Background/Objectives: The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry is becoming increasingly significant, particularly in diagnosis and treatment planning. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision of AI-driven software in analyzing dental panoramic radiographs (DPRs) in patients with permanent dentition. Methods: Out of 638 DPRs, 600 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The radiographs were analyzed by AI software and two researchers. The following variables were assessed: (1) missing tooth, (2) root canal filling, (3) endodontic lesion, (4) implant, (5) abutment, (6) pontic, (7) crown, (8) and sound tooth. Results: The study revealed very high performance metrics for the AI algorithm in detecting missing teeth, root canal fillings, and implant abutment crowns, all greater than 90%. However, it demonstrated moderate sensitivity and precision in identifying endodontic lesions and the lowest precision (65.30%) in detecting crowns. Conclusions: AI software can be a valuable tool in clinical practice for diagnosis and treatment planning but may require additional verification by clinicians, especially for identifying endodontic lesions and crowns. Due to some limitations of the study, further research is recommended.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to validate the hypothesis that intra-articular injections into the inferior temporomandibular joint compartment are more efficient than analogous superior compartment interventions. Publications reporting differences between the above-mentioned techniques in the domains of revealing articular pain, decreasing the Helkimo index, and abolishing mandibular mobility limitation were included. Medical databases covered by the Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, and Scopus engines were searched. The risk of bias was assessed using dedicated Cochrane tools (RoB2, ROBINS-I). The results were visualized with tables, charts, and a funnel plot. Six reports describing five studies with a total of 342 patients were identified. Of these, four trials on a total of 337 patients were qualified for quantitative synthesis. Each eligible report was at moderate risk of bias. From 19% to 51% improvement in articular pain, 12–20% lower Helkimo index, and 5–17% higher maximum mouth opening were observed. The evidence was limited by the small number of eligible studies, discrepancies regarding the substances used, possible biases, and the differences in observation times and scheduled follow-up visits. Despite the above, the advantage of inferior over superior compartment temporomandibular joint intra-articular injections is unequivocal and encourages further research in this direction.

This systematic review aims to analyze the outcomes of the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular pain (AP) and restricted maximum mouth opening (MMO) with intra-articular administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The inclusion criteria allowed primary studies involving AP and/or MMO pre-treatment and post-intervention values. Medical databases that were covered by ACM Digital, BASE, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science engines were searched. The risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. The results were tabulated, plotted, and analyzed for regression. A total of 5 studies involving 51 patients/69 TMJs were identified, and 4 studies on 50 patients/67 TMJs were synthesized. Interventions were each time effective in decreasing AP and increasing MMO in a 6-month follow-up period by an average of about 85% and over 40%, respectively. Regression analysis showed a good fit of the logarithmic model for AP relief (5.8 − 0.8 ln x; R² = 0.90) and MMO increase (33.5 + 2.4 ln x; R² = 0.89). The results for AP and MMO were based on 3 studies in 39 patients and 4 studies in 50 patients, respectively, all at high risk of bias. The intra-articular administration of MSCs to TMJs, based on weak evidence, may be highly effective in reducing AP and improving MMO. This study received no funding.

This mapping review aims to identify and discuss current research directions on intracavitary temporomandibular joints (TMJs) injections. The inclusion criteria allowed studies published in the last full six years, based on patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), treated by TMJ intra-articular injections. Medical databases covered by the Association for Computing Machinery, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, PubMed, and Elsevier Scopus engines were searched. The results were visualized with tables, charts, and diagrams. Of the 2712 records identified following the selection process, 152 reports were qualified for review. From January 2017, viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid (HA) was the best-documented injectable administered into TMJ cavities. However, a significant growing trend was observed in the number of primary studies on centrifuged blood preparations administrations that surpassed the previously leading HA from 2021.

The aim of this review was to systematically map the research on the intra-articular administration of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF) to the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Medical databases covered by the ACM, BASE, Google, NLM, and ResearchGate were searched on 23 February 2023. The assessment of the level of evidence was based on the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 scale. The risk of bias was assessed for randomized controlled trials with the RoB2 tool. Extracted data were tabulated, and the changes in effect values were calculated. A total of eight studies qualified, of which five trials on 213 patients were randomized and controlled (RCTs). In each of the RTC study groups, arthrocentesis was performed, and 1–2 mL per joint of I-PRF (700 rpm/3 min/60 g centrifugation) was administered. Articular pain in three months decreased to 0–25% of the initial pre-interventional values in the study and 38–50% in the control groups. Mandible mobility increased to 121–153% and 115–120% in the I-PRF groups and controls, respectively. The main limitations of the evidence were the small number of RCTs and the lack of any RCT study groups receiving I-PRF without prior arthrocentesis. In conclusion, supplementing the temporomandibular joint rinsing with I-PRF administration further relieves pain and improves mandible mobility. The lack of RCTs on the intra-articular administration of I-PRF as a stand-alone procedure encourages further research. This research received no external funding. The review protocol has not been previously published.

This rapid review summarizes the latest primary research in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injection treatment. The final literature searches were conducted on 4 January 2024. Selection was performed systematically following predefined eligibility criteria. Randomized control trials concerning the treatment of TMJ disorders with intra-articular injections were included. Studies on more invasive interventions were excluded. Quality of life, joint pain and range of mandibular mobility were assessed. Ultimately, 12 studies covering a total of 603 patients qualified. They concerned: (1) arthrocentesis (AC) and the administration of, (2) injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF), (3) platelet-rich plasma (PRP), (4) hyaluronic acid (HA), (5) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and (6) hypertonic dextrose (HD) with a local anesthetic. The dominant approach was to perform arthrocentesis before administering the appropriate injection substance (I-PRF, PRP, HA, or NSAID). Two current studies on the intra-articular administration of NSAIDs, specifically tenoxicam and piroxicam, are noteworthy. A mixture of PRP and HA was injected in another two trials. These two innovative approaches may prove to be significant directions for further research on injection treatment of TMJs.