This review explores the recent advancements and ongoing challenges in regenerating alveolar bone, which is essential for dental implants and periodontal health. It examines traditional techniques like guided bone regeneration and bone grafting, alongside newer methods such as stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and 3D bioprinting. Each approach is considered for its strengths in supporting bone growth and integration, especially in cases where complex bone defects make regeneration difficult. This review also looks at different biomaterials, from bioactive scaffolds to nanomaterials, assessing how well they encourage cell growth and healing. Personalized treatments, like customized 3D-printed scaffolds, show promise in enhancing bone formation and tissue compatibility. Additionally, signaling molecules, like bone morphogenetic proteins, play a crucial role in guiding the process of bone formation and remodeling. Despite these advances, challenges remain—particularly with severe bone loss and with refining biomaterials for more reliable, long-term outcomes. This review proposes combining advanced materials, regenerative technologies, and personalized approaches to achieve more effective and consistent outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Aim: This study evaluated the efficacy of mouthrinses containing natural compounds—specifically, propolis and green tea extracts—in reducing bacterial dental plaque compared to a placebo and a 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse. We hypothesized that these natural compounds would significantly reduce plaque accumulation, with efficacy comparable to chlorhexidine. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the short-term efficacy of two natural mouthrinses—10% propolis and 5% green tea—compared to a placebo and 0.2% chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque. Trial Design: The trial design was a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial with a 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio. Materials and Methods: In a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 60 healthy adult volunteers received a professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) and were then randomized into four groups (n = 15 each): a propolis mouthwash, a green tea mouthwash, a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash (positive control), and a placebo rinse. The participants rinsed twice daily for four weeks in addition to standard tooth brushing. The plaque levels were assessed using the Silness–Löe plaque index at baseline and after four weeks. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Results: All groups had similar baseline plaque scores (≈2.5). After four weeks, the propolis and green tea groups showed significant reductions in plaque (mean indices of 1.02 and 1.12, respectively) compared to the placebo group (mean index = 2.01, p < 0.001). The chlorhexidine group achieved a mean plaque index of 0.90. The propolis rinse showed no significant difference from chlorhexidine (p = 0.40), indicating comparable efficacy. The green tea rinse had a slightly higher plaque index than chlorhexidine (p = 0.03). No significant adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: Mouthwashes containing 10% propolis or 5% green tea significantly reduced dental plaque, with propolis demonstrating efficacy comparable to 0.2% chlorhexidine.

Currently, an extensive variety of toothpastes are available on the market, containing basic components that are ubiquitous in all toothpastes, in addition to unique constituents that bestow characteristic traits, and it is crucial to acknowledge that certain components found in toothpastes are not recommended for ingestion due to their potentially negative impact on overall wellbeing, especially in children. This study aims to highlight the role of natural components as a substitute for toothpaste in achieving good oral hygiene and to focus on natural compounds that do not injure the body, especially considering the current trend towards the use of natural substances. Thus, the objective of this paper is to emphasize the advantages of using organic products. In Romania, due to the socio-economic conditions in rural areas, the use of these ingredients, which are available to everyone, could lead to an improvement in oral health. The study shows that a majority of 63% of the participants who used a toothpaste composed of natural constituents achieved an ISL bacterial plaque index equivalent of zero. This is noteworthy as the presence of the plaque index was detected in a mere minority of 13% of the subjects at the commencement of the study. To evaluate the effectiveness of the mentioned compounds in plaque removal, all participants in the study were instructed to use the same brushing technique known as the Bass method, which is recognized as one of the most effective techniques. The study concludes that mastery and application of the correct brushing technique, combined with toothpaste obtained from natural compounds, is successful in removing plaque.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the influence of pontic length and design on the fracture resistance of zirconia fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). By assessing different span lengths under controlled mechanical loading conditions, the research seeks to provide insights into optimizing the structural integrity of zirconia dental bridges. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 zirconia bridges were fabricated and tested in vitro. Ten bridges were designed to replace a single missing molar (tooth 46), with a pontic span of 11 mm, while the remaining ten were crafted for two missing teeth (35 and 36), featuring a longer pontic span of 17 mm. The zirconia frameworks were milled using the Wieland Zenotec^® Select Hybrid system and cemented onto metal abutments with Voco Meron Plus QM resin-reinforced glass ionomer cement. The specimens were subjected to occlusal loading using a ZwickRoell ProLine Z005 testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until fracture occurred. Results: The mechanical testing revealed a significant correlation between pontic length and fracture resistance. The mean fracture resistance for three-unit bridges (single pontic) was 3703 N, whereas four-unit bridges (double pontic) exhibited a significantly lower resistance of 1713 N. These findings indicate that increased span length reduces the fracture resistance of zirconia restorations due to higher stress accumulation and reduced rigidity. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of pontic length and design in determining the fracture resistance of zirconia restorations. Shorter spans exhibit greater structural stability, reinforcing the need for careful treatment planning when designing multi-unit zirconia bridges. By optimizing bridge parameters, clinicians can improve clinical outcomes and extend the longevity of zirconia prostheses in restorative dentistry.

Dental adhesives play a crucial role in modern dentistry by enabling the bonding of diverse restorative materials to tooth surfaces. These systems have evolved through seven generations, each characterized by unique chemical compositions and application techniques. The advancements in dental adhesives have significantly impacted restorative dentistry by preserving tooth structure, enhancing aesthetics, and ultimately improving patient outcomes and treatment options. The choice of adhesive system depends on various factors, including the clinical scenario, material compatibility, and dentist preference. Ongoing advancements in adhesive technology continue to enhance treatment outcomes and streamline procedures for dental practitioners. The development of universal adhesives capable of functioning in both etch-and-rinse and self-etch modes has further simplified clinical protocols. This study is an observational cross-sectional study conducted among Romanian dentists. A questionnaire was distributed via email to Romanian dentists, encompassing seven questions that explored the predominant use of etch-and-rinse or self-etch adhesive systems, preferred adhesive types, and commonly encountered challenges in direct restorations. Statistical analyses were conducted using DATAtab version (2024). The study highlighted the varying preferences among Romanian dentists in selecting suitable adhesive agents. Etch-and-rinse (ER) techniques predominated in direct restorations, with universal adhesives being the most frequently used. Further investigation is warranted to delve into the preferences of Romanian dentists regarding the utilization of self-etch (SE), etch-and-rinse (ER), and universal adhesives (UAs).