GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity and are increasingly relevant in periodontal and implant practice. This review covers mechanisms, preclinical and early human evidence, and practical periodontal considerations; the structured database search is conducted in accordance with the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) principles. Two pathways explain GLP-1RAs’ relevance: indirect effects from better glycemic control, weight loss, and reduced inflammation; and direct tissue effects involving GLP-1R signaling and the GLP-1/dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) axis. Preclinical studies show reduced inflammation, osteoclast activity, and alveolar bone loss, along with improved periodontal stem cell function under hyperglycemia or inflammation via Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), Wingless-related integration site (Wnt)/beta-catenin, and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways. Animal studies on implants and local delivery, including exendin-4 platforms, suggest osteometabolic benefits. Human data are limited and mostly observational, and confounders include metabolic status, smoking, medication, and nutrition. Oral side effects such as xerostomia and dehydration are also noted. At present, GLP-1RA therapy should be regarded as a contextual modifier of periodontal risk and healing capacity rather than as a stand-alone periodontal therapy.
The long-term stability of bioactive dental cements in acidic environments is not yet fully understood, despite their extensive clinical use in restorative and endodontic procedures. The objective of this study is to evaluate the degradation behaviour and mechanical stability of one glass ionomer cement (GC FUJI IX®) and two calcium-silicate-based materials (Biodentine® and Biodentine XP 500®) under simulated acidic oral conditions. A total of 18 samples were prepared and distributed into three groups. The materials were immersed in a solution with a pH of 4.5, and their performance was assessed through a number of different methods. These included mass-loss measurements, corrosion-rate calculations, Vickers microhardness testing, and SEM to characterise the surfaces. Biodentine® exhibited the highest degradation, followed by Bio-Dentine XP 500® and GC FUJI IX®. The data were confirmed by one-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey’s test. This indicated a statistically significant superiority (p < 0.05) of Biodentine XP 500® over glass ionomers in terms of surface hardness maintenance under acidic conditions. Biodentine®, a calcium silicate-based material, demonstrated inferior chemical stability compared to GC FUJI IX® and Biodentine XP 500®, likely due to its modified calcium-silicate formulation that limits ionic dissolution. In addition, the study revealed that Biodentine XP 500® exhibited the highest Vickers hardness under acidic conditions. The findings reported in this study offer valuable insights into the material selection process for low-pH clinical scenarios and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the chemical–mechanical stability of modern bioactive dental restoratives.
Periodontitis, the sixth most prevalent oral disease globally, is a chronic and multifactorial inflammatory condition defined by the progressive and irreversible destruction of tooth-supporting structures, such as the periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. In the absence of periodontal treatment, this destructive process leads to increased tooth mobility and even tooth loss. Consequently, this will impair masticatory and esthetic functions and overall quality of life. Clinical guidelines, including those from the European Federation of Periodontology, underline the importance of thorough disruption of supragingival and subgingival biofilm as a fundamental component of periodontal therapy at all stages. In the last two decades, air-polishing devices have emerged as valuable adjuncts and even alternatives to conventional hand and ultrasonic instrumentation for managing supragingival and subgingival biofilm. These devices operate by delivering a controlled, pressurized mixture of water, compressed air, and abrasive powder particles onto tooth surfaces, thereby disrupting dental biofilm. The development of low-abrasivity powders like glycine, erythritol, and trehalose has extended the use of air-polishing technology in subgingival spaces. This has resulted in more effective biofilm removal in periodontal pockets while minimizing the potential damage to root surfaces and soft tissues. Clinical studies indicate that air polishing is a safe, comfortable, and time-efficient tool that complements scaling and root planing during active nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Additionally, air polishing can be used as a supportive periodontal therapy approach, serving as a standalone method for managing residual pockets. This could provide clinical outcomes comparable to conventional instrumentation, increase patient comfort, and reduce treatment duration.