Artificial intelligence plays an increasingly important role in modern dentistry, offering the possibility of precise and quick diagnostic image analysis and supporting the process of pathology detection. Aim: The study aims to discuss the use of artificial intelligence in caries detection, with an emphasis on radiographs and intraoral imaging analysis, and to assess the potential of this technology in the quality and efficiency of dental diagnostics improvement. Methods: A review of the scientific literature covering the years 2015–2024 was carried out, analyzing the results of studies on the effectiveness of artificial intelligence algorithms in caries detection. Publications evaluating parameters such as sensitivity, specificity, and precision compared to traditional diagnostic methods were included. Results: AI algorithms, particularly convolutional neural networks, present high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in caries detection, often outperforming traditional methods in detecting early lesions. The use of artificial intelligence standardizes the diagnosis, shortens the time of analysis, and reduces errors caused by a subjective clinical assessment. Major limitations include the need for high-quality training data, implementation costs, and challenges associated with technology acceptance. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly improve caries detection, offering precision, efficiency, and algorithms standardization. However, taking full advantage of its capabilities requires further research, standardization of algorithms, and appropriate adaptation of the clinical environment.

Aim: To provide an updated overview of photodynamic therapy (PDT), emphasizing the evolution of photosensitizers, their mechanisms of action, and current challenges and innovations aimed at improving therapeutic outcomes. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify studies published between 2000 and 2025. Search terms included photodynamic therapy, photosensitizers, nanoparticles, reactive oxygen species, and drug delivery systems. Experimental studies, clinical trials, and review articles focused on photosensitizer development and applications were analyzed. Results: Photosensitizers have advanced through three generations. First-generation agents such as Photofrin demonstrated clinical success but were hindered by shallow tissue penetration and prolonged photosensitivity. Second-generation compounds achieved stronger absorption within the therapeutic window (650-800 nm) and higher singlet oxygen yields but encountered solubility and delivery limitations. Third-generation systems integrate targeting ligands or nanocarriers, improving selectivity, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics. Despite these advances, PDT remains limited by insufficient light penetration, tumor hypoxia, and non-specific toxicity, and is therefore used only in select clinical settings. Recent approaches, such as multifunctional theranostic photosensitizers, gene-encoded PSs, and combination therapies with immunotherapy or chemotherapy, aim to overcome these barriers. Conclusions: Continued innovation in photosensitizer chemistry, nanotechnology-based delivery, and combination strategies promises to enhance PDT’s selectivity, depth, and clinical effectiveness across oncology, dermatology, and infectious disease treatment.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is commonly treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which often cause significant morbidity. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative. Pheophorbide-a (Pa), a second-generation photosensitizer, shows promise, but has not been critically reviewed in oral malignancies. The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate preclinical evidence on the mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety of Pa-mediated PDT (Pa-PDT) in oral oncology.A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was conducted in line with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD420251066127). Eligible studies included in vitro or in vivo models using Pa-PDT in oral malignancies. Data on therapeutic outcomes, the mechanisms of action, and study quality was extracted and analyzed. Nine studies were included. Pheophorbide-a-induced photodynamic therapy consistently induced apoptosis, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction. It also overcame multidrug resistance by downregulating HOXC6 and MDR1. Conjugation with targeting peptides, nanocarriers and immune checkpoint inhibitors enhanced selectivity and cytotoxicity.Pheophorbide-a demonstrated favorable photophysical properties, including strong red-light absorption (664-675nm), high singlet oxygen yield and minimal dark toxicity. Evidence was limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols and the absence of human trials. Pheophorbide-a-induced photodynamic therapy shows antitumor activity in preclinical OSCC models, supporting further preclinical development and carefully designed early-phase trials. Translation should proceed only within early-phase trials that directly benchmark Pa against the approved photosensitizers, using standardized protocols.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a significant global health concern, with high morbidity and mortality largely attributable to delayed diagnosis. Despite the accessibility of the oral cavity for clinical inspection and the presence of well-established risk factors, a considerable proportion of cases are still identified at advanced stages. This report presents a case of rapid tumor progression in a patient without classical risk factors. Case Presentation: A 44-year-old male with no history of tobacco or alcohol use, systemic illness, or familial cancer, presented with a lateral tongue ulcer attributed to trauma. Clinical examination revealed a 10 x 14 mm lesion. Biopsy was initially postponed due to lack of consent, and conservative treatment was administered. Temporary improvement was observed. However, within 20 days, the lesion markedly enlarged. Urgent biopsy confirmed moderately differentiated OSCC. The tumor was staged as T4N0M0 according to AJCC 8th edition. The patient underwent hemiglossectomy, bilateral neck dissection, and adjuvant radiochemotherapy. Although remission was achieved, the patient died of pneumonia one week after completing treatment. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential for rapid OSCC progression in low-risk individuals and emphasizes the need for immediate diagnostic action in the presence of suspicious oral lesions. Conventional oral examination must be followed by biopsy when malignancy is suspected. Early multidisciplinary collaboration and clear patient communication are essential to avoid preventable delays and improve clinical outcomes.

Aim: This narrative review critically examines the clinical and mechanistic evidence regarding the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as adjuncts in periodontal therapy. The objective is to assess the consistency of reported outcomes, evaluate the quality of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and identify methodological limitations that hinder firm clinical recommendations. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2010 and April 2025. Search terms included “omega-3 fatty acids”, “PUFA”, “EPA”, “DHA”, “periodontitis”, “host modulation”, and related terms. Inclusion criteria comprised clinical trials, systematic reviews, and relevant experimental studies with full-text availability. No meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity in study design and outcomes. Results: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, may contribute to periodontal therapy by modulating inflammation, enhancing the production of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), and reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Some RCTs report improvements in probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and salivary biomarkers when omega-3s are used adjunctively with scaling and root planing (SRP). However, variability in dosage, source, treatment duration, and outcome measures limits comparability. Few studies assessed SPM levels or reported effect sizes and confidence intervals. Evidence on co-administration with low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is inconclusive. Conclusions: Although mechanistically plausible and supported by selected clinical trials, the adjunctive use of omega-3 fatty acids in periodontitis lacks sufficient high-quality, consistent evidence to justify clinical recommendations. Standardized RCTs with robust design, biochemical monitoring, and long-term follow-up are needed. Omega-3s remain a promising component of integrative care but should not yet replace established therapeutic protocols.

Background: Synchronous cancers, defined as malignancies diagnosed concurrently or within 2 months of each other, are rare, with an incidence of 1%–6%. Environmental factors such as tobacco smoking play a significant role in their development. Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are at increased risk of second malignancies, complicating treatment strategies and prognosis. This report presents a rare case of synchronous SCC of the lower lip and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Case: A 61‐year‐old male with a history of smoking presented with a 2.5 cm exophytic lesion of the lower lip, diagnosed as keratinizing SCC. A suspicious cervical lymph node was revealed, which intraoperatively demonstrated metastatic PTC. Following partial lip resection and neck dissection, total thyroidectomy was performed, confirming a 1.5 mm PTC focus with micrometastases. The patient underwent adjuvant conventional radiotherapy (RTH) for SCC (66 Gy in 33 fractions) and radioiodine therapy (131‐I) for PTC. Post‐therapeutic scintigraphy identified suspected micrometastases in the iliac bone, prompting further 131‐I treatment. Following completion of therapy, the patient achieved a complete response, with no radiologic or clinical evidence of residual disease from both malignancies. Conclusion: Synchronous SCC of the lip and PTC are exceedingly rare, lacking standardized treatment guidelines. This case highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, integrating surgery, RTH, and systemic therapy. Careful postoperative histopathological assessment of lymph nodes may reveal unexpected findings that necessitate further diagnostic work‐up and a multidisciplinary approach, as this can significantly influence staging, treatment decisions, and patient prognosis, representing an important key learning point.