This study aimed to perform a qualitative synthesis of the available in vitro evidence on the microleakage of commercially available conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs), resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs), and modified glass ionomer cements with nano-fillers, zirconia, or bioactive glasses. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) statement standards. The literature search was performed in Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify relevant articles. Laboratory studies that evaluated microleakage of GICs, RMGICs, and modified glass ionomer cements with nano-fillers, zirconia, or bioactive glasses were eligible for inclusion. The QUIN risk of bias tool for the assessment of in vitro studies conducted in dentistry was used. After the study selection process, which included duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, and full-text assessment, 15 studies were included. A qualitative synthesis of the evidence is presented, including author data, year of publication, glass ionomer materials used, sample characteristics, microleakage technique and values, and main outcome measures for primary and permanent teeth. Although no statistically significant differences were found in numerous studies, most results showed that RMGICs exhibited less leakage than conventional GICs. All studies agreed that leakage was significantly higher at dentin margins. It was also higher at the gingival margin than at the occlusal margin. Nano-filled RMGICs Ketac N100, Equia Forte, and Zirconomer appear to have less microleakage than conventional GICs and RMGICs. Further investigations using a standardized procedure are needed to confirm the results.

Aim: This study aimed to compare the impact of two innovative training methods, haptic simulators and 3D‐printed teeth, on the self‐assessment accuracy of dental students when evaluating endodontic access cavities. Methodology: A prospective, experimental, and comparative educational trial was conducted with undergraduate dental students randomly assigned to two groups: Group S (haptic simulators, n = 12) and Group 3D (3D‐printed teeth, n = 10). Participants performed six access cavity preparations over two training sessions and self‐assessed their work using a standardised evaluation form. A pre‐test and post‐test assessment of pre‐prepared access cavities was conducted to measure changes in self‐assessment accuracy. Evaluations were also performed by experts to establish a gold standard. The percentage of agreement and Cohen's kappa coefficient with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for both groups. Statistical analyses included McNemar's test, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, and Mann–Whitney U test ( p < 0.05). Results: Both groups improved their self‐assessment scores over time. However, only Group S showed a statistically significant increase in correct responses in the post‐test evaluation ( p = 0.009). The overall agreement between participants and experts remained low in both groups, with Cohen's kappa values indicating fair agreement. The primary source of disagreement was overestimation, particularly in Group 3D. While Group S exhibited better alignment with expert assessments over time, differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Haptic simulators and 3D‐printed teeth both contributed to students' self‐assessment skills. However, haptic simulators were more effective in improving self‐assessment accuracy. Despite these improvements, agreement with expert evaluations remained low; highlighting the need for additional feedback and guidance during training.

Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP) emerges as a promising alternative non-peroxide bleaching agent to hydrogen peroxide (HP), offering similar efficacy with potentially less enamel damage. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of 37.5% HP, 35% carbamide peroxide (CP), and PAP on dental color, enamel surface microhardness, and morphological integrity. Fifty-seven extracted human maxillary incisors were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 18). Thirteen teeth per group were used for color evaluation, four for microhardness, and one for surface morphology analysis. Each group received three whitening sessions (three applications per session) according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Color was assessed before and one week after each session using a spectrophotometer. Lightness increased by 7.19 units (HP), 7.11 (PAP), and 4.43 (CP). ΔWI_D was 4.48 (HP), 4.16 (CP), and 8.82 (PAP). All agents produced an “excellent” bleaching effect (ΔE₀₀ index); only PAP achieved “excellent” values with the ΔWI_D index at the end of the study. PAP produced fewer morphological changes on the enamel surface and less reduction in microhardness compared to the untreated control than the other agents evaluated. PAP emerges as an effective alternative for dental bleaching, offering significant color improvement while ensuring minimal alterations to enamel morphology.

Aim: This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the regulatory role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the viability, proliferation, osteo-odontogenic differentiation potential and/or inflammation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs), with a focus on their potential in periodontal and endodontic regeneration. Methodology: A comprehensive search across Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and SciELO databases up to December 2025 identified original in vitro studies assessing miRNA overexpression or knockdown in PDLSCs or SCAPs. 39 studies met the eligibility criteria and underwent structured data extraction, qualitative synthesis and quality appraisal using a tailored risk-of-bias tool (miRoB-DSC). Results: The findings demonstrate that specific miRNAs act as key regulators of PDLSCs and SCAPs viability, proliferation, osteo-odontogenic differentiation, and inflammatory responses. Comparisons with previous reviews on DPSCs and PDLSCs suggest both shared and niche-specific regulatory networks. Various signaling pathways have been majorly implicated with miRNA regulation, including RUNX2, Smad/TGFβ, NOTCH, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK. The majority of the assessed studies fulfilled more than 80% of the applicable items from the miRoB-DSC tool. Conclusion: Collectively, these results highlight miRNAs as central modulators of PDLSC and SCAP biology, with potential applications as therapeutic targets or biomarkers in regenerative dentistry. However, heterogeneity in experimental designs, limited evaluation under disease-relevant conditions, and the reliance on in vitro models highlight the need for standardized protocols and in vivo validation before clinical translation.

Irrigation plays a crucial role in the success of root canal treatment; however, currently, no standardized irrigation protocols exist, particularly regarding the optimal sequence for smear layer removal. This systematic review aimed to determine which irrigation protocol achieves superior smear layer removal: traditional sequential irrigation with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) followed by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), or irrigation with etidronic acid, either combined with NaOCl in continuous chelation or used as a final irrigant. Continuous chelation with etidronic acid may be clinically advantageous in daily practice, as it would facilitate workflow by using a single irrigating solution without compromising the efficacy of the irrigation process. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science, last updated in August 2025. In vitro studies were selected according to predefined PICO-based criteria. Two reviewers independently screened the studies and extracted data, with an inter-rater agreement of 0.92 using the Kappa index. Risk of bias was evaluated using a modified CONSORT checklist for in vitro studies on dental materials. The average item compliance of the included studies was 58%. The maximum score was 73% and the minimum was 47%. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Etidronic acid used in continuous chelation showed equal or superior smear layer removal compared with sequential irrigation in nine of ten studies. Conversely, when used as a final irrigant, etidronic acid demonstrated inferior performance in more than half of the studies, particularly in the apical third. Based on the available evidence, etidronic acid in continuous chelation appears as effective as, or more effective than, traditional NaOCl–EDTA sequential irrigation.

Dental caries disrupt the balance between demineralization and remineralization in dentin, a complex mineralized tissue whose recovery requires not only mineral redeposition but also reconstitution of the collagen-apatite hierarchical organization. Restoring this integrity within a minimally invasive restorative framework demands materials that actively participate in tissue recovery, beyond passive cavity sealing. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on experimental resin-based composites with remineralizing capacity, evaluating their bioactive filler composition, ion-release efficacy, and mechanical properties. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and SciELO following PRISMA guidelines, yielding 12 in vitro studies after screening. Three main remineralizing strategies were identified: amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles (NACPs), alone or combined with the non-collagenous protein analog PAMAM; bioactive glass fillers (particularly 45S5); and other calcium phosphate-, calcium silicate-, or multi-ion-releasing fillers (β-TCS, DCPD and S-PRG). Scanning electron microscopy was the most frequently used evaluation method, often complemented by EDS, FTIR, and mechanical testing. Methodological quality was mostly moderate, with widespread absence of sample size justification and blinding. These in vitro findings provide proof of concept for the remineralizing potential of bioactive resin composites, although their clinical efficacy, long-term durability, and safety remain to be validated, and greater methodological standardization is needed.