Background: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth. Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing severe complications. This study investigates and compares the utility of two salivary biomarkers, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), in the early detection and staging of periodontal disease. Methods: This study included 189 patients, all of whom were evaluated both clinically and biologically. Each participant provided unstimulated saliva samples, which were analyzed using ELISA methods to quantify IL-1β and MMP-8 levels. Clinical periodontal data, including probing depth (3.9 ± 0.6 mm), clinical attachment loss (3.4 ± 0.6 mm), and Plaque Index (2.35 ± 0.55), were collected for all subjects. Biomarker concentrations were then correlated with these clinical parameters and with disease severity, classified according to the 2018 EFP/AAP criteria. Results: IL-1β levels (210 ± 95 pg/mL) were strongly associated with early gingival inflammation, while MMP-8 levels (185 ± 140 ng/mL) correlated with periodontal tissue destruction (p < 0.01). MMP-8 showed a higher sensitivity for diagnosing advanced stages (p = 0.002), whereas IL-1β was more effective in detecting early inflammatory changes (p = 0.01). Logistic regression identified MMP-8 as a significant predictor of advanced disease (coefficient 0.85, p < 0.001) and IL-1β as an indicator of early inflammation (coefficient 0.25, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Both biomarkers are valuable tools for the diagnosis and staging of periodontal disease. MMP-8 is relevant for identifying advanced cases, while IL-1β supports early detection. Their combined use may enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide personalized periodontal care.

Background: The possible histological changes in dental pulp in teeth of diabetic patients are important to be understood, as the clinician will consider the best treatment choice for those teeth, especially if they are affected by decay. The aim of this paper is to assess if there are effects of diabetes-associated hyperglycemia on the nervous and vascular system of the dental pulp. Methods: Twenty-three dental pulp specimens of patients aged 36–70 years old were analyzed. All patients had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 5 years. Results: Most of the patients had poorly controlled hyperglycemia, deep caries, but no clinical signs of pulpitis. The histological aspects of pulp specimens included frequently seen inflammatory infiltrate, degeneration of the nerves, thickened blood vessel walls, pulp sclerosis and frequent pulp calcifications, and even small necrotic areas. Conclusion: The analyzed dental pulp specimens of carious teeth of type 2 diabetic patients show fibrotic transformation of the dental pulp, with the presence of calcifications, arteriosclerosis and inflammatory infiltrate. In this situation, the attitude of the dentist in pulp vitality preservation in the case of carious teeth of diabetic patients should be limited.

In the case of old mobile denture wearers, one of the main problems is related to the dentures’ retention and insufficient stability. Our goal was to improve support and stability using a different type of final impression, with different types of impression materials. In this study we chose a number of three complete edentulous patients who presented for complete oral rehabilitation. They were wearing full acrylic dentures with poor support and stability. Complete examination revealed the presence of the flabby ridge. The impression methods for the prosthetic fields with a flabby ridge differ from the classical method by using techniques that involve the use of at least two impression materials with fluid consistency to record all the details of the prosthetic fields in the final impression, this being done in two steps; the impression of the flabby ridge areas must be done without pressure, in its resting position. The impression methods we applied led to the expected results, and the dentures succeeded in offering the patient the desired functional comfort. Using fluid impression material for the flabby ridge in a resting position, and a fenestrated custom tray, offered a good quality in adaptation, maintenance and stability of the final dentures.

Background/Objectives: Pertussis remains a significant cause of respiratory illness in children, particularly in regions with suboptimal vaccination coverage. This retrospective study analyzes the clinical presentations, co-infections, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric patients diagnosed with Bordetella pertussis at the Constanța County Clinical Emergency Hospital “St. Apostle Andrew” between 1 January and 30 September 2024. Methods: Thirty-eight children, predominantly under the age of 3 years (81.58%), were included. Demographic data, clinical features, coinfecting pathogens, antimicrobial regimens, and hospital outcomes were reviewed. Results: Only 7 out of 38 children (18.42%) had received pertussis vaccination, and none benefited from maternal immunization. The highest incidence occurred in infants under 1 year (44.74%). Intensive care was required in 18.42% of cases, and macrolides were the most frequently used antibiotics (68.42%). Co-detection of respiratory pathogens—particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, enteroviruses, and human rhinoviruses—was common. Severe cases often exhibited hyperleukocytosis, which was associated with complications such as heart failure. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for timely recognition and management of pertussis and its complications. Although macrolides remain the first-line therapy, adjunctive treatments like leukoreduction may be considered in critical cases. The persistence of pertussis despite vaccination efforts highlights the challenges posed by waning immunity and diagnostic limitations, reinforcing the need for strengthened public health strategies.

(1) Background: The development of advanced dental biomaterials has significantly improved restorative dentistry, shifting the focus from purely mechanical restoration toward materials capable of interacting biologically with oral tissues. Modern restorative materials are expected to demonstrate high biocompatibility, adequate mechanical properties, and potential bioactivity that may support tissue preservation and long-term clinical performance. This review aims to analyze recent advances in next-generation dental restorative materials and to evaluate their biological compatibility and potential clinical relevance. (2) Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies addressing advanced polymer-based composites, bioactive restorative materials, dental ceramics, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD–CAM) restorative systems, and nanostructured biomaterials used in restorative dentistry. Relevant studies published in recent years were analyzed with respect to material composition, biological response, and reported clinical performance. (3) Results: The reviewed literature indicates that modern dental biomaterials, including nanocomposites, bioactive glass-containing materials, calcium silicate–based systems, and hybrid ceramic materials, show improved mechanical stability, enhanced remineralization potential, and reduced bacterial adhesion compared with traditional restorative materials. Advances in nanotechnology and material engineering have also contributed to the development of antimicrobial and bioactive restorative systems. (4) Conclusions: Next-generation dental restorative materials demonstrate promising characteristics that may improve clinical outcomes and biological integration in restorative dentistry; however, further long-term clinical investigations are required to fully confirm their safety, durability, and long-term effectiveness.