This study aimed to assess the fracture resistance and fracture patterns of endodontically treated permanent mandibular molars restored with either preheated or nonpreheated conventional composite resin or short fiber-reinforced composite resin (SFRC). One hundred and twenty mandibular molars with prepared mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities were allocated to six groups: positive control (intact teeth, no restoration, n = 20), negative control (endodontically treated but unrestored, n = 20), and four experimental groups restored with conventional composite, preheated composite, SFRC, or preheated SFRC (n = 20 each). After thermocycling, fracture resistance was tested using a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using Jamovi software (Version 2.4.8; The Jamovi Project, Sydney, Australia). Normality was assessed with the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Group differences were evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Dwass–Steel–Critchlow–Fligner post hoc test. The association between fracture modes and fracture strength categories was examined using the chi-square test of independence. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The positive control showed significantly greater fracture strength than all restored groups (p < 0.05). All restored groups had significantly higher fracture resistance than the negative control (p < 0.05), with no significant differences among the restored groups (p > 0.05). A significant association was found between fracture mode and fracture strength (χ²(1) = 6.97, p = 0.008). The preheated SFRC group showed a higher rate of restorable fractures compared to others, suggesting improved clinical reparability with preheating.

Objectives: This prospective observational study aimed to compare the efficacy of a novel bioceramic intracanal medicament (Bio-C Temp) with a conventional calcium hydroxide-based medicament (UltraCal XS) in reducing postoperative spontaneous pain and percussion sensitivity in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) with apical periodontitis (AP). Methods: Thirty-seven systemically healthy patients diagnosed with SIP with AP were included. The selected teeth were vital, single-rooted, single-canal maxillary or mandibular teeth presenting with prolonged moderate to severe pain in response to cold testing (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] ≥ 50 mm), moderate to severe percussion pain (VAS ≥ 50 mm), and a periapical index (PAI) score ≤ 2. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either Bio-C Temp (n = 19) or UltraCal XS (n = 18) as the intracanal medicament. Postoperative pain, percussion sensitivity, and analgesic consumption were recorded at 6, 12, and 24 h, and 3, 5, and 7 days. Data were analyzed using R statistical software (version 4.5.0). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative pain and percussion sensitivity compared with preoperative levels (p < 0.05). By the end of the 7th day, the UltraCal XS group showed significantly lower spontaneous pain (p < 0.001) and percussion sensitivity (p < 0.001) than the Bio-C Temp group. Complete spontaneous pain relief was reported in 65% of the UltraCal XS group and 31% of the Bio-C Temp. However, no patient in either group achieved complete resolution of percussion sensitivity. Conclusions: UltraCal XS provided superior short-term postoperative pain relief and greater reduction in percussion sensitivity compared with the bioseramic medicament. Neither medicament fully resolved percussion sensitivity within 7 days.

This study aimed to evaluate oral and dental health status, hygiene practices, and access to dental care among adults living in Gaza, Khan Younis, and the central governorates of Palestine. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2025 among 39 adults aged ≥18 years residing in the study regions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire (14 closed-ended and 4 open-ended questions) addressing oral hygiene habits, healthcare access, living conditions, and perceptions of dental services. The survey was administered via Google Forms. Descriptive statistics were used, and categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. The study included 39 participants (48.7% women, 51.3% men). None reported adequate access to nutritious food. A high proportion (89.7%) experienced toothache within the last two years. The most common response was self-management with analgesics (71.6%), while other strategies included visiting a health facility (28.6%), tooth extraction (28.6%), and use of traditional remedies (28.6%). A small proportion (5.7%) reported taking no action. Only 46.2% had visited a dentist in the last two years. Open-ended responses highlighted key challenges, including lack of hygiene supplies (25.6%), limited access to dental services (20.5%), financial constraints (5.1%), poor nutrition (5.1%), and ongoing oral health problems (5.1%). Findings indicate a substantial burden of untreated oral conditions and limited access to dental care in a conflict-affected population. Oral health needs should be integrated into humanitarian health responses to ensure access to preventive and essential dental services.