This systematic review evaluates the impact of Vitamin D levels on dental implant osseointegration, hypothesizing that optimal Vitamin D enhances success rates, and aims to synthesize data on its relationship with clinical outcomes in implantology. A comprehensive search across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases included seven peer-reviewed articles meeting the criteria for the review. These studies, conducted between 2008 and 2021, included human subjects and explicitly correlated serum Vitamin D levels with dental implant outcomes, following PRISMA guidelines. The selected studies involved 1462 participants and examined 4450 dental implants. Key findings included a varied implant loss rate ranging from 3.9% to 11.4% across the studies. One study reported a 9.8% implant loss rate, yet found no significant association between Vitamin D receptor polymorphism and implant success. Another study indicated successful implantation following Vitamin D3 supplementation, even in severe deficiency cases. The highest implant loss rate (11.1%) was observed in severely Vitamin D-deficient patients, particularly when compounded by risk factors such as smoking and periodontal disease. Additionally, one study noted significantly improved bone density following post-surgical Vitamin D supplementation for up to 12 weeks. The review supports a link between sufficient Vitamin D levels and successful dental implant osseointegration, suggesting Vitamin D deficiency as a potential risk factor for increased failure and advocating for Vitamin D evaluations in pre-surgical planning to potentially enhance implantology outcomes.

Dental restorations must replicate the natural appearance of teeth while ensuring biocompatibility and durability. This study evaluated the surface characteristics and color stability of three dental composites—Herculite Ultra XRV, G-ænial A’CHORD, and Omnichroma—exposed to acidic beverages (red wine, black coffee, and Coca-Cola). Sixty disk-shaped specimens were prepared, polished, and immersed in these beverages. Surface roughness was assessed using profilometry and SEM analysis, hydrophobicity via contact angle analysis, and surface charge through streaming potential measurements. Color stability was evaluated using a spectrophotometer, and the pH levels of the solutions were recorded. Results showed that Herculite Ultra XRV had the highest mean contact angle (79.46° ± 6.52), indicating superior hydrophobicity, while Omnichroma had the lowest (64.94° ± 3.08), indicating more hydrophilicity. Significant color changes were observed, especially in black coffee, with ∆E values indicating notable discoloration. The acidic pH of the solutions increased surface roughness and color changes. Statistical analyses confirmed significant increases in surface roughness and color change for all composites, with the nanohybrid resin composite showing the greatest variability. These findings highlight the need for dental restorative materials with enhanced resistance to acidic environments to improve the longevity and esthetics of dental treatments.

The oral microbiome is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the development and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Dysbiosis has been associated with inflammation and tumorigenesis, highlighting the potential of microbial alterations and salivary biomarkers as tools for early, non-invasive diagnosis. This review examines recent advancements in understanding the oral microbiome’s role in OSCC. A comprehensive synthesis of studies from 2016 to 2024 was conducted to identify emerging themes and significant findings in the field. Key topics included the interplay between microbiome-driven mechanisms and cancer development, with a focus on microbial communities and their metabolic byproducts. The findings emphasize the importance of specific microbial alterations in modulating immune responses and tumor microenvironments, as well as the promise of biomarkers such as interleukins and miRNA signatures in improving diagnostic accuracy. Recent research trends indicate growing interest in the therapeutic potential of targeting the oral microbiome in OSCC management. Despite significant advancements, gaps remain in the understanding of the precise mechanisms linking dysbiosis to cancer progression. This review underscores the need for continued research to develop personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on the oral microbiome, with the potential to transform OSCC management.

Good oral hygiene is crucial during treatment with fixed appliances, emphasising the need for additional or alternative oral health methods during orthodontic treatment. This study investigates the effect of essential oil (EO)-based preparations on biofilm adhesion to orthodontic archwires. Five identical-sized orthodontic archwires of different materials were tested using therapeutic and preventive applications of essential oils. This study also used molecular docking to explore how essential oil compounds interact with key proteins of common oral pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. We found that the constituent materials heavily influence the antimicrobial effects of essential oils on different orthodontic archwires. Stainless steel-based orthodontic archwires demonstrated the highest efficacy in antimicrobial protection against S. mutans strains (maximum BIP = 28.82% on the epoxy-coated SS). Conversely, inhibition effects in preventive applications against S. aureus were observed exclusively with titanium–molybdenum alloy orthodontic archwires across all tested emulsions (maximum BIP = 29.44%). CuNiTi alloys showed ineffectiveness in preventive treatments, as none of the EO mixtures inhibited biofilm development on this material. After biofilm contamination with S. mutans and S. aureuss strains, the ternary emulsion was most effective for four out of five orthodontic archwires. Computational analysis revealed strong binding interactions between essential oil compounds and key proteins of S. aureus and S. mutans, highlighting specific amino acid residues that are critical for these interactions. Based on the results, stainless steel with epoxy coating or TMA archwires, combined with BEO/CEO/OEO ternary mixture, are recommended for optimal antibacterial protection against biofilm formation on orthodontic archwires.

Background and Objectives: Stress is a significant issue among dental students, with both psychological and physiological impacts affecting their academic performance. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between academic stress and salivary biochemical markers, specifically cortisol and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), in third- and fifth-year dental students during the 2022/2023 academic year. Materials and Methods: This study included 44 participants from the Faculty of Dental Medicine at Victor Babes University, Romania. Saliva samples were collected during a low-stress period and prior to exams (high-stress period). Results: Cortisol and TAC levels were measured using ELISA and TAC assays, respectively, decreasing from an average of 3.69 (SD ± 1.49) before stress to 2.86 (SD ± 2.28) during high-stress periods (p < 0.05), while salivary cortisol levels showed a non-significant change from 23.69 (SD ± 35.6) ng/mL to 20.44 (SD ± 23.07) ng/mL; additionally, female participants exhibited a mean STAI score of 91.65 (SD ± 5.13) compared to 91.09 (SD ± 9.41) for males, indicating greater stress responses among females. Conclusions: The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores confirmed elevated anxiety levels during exams. The findings suggest that academic stress negatively impacts TAC while triggering a moderate increase in salivary cortisol, underlining the need for stress management interventions in dental education.

Background/Objectives: In-office bleaching commonly employs high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) or carbamide peroxide (CP), which may compromise enamel integrity. This in vitro paired-design study aimed to compare the chemical and mechanical effects of three commercial bleaching agents—Opalescence Boost (40% HP), Opalescence Quick (45% CP), and BlancOne Ultra+ (35% HP)—on human enamel. The null hypothesis assumed no significant differences between the control and treated samples. Given the ongoing debate over pH, active ingredients, and enamel impact, comparing whitening systems remains clinically important. Methods: Forty-two extracted teeth were assigned to three experimental groups (n = 14) with matched controls. Each underwent a single bleaching session per manufacturer protocol: Opalescence Boost (≤60 min), Opalescence Quick (15–30 min), and BlancOne Ultra+ (three light-activated cycles of 8–10 min). Enamel chemical changes were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (phosphate and carbonate bands), and surface hardness by Vickers microhardness testing. Paired t-tests (α = 0.05) assessed statistical significance. Results: FTIR analysis revealed alterations in phosphate and carbonate bands for all agents, most notably for Opalescence Boost and BlancOne Ultra+. Microhardness testing showed significant reductions in enamel hardness for Opalescence Boost (control: 37.21 ± 1.74 Hv; treated: 34.63 ± 1.70 Hv; p = 0.00) and Opalescence Quick (control: 45.82 ± 1.71 Hv; treated: 39.34 ± 1.94 Hv; p < 0.0001), whereas BlancOne Ultra+ showed no significant difference (control: 51.64 ± 1.59 HV; treated: 51.60 ± 2.34 Hv; p = 0.95). Conclusions: HP-based agents, particularly at higher concentrations, caused greater enamel alterations than CP-based products. While clinically relevant, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to in vitro limitations and natural enamel variability.