Objective The complete removal of bacterial plaque and their endotoxins in deeper areas of periodontal pockets is often difficult to achieve with conventional methods such as periodontal pocket curettage. An alternative to these methods that recently gained popularity in periodontology is the diode laser, with its antibacterial effect, angiogenesis promotion as advantages. Materials and Methods This study included 100 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, with periodontal pockets up to 6 mm, and who were divided into two groups: patients treated with basic therapy and diode laser application, and patients treated with basic therapy and with flap surgery. The clinical periodontal evaluation was done before the treatment and 6 months after the treatment. Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 as an inflammatory indicator in gingival exudate was done with dipstick immunoassay test before the treatment and 6 months later. Results This study showed a more pronounced improvement of periodontal clinical parameters, as well as a decrease in MMP-8 values in gingival exudate in the laser-treated group compared with the surgically treated group. Conclusion The results of this study are encouraging for the use of the diode laser as a noninvasive method in the treatment of periodontal pathologies.

Unknown etiology Peripheral giant cell granuloma, or epulis, is a common and benign oral lesion that can grow rapidly. Diode lasers are increasingly used to excise soft-tissue lesions because the technique preserves tissue for histopathology while controlling bleeding. Here, we report the excision of a 2-cm benign peripheral giant cell granuloma of the oral mucosa by 975-nm infrared diode laser, with rapid wound healing and good tissue preservation for histological analysis. A 39-year-old woman presented with a large red-purple lesion in the oral mucosa of the lower jaw, near teeth 41 and 32. According to the patient, despite the absence of pain, the lesion caused difficulty while eating, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene. The periodontal assessment included the following parameters: clinical attachment level, gingival recession, pocket probing depth, Loe-Silness gingival index, and tooth mobility index. The lesion was excised under local anesthesia using a 975-nm diode laser, and histopathology reports confirmed the diagnosis of peripheral giant cell granuloma. Six weeks after removal of the peripheral giant cell granuloma, all periodontal parameters were improved except for clinical attachment level and gingival recession. Excision by 975-nm infrared diode laser can maintain tissue integrity for histopathology while allowing complete excision and control of bleeding. Soft lasers can provide advantages such as reduced bleeding, less operative and postoperative pain, decreased mechanical trauma, increased patient acceptability, and rapid wound healing without sutures, and they can be used to successfully remove peripheral giant cell granulomas.

Background: Periodontitis is associated with systemic inflammation; however, the relationship between disease severity and systemic inflammatory biomarkers remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between periodontitis stage and grade with systemic levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and assess changes following standardized non-surgical periodontal therapy. Methods: Patient records from the University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo were reviewed. Periodontitis was classified using the 2018 staging and grading system. Periodontal parameters (probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing, plaque index, and gingival index) were assessed at six sites per tooth (excluding third molars). Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and high-sensitivity CRP were measured before and after therapy using high-sensitivity ELISA. Blood samples were centrifuged, and serum was stored at −20 °C. All patients underwent standardized non-surgical periodontal therapy, including full-mouth scaling and root planning, without systemic antibiotics. Data were analyzed using SPSS v22.0. Results: Among the patients, 28.0% had Stage I–II, 40.0% Stage III, and 32.0% Stage IV periodontitis; 29.3% were Grade A, 45.3% Grade B, and 25.3% Grade C. At baseline, all systemic inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were significantly higher in periodontitis patients compared with the control group, indicating an increased systemic inflammatory burden before therapy. After therapy, significant reductions in CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were observed across all stages and grades (all p < 0.01), indicating a decrease in systemic inflammatory burden. Conclusions: Non-surgical periodontal therapy significantly lowers systemic inflammatory biomarkers regardless of periodontitis severity, supporting their role as indicators of disease activity and treatment response.

Background/Objectives: The rising popularity of e-cigarette use is creating new challenges for oral healthcare. Factors such as targeted marketing, appealing flavors, and the perception that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional smoking have contributed to their widespread adoption. This trend is particularly prevalent among young adults and teenagers, many of whom turn to e-cigarettes despite having no prior history of regular cigarette use. This study aimed to evaluate dentists’ knowledge and perceptions regarding e-cigarettes, focusing on their health effects, regulatory status, and potential risks to oral health. Assessing dentists’ knowledge of e-cigarette risks is important, as they guide patients on the potential oral health dangers of vaping. E-cigarette use has been linked to several oral health problems. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 189 dentists in Kosovo, comprising both general dentists and specialists. The questionnaire assessed participants’ awareness of e-cigarettes’ FDA approval status, their perceptions of health impacts, and their understanding of e-cigarettes’ association with oral conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed significant knowledge gaps, with 74.1% of respondents being uncertain about the FDA approval status of e-cigarettes and 82.0% recognizing their harmful effects on general and oral health. Nearly half (49.7%) of the participants identified e-cigarettes as a potential risk factor for caries, while 66.1% and 64.6% associated their use with oral cancer and periodontal disease, respectively. Gender and professional specialization did not significantly influence these perceptions. Conclusions: Dentists need better education on the risks of e-cigarette use, including their harmful effects on oral health. Incorporating this knowledge into dental curricula and professional training is essential to give dentists the information needed to advise patients effectively. Raising public awareness through dental health professionals can help mitigate the oral health risks associated with e-cigarettes.

Background and Objectives: The growing prevalence of e-cigarette use presents new challenges for oral health care. This study aimed to evaluate dentists’ knowledge and perceptions regarding e-cigarettes, focusing on their health effects, regulatory status, and potential risks to oral health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 189 dentists in Kosovo, comprising both general dentists and specialists. The questionnaire assessed participants’ awareness of e-cigarettes’ FDA approval status, their perceptions of health impacts, and their understanding of e-cigarettes’ association with oral conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed significant knowledge gaps, with 74.1% of respondents uncertain about the FDA approval status of e-cigarettes and 82.0% recognizing their harmful effects on general and oral health. Nearly half (49.7%) of the participants identified e-cigarettes as a potential risk factor for caries, while 66.1% and 64.6% associated their use with oral cancer and periodontal disease, respectively. Gender and professional specialization did not significantly influence these perceptions. Conclusions: Dentists need better education on the risks of e-cigarette use, including their harmful effects on oral health. Incorporating this knowledge into dental curricula and professional training is essential to give dentists the information needed to advise patients effectively. Raising public awareness through dental health professionals can help mitigate the oral health risks associated with e-cigarettes.

Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) vaporize a liquid solution containing nicotine and are marketed as safer than traditional tobacco. However, they are linked to health issues, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and oral problems. Dental professionals play a key role in educating patients and supporting smoking cessation. Objective: This study evaluates dentists’ knowledge of smoking cessation methods in Kosovo and identifies the need for further training. Material and Methods: The study involved 189 licensed dentists in Kosovo, using an 18-question questionnaire to assess their discussions about e-cigarettes, smoking cessation knowledge, and training participation. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Results: Among participants, 42.9% were male and 57.1% female. Most (63.0%) felt confident discussing e-cigarettes’ harmful effects, while only 36.5% were knowledgeable about advanced cessation methods, and 11.6% were familiar with structured intervention models like the 5As and 5Rs. Participation in training was low (27.0%). Dentists showed confidence in discussing e-cigarettes but lacked knowledge of advanced cessation methods. This gap highlights the need for standardized educational programs to improve counseling effectiveness. Conclusion: While dentists in Kosovo recognize the risks of e-cigarettes, there is a clear need for enhanced training in smoking cessation methods to better support patients. KEYWORDS Electronic nicotine delivery systems; Oral health; Professional education; Smoking; Tobacco use cessation.