The field of dental medicine is constantly evolving and advancing toward minimally invasive techniques. Several studies have demonstrated that bonding to the tooth structure, particularly enamel, yields the most predictable results. In some instances, however, significant tooth loss, pulpal necrosis, or irreversible pulpitis may limit the options available to the restorative dentist. In these cases, placement of a post and core followed by a crown is the preferred treatment option, provided all requirements are met. This literature review provides an overview of the historical development of dental FRC post systems as well as a comprehensive examination of the currently available posts and their bonding requirements. In addition, it offers valuable insights for dental professionals seeking to understand the current state of the field and the prospects of dental FRC post systems.

Peri-implantitis diagnosis typically involves evaluating inflammation, pocket depth, bleeding, and bone loss around dental implants. Although these methods are reliable and convenient, they mainly determine the history of the disease instead of the current activity or disease susceptibility. This meta-analysis evaluates whether the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 level in the peri-implant crevicular fluids (PICF) can be associated with peri-implantitis. The research was conducted in February 2022, where three electronic databases were searched and complemented with a manual search. The search criteria included original cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that compared MMP-8 biomarkers in crevicular fluids around healthy implants with unhealthy implants (peri-implantitis). To assess the risk of bias, the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Scale was used. The data was analyzed using the RevMan program, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval was applied to evaluate the MMP-8 levels, with a significance level of p less than 0.05. Out of 1978 studies, six were eligible. This meta-analysis included 276 patients divided into two groups; 121 patients (124 implants) in the peri-implantitis group and 155 patients (156 implants) in the health implants group. The quality of the included studies was evaluated as high to moderate. The meta-analysis showed a significant increase in MMP-8 levels in individuals with peri-implantitis compared to those with healthy implants (SMD = 1.43, 95% CI [0.19, 2.68], p = 0.02). The current meta-analysis found that the levels of MMP-8 in PICF were significantly elevated in peri-implantitis cases compared to healthy controls, indicating a potential link between MMP-8 and peri-implantitis. However, the meta-analysis does not provide evidence for MMP-8 as a diagnostic test for peri-implantitis. Further research, specifically diagnostic accuracy studies, is needed to establish the value of MMP-8 as a diagnostic tool for peri-implantitis.

Erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) lasers have emerged as a promising tool for the treatment of peri-implantitis, a pathological condition characterized by inflammation and bone loss around dental implants. Peri-implantitis, often associated with bacterial biofilms, leads to significant clinical complications, including pocket depth, bleeding, and pain. While traditional treatments such as mechanical debridement have shown limited effectiveness, Er:YAG lasers, with their high absorption by water, are believed to offer enhanced bacterial decontamination and tissue healing through photothermal effects. Studies indicate that Er:YAG lasers can reduce probing depths and improve biofilm removal, though the effects on clinical attachment levels and bone regeneration remain inconsistent. The use of Er:YAG lasers in peri-implantitis treatment is not without challenges, including risks of heat-related tissue damage, undertreatment, and technical limitations such as insufficient penetration into intricate implant surfaces. Additionally, the lack of standardized treatment protocols complicates the widespread adoption of this technology. Research highlights potential improvements when Er:YAG lasers are combined with other modalities, such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and ultrasonic devices. Future advancements in laser technology, such as flexible fibers and optimized energy settings, may enhance their clinical application. Despite the promising results, further large-scale randomized controlled trials with extended follow-up periods are required to confirm the long-term benefits of Er:YAG lasers in peri-implantitis management, especially in terms of bone regeneration and bacterial control.

Introduction: As 3D design and printing technology gains popularity, there remains limited evidence on dental students' perceptions in Saudi Arabia regarding its use. This study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental students in Saudi Arabia about 3D design and printing technology.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among dental students in their third, fourth, and fifth years at multiple universities in Saudi Arabia between February and October 2023. A validated self-administered questionnaire with 15 close-ended items, including demographic and knowledge-related questions about 3D design and printing, was used. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Fisher exact tests to identify factors associated with knowledge and awareness levels.Results: A total of 374 dental students participated in the study, with 63.1% being female students. Of the participants, 40.4% identified the cost of equipment as the primary barrier to 3D printing usage in dentistry in Saudi Arabia. The majority (94.4%) recognized the advantages of 3D models for implant placement. Awareness of 3D printing utilization in the field was reported by 69.3% of participants, and 74.3% acknowledged its increasing popularity. Furthermore, 73.8% of participants expressed confidence in the biocompatibility and safety of 3D printed materials. A significant percentage (64.0%) were aware of 3D printing's role in creating Invisalign aligners, and 42.4% believed in the value of 3D printed drill guides for root canal treatment. The study found statistically significant regional differences (p < 0.05) across all questions. Participants primarily relied on colleges (64.8%) as their source of information, and a high proportion (82.4%) expressed interest in further exploring the usage of 3D printing in dentistry.Conclusion: Our study found that students' knowledge and awareness in Saudi Arabia are generally satisfactory. Integrating 3D printing into dental curricula and providing workshops is crucial to meet dental students' interest in exploring its usage and equipping them for its future implementation.