Objectives: Digitalization has revolutionized dentistry, introducing advanced technological tools that improve diagnostic accuracy and access to healthcare. This study aims to examine the effects of integrating digital technologies into the dental field, analyzing the associated benefits and risks, with particular paid attention to the therapeutic relationship and decision-making autonomy. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, complemented by Google Scholar for non-indexed studies. The selection criteria included peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2014 and 2024, focusing on digital dentistry, artificial intelligence, and medical ethics. This is a narrative review. Elements of PRISMA guidelines were applied to enhance transparency in reporting. Results: The analysis highlighted that although digital technologies and AI offer significant benefits, such as more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments, there are associated risks, including the loss of empathy in the dentist–patient relationship, the risk of overdiagnosis, and the possibility of bias in the data. Conclusions: The balance between technological innovation and the centrality of the dentist is crucial. A human and ethical approach to digital medicine is essential to ensure that technologies improve patient care without compromising the therapeutic relationship. To preserve the quality of dental care, it is necessary to integrate digital technologies in a way that supports, rather than replaces, the therapeutic relationship.

Background: Cheiloscopy, a forensic technique based on the uniqueness of labial traces, has traditionally relied on analog methods. While simple, these methods present significant limitations in terms of precision and reproducibility. The introduction of 3D technology, specifically high-resolution optical scanners, represents a pivotal advancement in overcoming these challenges. Objective: This pilot study aimed to explore the feasibility and potential advantages of 3D cheiloscopy in forensic science by analyzing its precision and repeatability compared to traditional analog methods. Methods: Two participants were selected as a pilot sample, and their lip impressions were captured using both analog techniques and a high-resolution intraoral scanner (Medit i700). A total of 40 samples were collected, equally distributed among operators with varying levels of experience. Surface deviation analysis was performed to compare the methods. Results: The 3D models demonstrated greater uniformity and resolution compared to the analog impressions, which were more prone to errors caused by material quality or operator pressure. Surface deviation analysis showed an average similarity of 70%, with a standard deviation of 0.229 mm. The digital methods also significantly reduced operator-dependent variability. Conclusions: This pilot study highlights the potential of 3D cheiloscopy to improve precision and standardization in forensic applications. While the small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings, the results provide a foundation for further research with larger and more diverse datasets. Future studies should explore the capability of 3D cheiloscopy to accurately match individuals and further validate its applicability in forensic and clinical contexts.

The habit of smoking in its various forms represents a significant public health concern due to its wide range of pathological effects, included the oral cavity. In recent years, alternatives to traditional cigarettes, such as heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, have gained popularity and are often marketed as potentially less harmful options. This study seeks to evaluate and compare the morphometric characteristics of oral mucosal capillaries in individuals who consume combusted tobacco, heated tobacco, vaporized liquid, and non-smokers. Using videocapillaroscopy, we assessed both parametric and non-parametric data from 60 patients, divided into four groups according to their smoking habits. The analysis revealed significant differences in capillary morphology among the groups. Users of combusted tobacco exhibited pronounced reductions in capillary diameter, alongside increased tortuosity and the presence of microaneurysms. These alterations are indicative of chronic inflammation and vasoconstriction, likely driven by exposure to nicotine and the high temperatures associated with combustion. Conversely, users of heated tobacco and vaporized liquid exhibited comparatively fewer vascular abnormalities, although angiogenic effects attributable to nicotine were still observable. These findings suggest that alternative tobacco products may have a comparatively lesser impact on the oral microcirculation when compared to traditional smoking. However, the potential long-term effects of these products remain unclear. Further longitudinal research is required to fully understand the risks associated with prolonged use of heated tobacco and electronic cigarettes.

Background: Successful root canal treatment depends on the synergy between mechanical instrumentation and chemical disinfection. The internal canal geometry, particularly taper configuration, critically influences irrigant flow and penetration. Conventional taper designs tend to displace irrigants coronally, creating stagnation zones and limiting cleaning efficacy. The MEA Inverse Taper^® technique introduces a reversed taper geometry designed to retain irrigant within the canal during shaping, forming a fluid reservoir termed the Radicular Tank (RT). This proof-of-concept study aimed to experimentally demonstrate the formation of the RT generated by the MEA Inverse Taper^® design and to compare its qualitative hydrodynamic and shaping behavior with a conventional rotary system (MTWO). Methods: Standardized transparent canal models were instrumented using either the MEA Inverse Taper^® or MTWO sequence. A 1% methylene blue dye served as a visual tracer to assess potential intracanal retention at successive shaping stages. Standardized photographic documentation and digital image superimposition were used to evaluate residual dye retention, canal morphology, and taper variation. Results: The MEA Inverse Taper^® sequence maintained residual dye in the coronal and middle thirds, confirming the formation of the RT. Compared with MTWO, it produced a more conservative taper, minimized coronal and apical displacement of dye, and preserved canal curvature, removing less coronal dentin. Conclusion: The MEA Inverse Taper^® technique creates a qualitative dye-retention phenomenon (Radicular Tank) that allows continuous instrumentation within a visually persistent dye environment. This novel concept may support disinfection efficiency, alongside preserving dentin structure and reducing mechanical stress on rotary instruments, representing a potential advancement in endodontic shaping and irrigation protocols.