Donika Bajrami Shabani

Prof. Donika Bajrami Shabani

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 September 2024 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FAFlamur Aliu
Flamur Aliu
DSDonika Bajrami Shabani
Donika Bajrami Shabani
IAIliriana Aliu
Iliriana Aliu
EDEtleva Droboniku
Etleva Droboniku
GKGerta Kaçani
Gerta Kaçani
Aida MetoAida Meto
Aida Meto
Treating central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is challenging due to high recurrence rates and variable therapy responses. This study examines the efficacy of various treatments in reducing CGCG recurrence. A literature review explored outcomes of surgical excision, curettage, intralesional corticosteroid injection, and adjuvant therapy, considering factors like lesion location, size, and histological features. Aggressive surgical techniques such as en bloc resection were found to potentially lower recurrence rates compared to conservative approaches. However, treatment should be tailored to individual patient needs. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and improve treatment strategies. A concise literature review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, focusing on papers published from 1986 to 2024. Search terms included “central giant cell granuloma”, “recurrence”, “treatment modalities”, and “surgical excision”. Studies reporting recurrence rates and treatment outcomes for CGCG were analyzed. Twenty-nine studies were reviewed, including six studies on surgical excision and curettage, eight studies on intralesional corticosteroid injections, six studies on calcitonin therapy, five studies on interferon-alpha therapy, and four studies on the therapy with denosumab. Analysis indicated that aggressive surgical treatments like en bloc resection were associated with lower recurrence rates compared to conservative methods. Predictors of recurrence included lesion size (>3 cm), location (mandible), and aggressive histopathological features. Aggressive surgical excision combined with nonsurgical methods may lower recurrence rates, while conservative techniques remain viable in some cases. Further prospective research is needed to validate these findings and enhance CGCG treatment options.

9 December 2025 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Mirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Z-Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
DSDonika Bajrami Shabani
Donika Bajrami Shabani
EDEtleva Droboniku
Etleva Droboniku
GBGramos Begolli
Gramos Begolli
Aida MetoAida Meto
Aida Meto
Background: Periodontitis is associated with systemic inflammation; however, the relationship between disease severity and systemic inflammatory biomarkers remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between periodontitis stage and grade with systemic levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and assess changes following standardized non-surgical periodontal therapy. Methods: Patient records from the University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo were reviewed. Periodontitis was classified using the 2018 staging and grading system. Periodontal parameters (probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing, plaque index, and gingival index) were assessed at six sites per tooth (excluding third molars). Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and high-sensitivity CRP were measured before and after therapy using high-sensitivity ELISA. Blood samples were centrifuged, and serum was stored at −20 °C. All patients underwent standardized non-surgical periodontal therapy, including full-mouth scaling and root planning, without systemic antibiotics. Data were analyzed using SPSS v22.0. Results: Among the patients, 28.0% had Stage I–II, 40.0% Stage III, and 32.0% Stage IV periodontitis; 29.3% were Grade A, 45.3% Grade B, and 25.3% Grade C. At baseline, all systemic inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were significantly higher in periodontitis patients compared with the control group, indicating an increased systemic inflammatory burden before therapy. After therapy, significant reductions in CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were observed across all stages and grades (all p < 0.01), indicating a decrease in systemic inflammatory burden. Conclusions: Non-surgical periodontal therapy significantly lowers systemic inflammatory biomarkers regardless of periodontitis severity, supporting their role as indicators of disease activity and treatment response.

10 March 2025 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DSDonika Bajrami Shabani
Donika Bajrami Shabani
LDLinda J. Dula
Linda J. Dula
Z-Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
MKMirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Mirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Aida MetoAida Meto
Aida Meto
Background/Objectives: The rising popularity of e-cigarette use is creating new challenges for oral healthcare. Factors such as targeted marketing, appealing flavors, and the perception that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional smoking have contributed to their widespread adoption. This trend is particularly prevalent among young adults and teenagers, many of whom turn to e-cigarettes despite having no prior history of regular cigarette use. This study aimed to evaluate dentists’ knowledge and perceptions regarding e-cigarettes, focusing on their health effects, regulatory status, and potential risks to oral health. Assessing dentists’ knowledge of e-cigarette risks is important, as they guide patients on the potential oral health dangers of vaping. E-cigarette use has been linked to several oral health problems. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 189 dentists in Kosovo, comprising both general dentists and specialists. The questionnaire assessed participants’ awareness of e-cigarettes’ FDA approval status, their perceptions of health impacts, and their understanding of e-cigarettes’ association with oral conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed significant knowledge gaps, with 74.1% of respondents being uncertain about the FDA approval status of e-cigarettes and 82.0% recognizing their harmful effects on general and oral health. Nearly half (49.7%) of the participants identified e-cigarettes as a potential risk factor for caries, while 66.1% and 64.6% associated their use with oral cancer and periodontal disease, respectively. Gender and professional specialization did not significantly influence these perceptions. Conclusions: Dentists need better education on the risks of e-cigarette use, including their harmful effects on oral health. Incorporating this knowledge into dental curricula and professional training is essential to give dentists the information needed to advise patients effectively. Raising public awareness through dental health professionals can help mitigate the oral health risks associated with e-cigarettes.

27 September 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TKTringa Kelmendi
Tringa Kelmendi
DSDonika Bajrami Shabani
Donika Bajrami Shabani
Aida MetoAida Meto
Aida Meto
HOHani Ounsi
Hani Ounsi
Background/Objectives: Periradicular disease is largely microbial in origin. Even gutta-percha (GP) cones manufactured under aseptic conditions can acquire contaminants during handling or storage, undermining otherwise adequate canal preparation. To assess residual antimicrobial activity on GP cones after brief exposure to five endodontic disinfectants: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 1%, 2.5%, 5.25%; chlorhexidine (CHX) 2%; and glutaraldehyde 2% against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Methods: Standardized GP cones were dipped for 5–120 s, blotted on neutralizing gauze, and placed on agar inoculated with either organism. Using an agar diffusion approach, inhibition-zone diameters were recorded at 0, 24, and 48 h. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, and 95% confidence intervals) for each disinfectant–dip-time combination. Results: By 24 h, inhibition zones were observed for most disinfectants; for C. albicans, glutaraldehyde 2% showed no measurable effect. At later time points, performance depended on both disinfectant and contact time. For E. faecalis, NaOCl 2.5% and 5.25% yielded the largest zones at 48 h (20–21 mm at 120 s), whereas NaOCl 1% was smaller (10 mm) and glutaraldehyde 2% modest (9 mm). For C. albicans, NaOCl 2.5% and CHX 2% were most effective at 48 h (17–19 mm at 120 s); NaOCl 5.25% was intermediate, NaOCl 1% weak, and glutaraldehyde 2% showed no measurable antifungal effect. Longer immersions (≥45 s) consistently increased inhibition zone diameters. Conclusions: Residual antimicrobial activity on GP cones depends on both the agent and the immersion time. For E. faecalis, higher concentration NaOCl produced the largest zones at short contact time, whereas for C. albicans, CHX 2% and NaOCl 2.5% provided the most reliable carryover. Selecting an appropriate concentration and allowing sufficient dip time may reduce reinfection risk at obturation.

26 January 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
DSDonika Bajrami Shabani
Donika Bajrami Shabani
LDLinda J. Dula
Linda J. Dula
Z-Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
MKMirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Mirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Aida MetoAida Meto
Aida Meto
Background and Objectives: The growing prevalence of e-cigarette use presents new challenges for oral health care. This study aimed to evaluate dentists’ knowledge and perceptions regarding e-cigarettes, focusing on their health effects, regulatory status, and potential risks to oral health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 189 dentists in Kosovo, comprising both general dentists and specialists. The questionnaire assessed participants’ awareness of e-cigarettes’ FDA approval status, their perceptions of health impacts, and their understanding of e-cigarettes’ association with oral conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed significant knowledge gaps, with 74.1% of respondents uncertain about the FDA approval status of e-cigarettes and 82.0% recognizing their harmful effects on general and oral health. Nearly half (49.7%) of the participants identified e-cigarettes as a potential risk factor for caries, while 66.1% and 64.6% associated their use with oral cancer and periodontal disease, respectively. Gender and professional specialization did not significantly influence these perceptions. Conclusions: Dentists need better education on the risks of e-cigarette use, including their harmful effects on oral health. Incorporating this knowledge into dental curricula and professional training is essential to give dentists the information needed to advise patients effectively. Raising public awareness through dental health professionals can help mitigate the oral health risks associated with e-cigarettes.

16 March 2026 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FAFlamur Aliu
Flamur Aliu
DSDonika Bajrami Shabani
Donika Bajrami Shabani
Javier FloresJavier Flores
Javier Flores
Agron MetoAgron Meto
Agron Meto
CGCosimo Galletti
Cosimo Galletti
Aida MetoAida Meto
Aida Meto
Background: Persistent endodontic infections remain a significant challenge in root canal therapy, primarily due to the complexity of root canal anatomy and the formation of resistant microbial biofilms. Conventional irrigants, including sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine, show limited penetration into dentinal tubules and reduced efficacy against mature biofilms, contributing to treatment failure. Electrically charged lipid nanoparticles (ECLNs), such as cationic solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and liposomes, have emerged as potential adjunctive systems to enhance intracanal antimicrobial delivery. This focused narrative review, informed by a structured literature search, aimed to synthesize and critically evaluate preclinical and exploratory clinical evidence regarding the use of electrically charged lipid nanoparticles for antibiotic delivery and biofilm control in root canal disinfection. Methods: A structured literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2010–2026) identified 312 records, of which 20 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis. The majority of included studies were in vitro investigations, followed by ex vivo studies using extracted human teeth, with only a limited number of exploratory animal or clinical studies. Overall, the level of evidence was predominantly preclinical. Results: Across studies, ECLNs demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared with free antibiotics or non-charged formulations, with improved biofilm interaction, enhanced penetration into dentinal tubules, and sustained antimicrobial release. However, most investigations relied on mono-species Enterococcus faecalis biofilm models, and substantial heterogeneity in nanoparticle formulation and methodology was observed. Clinical evidence remains scarce. Conclusions: Although these findings about ECLNs suggest a promising experimental adjunct for root canal disinfection, current evidence remains largely preclinical and insufficient to support routine clinical application. Standardized formulations, clinically relevant multispecies biofilm models, and well-designed controlled clinical trials are required to establish safety, efficacy, and translational feasibility.