long-term outcomes, the simplest option that will achieve the best long-term outcome in terms of form and function and with the lowest donor morbidity should be chosen for the patient's health and social welfare.

Profiling of the microbes on the surface of smartphone touchscreens.

The commensal microbiota of the finger-skin before and after ethanol disinfection were characterized and compared with the microbes isolated from the surface of smartphone touchscreens. The number of bacteria on the smartphone touchscreens was low, similar to that on the fingers after ethanol disinfection, suggesting that the surface of the touchscreens may not be suitable for the growth of microorganisms, rather than the surface of the fingers. Furthermore, ethanol disinfection reduced the number of bacteria on the finger-skin to 1/13 of the original count before disinfection.

Apical periodontitis and systemic health: a bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most-cited publications.

Background: Bibliometric analysis quantitatively measures the impact of scientific articles within their respective fields, with citation counts being a key indicator of influence. This study aimed to identify the top 100 most-cited articles related to apical periodontitis (AP) and systemic health, analyzing their main characteristics.

Methods: The top 100 most-cited articles were identified using Web of Science (WoS).

Guided intentional replantation of a mandibular premolar with type IIIIb dens invaginatus associated with peri-invagination periodontitis without root canal treatment- A case report.

Aim: This report highlights successful management of a rare case of a mandibular premolar with Oehler's Type IIIb Dens Invaginatus (DI) and peri-invagination periodontitis with guided intentional replantation (IR) without root canal treatment.

Methods: A 22-year-old female patient reported with discomfort and a sinus tract associated with tooth #21. Clinical examination and cone beam computed tomography revealed tooth #21 had an Oehler's Type IIIb DI with peri-invagination periodontitis.

The novel assessment to explore the cutting performance of rotary instruments using dynamic finite element analysis with failure mode.

Introduction: The separation of nickel-titanium endodontic instruments due to excessive torque adversely affects treatment outcomes. Previous studies have analyzed torque values under static conditions and failed to accurately simulate the dynamic conditions of instruments within root canals. This study aimed to apply a novel finite element analysis (FEA) to assess the real-time dynamic performance of nickel-titanium endodontic instruments during operation in root canals.

Assessment of Silver-Copper Co-Loaded Mesoporous Bioactive Glass as an Advanced Pulp-Capping Material.

Objectives: To evaluate the multifunctionality of silver-copper co-loaded mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG), with the goal of developing an advanced pulp-capping material.

Methods: The synthesis of materials was conducted using the sol-gel method, following the approach described in previous studies but with some modifications. The composition included 80 mol% SiO₂, 15 mol% CaO, and 5 mol% P₂O₅, with additional components of 5 mol% silver, 5 mol% copper, or 1 mol% silver combined with 4 mol% copper, designated as Ag5/80S, Cu5/80S, or Ag1Cu4/80S, respectively.

Clinical evaluation of the accuracy of two face scanners with different scanning technologies.

Objectives: This study compared the clinical accuracy of two different stationary face scanners, employing progressive capture and multi-view simultaneous capture scanning technologies.

Methods: Forty dentate volunteers participated in the study. Soft tissue landmarks were marked with a pen on the participants' faces to measure the distances between them.

Longitudinal Observational Digital Analysis of Occlusion in Hall Technique.

Objective: To evaluate volumetric changes over time in teeth treated with the Hall Technique (HT) and their opposing teeth. Secondary aims included assessing occluso-vertical dimension (OVD), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function, and children's treatment perceptions.

Methods: Twenty-eight children (5-9 years-old) requiring HT treatment for one first primary molar were recruited.