Background/Objectives: Deep caries lesions represent an actual concern in preserving tooth vitality and preventing irreversible pulpitis. As presently the non-selective approach is considered an overtreatment, the concept of selective caries removal is highly recommended. The goal of this narrative review is to focus on current trends in carious dentine excavation and adjunctive therapies. Methods: A keyword-based selection of scientific publications issued in the last six years, i.e., 2019–2024, was conducted with the search engine of PubMed (MEDLINE) and ScienceDirect databases, using the following keywords: deep carious lesion; caries removal; indirect pulp capping; adjunctive antimicrobial therapy; adjunctive anti-enzymatic therapy; biomimetic restorative dentistry. Discussions: In deep caries management, the current trends of carious dentine excavation recommend preferentially partial caries removal technique as less risky to pulp exposure and more conservative compared to the stepwise technique (SW). Presently, advanced additional procedures such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and an anti-enzymatic approach are also considered for caries arrest. Conclusions: Selective caries removal and adjunctive photodynamic antimicrobial therapy are procedures of choice in preserving pulp vitality. Anti-enzymatic therapies impede decoupling with time of adhesive restorations from the smear layer. Biomimetic restorative dentistry and smart materials introduce the principles of artificial intelligence in the therapeutic approach of deep caries.
Background/Objectives: The aim of this narrative review is to perform an updated literature review of the root canal microbiome in secondary endodontic infections and the bacterial dynamics that govern the processes leading to the development of these persistent endodontic infections and periapical lesions. Methods: A literature search of scientific publications issued in the last 8 years, i.e., 2017–2024, was conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE) and ScienceDirect databases, using the following keywords: endodontic microbiome; endodontic pathogens; periapical lesion; primary endodontic infection; secondary/persistent endodontic infection; functional redundancy. Discussions: Secondary endodontic infections (SEIs) are a highly prevalent pathological condition affecting a minimum of one tooth in more than half of adults worldwide. The transition from primary endodontic infection (PEI) to secondary endodontic infection (SEI) is mainly governed by Enterococus faecalis (EF) that invades and dominates the previous endodontic biofilm initiated by Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN). Conclusions: The findings from different studies indicate that secondary endodontic infections are polymicrobial. In SEIs, the microbial species interactions are crucial in influencing the ecology of infected root canals. The issue of the keynote pathogen is still under debate. Both EF and FN pathogens cooperate with neighboring residents. Functional redundancy of the endodontic microbiome explains how the ecological diversity modulates its pathogenicity.
Primary root canal infection is a dynamic process. All species of oral microbiota have comparable abilities to establish in the root canals of necrotic teeth. The essential ecological factors in their biological selection are nutrient availability, anaerobic environment and bacterial interactions. In chronic apical periodontitis, all selected microflora residing in the long-term infected habitat of root canals system are synergistic, and each of them can play the role of an endodontic pathogen. Microorganisms living in the root canal system of pulpless teeth progressively reach through anatomical communications to the periodontal ligament where, sooner or later, they cause the inflammatory and immunological conflict between the infection and the host. The insight into the complexity of the root canal microbiota is improved by the current pyrosequencing and next-generation sequencing diagnostic techniques, which allow the identification of multispecies of the microbiome and their targeted treatment. The insight into the complexity of root canal microbiota is improved by present diagnostic techniques of pyrosequencing and next generation sequencing, which allow the identification of multispecies of the microbiome and their targeted treatment.
15 September 2024 in Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
This paper examines the effectiveness of custom dental implants in managing oral complications associated with Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel condition that can significantly affect patients’ oral health. By reviewing the existing literature and studying clinical cases, we analyze the success rates of dental implants, their integration in the context of immunosuppressive treatments, the improvement of masticatory function, and their impact on the quality of life of patients. Reviewed studies indicate that, with proper planning and careful postoperative management, dental implants can provide a durable and effective solution for patients with Crohn’s disease, with success rates comparable to those of the general population. We also discuss the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in the planning and implementation of personalized dental treatments, as well as the need for continuous monitoring to prevent complications. The results highlight the potential of dental implants to significantly improve oral functionality and aesthetics, thus contributing to the overall improvement of the quality of life of patients with Crohn’s disease. These findings encourage greater attention to the personalization of dental treatments for this category of patients, given the complexity of managing their health condition.
Treatments in dentistry currently consist of an interdisciplinary approach, including (but not necessarily limited to) the holistic perspective. The different fields of allopathic and complementary medicine are used together to ensure not only a high-quality restorative treatment, but also to provide patients with psychological and emotional support. This perspective also applies to dental anxiety, which consists of complex (emotional, vegetative and psychomotor) manifestations. One of the most well-known complementary therapies for reducing dental fear and anxiety is BachTM Flower Therapy. Even if the mechanism of action of this therapy is not yet scientifically documented, notable results have been and continue to be reported in the literature in several clinical studies on patients with dental diseases. It is indicated for both adults and children, in the latter when they go through major biological changes, such as primary and permanent dentition. As a conclusion, BachTM flower therapy is effective and complementary to dental treatments applied to patients, by reducing stress, anxiety, as well as creating a climate of peace, trust and confidence, both for the patient and the doctor. In addition, it is a relatively accessible and cheap form of care, with no significant adverse effects noted so far.
15 September 2024 in Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
Nowadays, digital technologies represent an essential tool for dentists and dental technicians, and the backbone of the communication between them. Aim of the study is to analyze the application of digital technologies in a common dental office and in transferring information to the dental lab. Materials and methods. The retrospective study included patients who presented for treatment to the dentist, in a 12 months period of time. Searched databases included dental charts, radiologic and imagistic data (OPG, CBCT), clinical photos and digital dental impressions. A comparison was made between the used digital tools as frequency. Results: 580 patients were included, 275 men and 305 women, aged between 19 and 82. Digital technologies used in the dental office in the studied period were: OPG (100%), CBCT examinations (25,34%), digital photographic exams (38,10%), intraoral scanning (24,13%), digital intraoral impressions (19,65%). Conclusions: All patients who attended the dental office during the study period received an OPG examination, while significant fewer patients were investigated using other digital technologies. For an easier, faster and complete data transfer between dental office and dental lab, digital evaluation is mandatory.