Background: Orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances often induces pain. Despite existing research on pain management, the dynamic nature of orthodontic pain and its relationship with tooth movement remain underexplored. This study surveys adults under fixed appliance therapy to investigate pain dynamics, modifying factors, and perceived tooth movement, aiming to provide insights for improved patient care and treatment outcomes. Methods: This study focused on healthy individuals aged 18 to 50 undergoing fixed appliance treatment for up to six months after having braces bonded. A 24-question survey was administered over a one-month period. The survey explored pain intensity, pain dynamics, modifying factors, and perceived tooth movement. Results: Pain typically began within the first few hours after bonding and peaked the following day for most respondents. The upper incisors and molars were the most frequently reported areas of pain, corresponding to the teeth perceived as moving earliest. Chewing was identified as the primary external pain trigger. Gender significantly influenced pain perception, with women reporting higher pain levels and greater use of medication. The majority of participants managed without medication. Conclusions: Pain during the early phase of fixed appliance therapy follows a predictable pattern, with peak intensity occurring on the day after bonding. Pain perception strongly correlates with early tooth movement, particularly in the upper incisors. Gender differences were evident, but other demographic factors had minimal influence. Chewing was the primary pain aggravator, emphasizing the need for dietary modifications. Understanding these findings can help orthodontists develop personalized pain management strategies.

Background. Dental injuries are estimated to be the second most frequent oral condition and the fifth most prevalent health condition worldwide. Dental traumas are regarded as a public health issue due to their high prevalence and complexity of consequences. The popularity of AI tools in the health-care field has increased rapidly, enabling to improve clinical effectiveness, patient satisfaction and reduce health-care cost. Early diagnosis and proper treatment management through the use of artificial intelligence can minimize the risk of complications, not only in the clinical area, but also in social, psychological and economical fields. Aim. The aim of this literature review is to evaluate the potential of AI-based systems application in supporting diagnostic and treatment management of dental injuries. Material and methods. A review of literature available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted. The literature used in the article comes from the years 2014-2026. Results. Artificial intelligence plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment management of patients with dental injuries. AI-based tools may assist with a differential diagnosis and radiological reports, recommending the appropriate clinical course of action and raising awareness among non-medical persons on how to manage first-aid dental help. Artificial intelligence also grows in popularity among the students, supporting the education process. On the other hand, AI in dental injuries cases faces limitations such as significant language dependence, inability to cite the sources, whereas inaccurate recommendations can be responsible for poor clinical decisions. Conclusion. Artificial intelligence can be effective as a supportive tool in diagnostic and treatment management of dental injuries. Even though AI-based systems are expanding quickly in health care, further research is necessary to improve their reliability and clinical applicability in dentistry.

Background. Mandibular third molar extraction is common in young adults, including athletes participating in contact and combat sports. Removal of an impacted tooth creates a bone defect in the mandibular angle, which may be enlarged by osteotomy and exposed to direct trauma. Although postoperative mandibular fracture is rare, temporary reduction in local bone resistance may be clinically relevant when planning return to sport. Aim. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on recovery after impacted mandibular third molar extraction, focusing on bone healing, postoperative mandibular vulnerability, and return to contact sports. Results. Postoperative outcomes are influenced by patient-related, anatomical, and surgical factors, including age, sex, systemic health, medication use, impaction depth and angulation, local bone pathology, surgeon experience, surgical technique, and extent of bone removal. Reported fractures are associated particularly with male sex, older age, complete impaction, preexisting bone lesions, and extensive osteotomy. Most occur during the first four postoperative weeks, when socket healing is incomplete and mandibular resistance may remain reduced. Published cases mainly involve functional loading, such as chewing or clenching, whereas contact sports add the risk of direct mandibular impact. Sport type, contact level, training intensity, protective equipment, and maxillofacial trauma risk should therefore be considered. Conclusions. Return to contact and combat sports should be individualized and not based solely on resolution of pain, swelling, trismus, or bleeding. Clinical recovery may precede restoration of bone resistance. Surgical difficulty, healing course, temporary mandibular vulnerability, and sport-specific trauma exposure should guide a gradual return to training and competition. Further studies are needed to establish evidence-based, sport-specific recommendations.

Background. Dental implants are one of the most predictable and widely accepted treatment options for the rehabilitation of patients with edentulism. Implant fracture is one of the most severe mechanical complications and may result from excessive or repetitive mechanical loading, unfavorable biomechanical conditions, trauma, and peri-implant bone loss. Athletes, particularly those participating in contact and collision sports, are at increased risk of orofacial trauma. The aim of this narrative review is to address the current clinical gap regarding dental implant fractures in the clinical group, including athletes. This review aims to evaluate the information included in the known literature on the potential relationship between athletic activity and implant-related complications while discussing biomechanical and risk factors, treatment approaches, and preventive measures. Results. The reviewed literature identified dental implant fractures as a multifactorial complication associated primarily with excessive or repetitive mechanical loading, unfavorable biomechanical conditions, material fatigue, trauma, and peri-implant bone loss. Management depends on the extent of implant damage and the condition of the surrounding tissues. In athletes, sports-related orofacial trauma represents an additional potential risk for implant-supported restorations, and mouthguards remain an important preventive strategy. Conclusions. Dental implant fractures in athletes remain an insufficiently studied clinical problem, particularly among individuals participating in high-risk contact and collision sports. Careful treatment planning, appropriate implant-prosthetic rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up are essential for athletes with dental implants. In addition, the use of properly fitted mouthguards should be strongly emphasized as an important preventive measure against sports-related orofacial trauma and potential damage to implant-supported restorations in the future.