In this systematic review, the authors aimed to investigate the state of knowledge on in vivo evaluations of chitosan and nanometric hydroxyapatite (nanohydroxyapatite, nHAp) scaffolds for bone-tissue regeneration. In March 2024, an electronic search was systematically conducted across the PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases using the keywords (hydroxyapatite) AND (chitosan) AND (scaffold) AND (biomimetic). Methodologically, the systematic review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol to the letter. Initially, a total of 375 studies were screened, and 164 duplicates were removed. A further 188 articles were excluded because they did not correspond to the predefined topics, and an additional 3 articles were eliminated due to the inability to obtain the full text. The final compilation included 20 studies. All publications indicated a potential beneficial effect of the scaffolds in in vivo bone defect repair. A beneficial effect of hydroxyapatite as a scaffold component was observed in 16 studies, including greater mechanical resistance, cellular differentiation, and enhanced bone damage regeneration. The addition of chitosan and apatite ceramics, which combined the strengths of both materials, had the potential to become a useful bone-tissue engineering material.

Objective: Esthetic dentistry is an important factor in increasing patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the impact of laser use on bleaching procedures for natural teeth and dental restorative materials. Methods: In January 2024, an electronic search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus databases with the keywords (tooth) AND (laser) AND (bleaching), following PRISMA guidelines and the PICO framework. The initial search yielded 852 articles, of which 441 were screened. After applying inclusion criteria, 376 articles were excluded as they did not focus on the use of lasers in bleaching natural teeth and restorative materials. Consequently, 40 articles were included in the final review. Results: Of the 40 qualified publications, 29 utilized a diode laser, of which 10 authors concluded that it increases the whitening effect comparing classical methods. Three of included publications investigated the whitening of dental materials, while another three focused on endodontically treated teeth. Whitening procedures on ceramics effectively removed discoloration, but the resulting color did not significantly differ from the initial shade. Conversely, composite materials not only failed to bleach but also exhibited altered physical properties, thereby increasing their susceptibility to further discoloration. The KTP laser demonstrated promising outcomes on specific stains. The Er,Cr:YSGG and Er:YAG lasers also showed beneficial effects, although there were variations in their efficacy and required activation times. Conclusions: The findings partially indicate that laser-assisted bleaching improves the whitening of natural teeth. Further research on the effect of laser bleaching on the physical parameters of restorative materials is necessary.

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of incorporating chitosan into dental resin composites on their mechanical, antibacterial, and physicochemical properties. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted in March 2025 using the following keywords: resin, composite, and chitosan. The inclusion criteria comprised in vitro studies in dentistry evaluating chitosan as a composite additive with full-text availability in English. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by multiple reviewers using standardized tools, and study quality was assessed based on predefined criteria. Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Chitosan concentrations in the composites ranged from 0.25 wt% to 20 wt%. Antibacterial activity was confirmed in six studies, especially against S. mutans, S. sanguinis, and L. acidophilus. Mechanical properties such as fracture toughness, hardness, and compressive strength were generally improved at lower concentrations of chitosan. However, increased chitosan levels were associated with decreased flexural strength and increased microleakage. Shear bond strength (SBS) was unaffected by chitosan in low concentrations (up to 0.25%), while higher concentrations reduced SBS. Fluoride release capacity was assessed in one study, with no significant differences observed. Conclusion: Chitosan-modified dental resin composites exhibit promising antibacterial and mechanical enhancements at low concentrations. However, higher chitosan levels may compromise certain mechanical and adhesive properties. These findings suggest a need for standardized methodologies and further research on long-term clinical implications and fluoride release.

Cephalometry is a crucial examination in orthodontic diagnostics and during the planning of orthognathic surgical procedures. The objective of this article was to compare cephalometric measurements conducted by different specialists and systems tailored for such measurements, as well as to evaluate the capabilities of artificial intelligence in this field. In January 2024, we conducted electronic searches in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. In the Scopus database, the results were refined to titles, abstracts, and keywords, while in PubMed, they were narrowed down to titles and abstracts. In WoS, the results were refined only to abstracts. The search criteria were based on the following terms: (cephalometric) AND (analysis) AND (discrepancy) AND ((orthodontic) OR (radiologist)). A total of 263 articles were identified, of which 17 met the criteria and were incorporated into the review. The review allowed us to conclude that the accuracy of cephalometric measurements relied on the expertise of the operator—specialists with more experience exhibited greater precision compared to novices or individuals not specialized in orthodontics. Cephalometric measurement computer programs yielded outcomes that streamlined work processes, minimized human errors, and enhanced precision. A novel aspect involved the application of artificial intelligence, which also demonstrated high precision and a substantial reduction in working time, although its utilization still necessitates further enhancements. Further research was required to address these limitations and to optimize the incorporation of technology in orthodontic and orthognathic surgery practices.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between oral health—particularly dental caries and dysbiosis of the oral microbiome—and respiratory diseases across different age groups and clinical settings, with emphasis on microbial overlap, clinical outcomes, and preventive strategies. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to June 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional investigations examining the relationship between oral diseases or microbiome alterations and respiratory outcomes. Data on study design, population, oral health parameters, microbial taxa, and respiratory endpoints were extracted. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT, 2018). Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing pediatric, adult, and elderly populations. Poor oral health, reflected by higher caries indices and periodontal inflammation, was consistently associated with increased risk of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), aspiration events, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and impaired pulmonary function. Oral microbiome analyses revealed enrichment of Veillonella, Prevotella, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas species in both oral and airway samples, supporting the oral cavity as a reservoir for respiratory pathogens. Interventional evidence from intensive care and nursing home settings demonstrated that structured oral care—particularly daily toothbrushing and chlorhexidine-based plaque control—significantly reduced pneumonia incidence. Conclusions: This review confirms a clinically relevant and biologically plausible link between oral dysbiosis, dental caries, and respiratory disease. Oral biofilms contribute to infection risk through microaspiration and microbial seeding of the lower airways. Integrating oral screening, hygiene maintenance, and treatment of active oral disease into respiratory care pathways may reduce respiratory morbidity and mortality, particularly among high-risk populations such as ICU patients, older adults, and individuals with chronic lung disease.

Objective: This systematic review evaluates the evidence on factors affecting fluoride release from compomer restorative materials to provide clinicians with insights for optimizing their use in caries prevention. Methods: In February 2025, an extensive digital search was conducted across reputable databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search utilized carefully chosen keywords: “fluoride release” AND “compomer” and followed the PRISMA guidelines. Initially, 287 articles were identified, but after applying the inclusion criteria, 34 studies were selected for review. Results: This review found that fluoride release from compomers follows an initial burst phase before stabilizing at lower levels. Fifteen studies proved that compomers release less fluoride than glass ionomer cements but more than composite resins, as concluded from six studies. The release rate is significantly influenced by pH, with acidic conditions enhancing fluoride diffusion. Some studies also highlighted the potential for fluoride recharge through external applications such as toothpaste or varnish. Conclusion: Compomer restorative materials offer a steady, moderate fluoride release that supports caries prevention. Their effectiveness is enhanced in acidic environments, supporting their use in high-risk patients.