There are two main methods used for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) treatment: dentinal tubule occlusion and blockage of nerve activity. Dentifrices are the most common vehicles for active ingredients used for DH treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three toothpastes on dentinal tubule occlusion, mineral acquisition, and dentin hardness. Forty human dentin disks were submerged in 40% citric acid for 30 s and then exposed to tooth brushing for 2 min twice a day for 14 days using three toothpastes: Dontodent Sensitive (group 1), Dr. Wolff’s Biorepair (group 2), and Sensodyne Repair and Protect (group 3). In the control group (group 4), the samples were brushed with water. All of the samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Vickers dentin hardness determination. On SEM images, the degree of dentinal tubule occlusion was assessed using a five-grade scale. The mean score values in groups 1–4 were 3.60 ± 0.69, 2.20 ± 0.91, 2.30 ± 1.16, and 5.00 ± 0.00, significantly higher in study groups when compared to the control group (Kruskal Wallis test p < 0.05). EDX evaluation showed significantly higher calcium and phosphorus concentrations in groups 1 and 3 when compared to control group d. The mean values of Vickers dentin hardness numbers in groups 1–4 were 243.03 ± 10.014, 327.38 ± 56.65, 260.29 ± 37.69, and 225.83 ± 29.93, respectively. No statistically significant results were obtained when comparing the hardness mean values in groups (Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, p = 0.372 > 0.05). All three toothpastes tested demonstrated significant occlusion of dentinal tubules. Dontodent Sensitive and Sensodyne Repair and Protect toothpastes enhanced the calcium and phosphorus content of the dentin surface. None of the toothpastes increased dentin hardness as a result of mineral acquisition.

Background and Objectives: Dental anxiety can hinder both treatment delivery and dental education. Few studies have examined this issue among Romanian dental students. This study assessed the prevalence, intensity, and main procedural triggers of dental anxiety, with a focus on experiences related to local anesthesia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted (January–May 2024) among 122 fourth-year students using the validated Romanian version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and additional items on demographics, prior anesthesia and perceived complications. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests. Results: Overall, 21.3% of respondents scored in the low anxiety range, 75.4% in the moderate range, and 3.3% in the severe range (MDAS ≥ 19). No significant gender differences were identified (p > 0.05). Injections with local anesthetic were rated as the most distressing procedure, followed by drilling, whereas scaling was reported as least stressful. The majority (86.9%) had undergone previous local anesthesia, with very few adverse events recalled. Conclusions: Romanian dental students reported moderate dental anxiety overall, with local anesthesia injections as the main trigger. The lack of gender differences points to a potential buffering effect of clinical exposure. Incorporating structured anxiety management into dental curricula may enhance both student well-being and patient care.

Background and Objectives: Anxiety in dental settings can hinder both treatment delivery and educational experiences. For students in training, fear of specific procedures, particularly local anesthesia, may persist despite progressive clinical exposure. Evidence on this issue among Romanian dental students is scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, intensity, and main procedural triggers of dental anxiety among Romanian dental students, with a specific focus on experiences related to local anesthesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2024 on 122 fourth-year students (79 females, 43 males) enrolled at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania. Participants completed the validated Romanian version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and answered additional items on demographic factors, prior exposure to local anesthesia, perceived complications, and procedures most likely to trigger anxiety. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests. Results: Overall, 21.3% of respondents scored in the low anxiety range, 75.4% in the moderate range, and 3.3% in the severe range (MDAS ≥19). No significant gender differences were identified (p > 0.05). Injections with local anesthetic were rated as the most distressing procedure (mean 2.29 ± 1.02), followed by drilling, whereas scaling was reported as least stressful. The majority (86.9%) had undergone previous local anesthesia, with very few adverse events recalled. Conclusions: The findings show that Romanian dental students experience mostly moderate levels of anxiety, with local anesthesia injections remaining the dominant trigger. The lack of gender differences points to a potential buffering effect of clinical exposure. These results support the inclusion of structured anxiety management within dental education and provide context-specific data for comparison with international cohorts.

Background: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) represents a severe complication associated with bisphosphonate therapy commonly used in patients with osteoporosis and malignancies. Methods: This retrospective study evaluates the risk factors and clinical outcomes of BRONJ patients treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic in Iaşi, Romania, with the goal of optimizing preventive and therapeutic strategies. Data from 72 BRONJ patients treated between January 2013 and December 2023 were analyzed. Results: The majority (83.3%) of patients had underlying malignancies, predominantly breast and prostate cancers. The mandible was most affected, with tooth extraction identified as the primary triggering event. Systemic comorbidities, notably arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and concurrent chemotherapy, were significantly associated with increased BRONJ severity. Surgical intervention was frequently required, with sequestrectomy being the predominant procedure, reflecting advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Conclusions: The findings underline the critical importance of early identification, preventive dental management, and a collaborative multidisciplinary approach to improve patient prognosis.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) represents a severe complication associated with bisphosphonate therapy commonly used in patients with osteoporosis and malignancies. This retrospective study evaluates the risk factors and clinical outcomes of BRONJ patients treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic in Iaşi, Romania, with the goal of optimizing preventive and therapeutic strategies. Data from 72 BRONJ patients treated between January 2013 and December 2023 were analyzed. The majority (83.3%) of patients had underlying malignancies, predominantly breast and prostate cancers. The mandible was most affected, with tooth extraction identified as the primary triggering event. Systemic comorbidities, notably arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and concurrent chemotherapy, were significantly associated with increased BRONJ severity. Surgical intervention was frequently required, with sequestrectomy being the predominant procedure, reflecting advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. The findings underline the critical importance of early identification, preventive dental management, and a collaborative multidisciplinary approach to improve patient prognosis.