Background/Objectives: Saliva plays an essential role in maintaining the oral ecological balance, and its quantitative and qualitative characteristics may influence susceptibility to dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine susceptibility to dental caries based on the DMFT index and to establish a correlation between caries experience and salivary parameters in a group of young adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and November 2025 on a sample of 87 fourth-year students from the Faculty of Dentistry in Craiova. Each participant underwent an intraoral clinical examination to determine the DMFT index. The salivary parameters assessed included unstimulated salivary flow rate, saliva consistency, salivary pH, stimulated salivary flow rate, and buffering capacity, using the GC Saliva-Check Buffer kit. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software, version 26 (SPSS Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The mean DMFT index value for the entire sample was 8.26 ± 4.481, with higher values observed among female participants. Low salivary pH was significantly associated with higher DMFT values. Participants with low or very low buffering capacity exhibited higher DMFT values compared to those with normal capacity, indicating that a reduced ability to neutralize salivary acidity is associated with increased caries activity. Conclusions: The results indicate that salivary pH and buffering capacity are important factors in dental caries susceptibility among young adults. The integration of salivary testing into the diagnostic assessment of caries risk may contribute to personalized and effective preventive strategies.

Background/Objectives: Occlusal analysis is an important component of oral rehabilitation with a determining role in the prognosis of restorations. Over time, several qualitative and quantitative occlusal analysis methods have been proposed, starting with occlusion wax up to the most advanced digital systems. The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the data obtained through dental occlusion analysis using the Medit i700 and Exocad Elefsina v3.2 in a group of subjects, in order to establish the reliability or compatibility between the two occlusal analysis systems. Methods: The study was conducted on 20 subjects, aged between 24 and 53 years, who presented in the Dental Prosthetics Clinic of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova. Digital impressions were acquired using the Medit Link v.3.3.6 intraoral scanner, and the digital files were subsequently uploaded from the Medit i700 into the Medit Occlusion Analyzer application and the Dental CAD Exocad software. For the analysis of occlusion in dynamics, mandibular movements and data acquisition, positions of edge-to-edge in protrusion, edge-to-edge in right laterotrusion and edge-to-edge in left laterotrusion were recorded, using the corresponding print screens. The 2D occlusal contact images generated by the two software programs were converted into .jpeg format and subsequently imported into Adobe Photoshop CS6 (2021) for comparative analysis. The data were statistically processed for each software used and the obtained data were subsequently compared. Results: The occlusal surfaces recorded with the Medit Occlusion Analyzer application represent 94% of the occlusal surfaces recorded with the Exocad software for the maxilla and 90% of the occlusal surfaces recorded for the mandible. In maximum intercuspation, the highest values were recorded by the Medit i700 software, whereas in edge-to-edge protrusion and both right and left edge-to-edge laterotrusion positions, the highest values were reported by the Exocad software. The discrepancy between maxillary and mandibular values arises from the conversion of the data from a three-dimensional to a two-dimensional format during image processing. Conclusions: The occlusal areas recorded by the DentalCAD Exocad software show higher values than those provided by the Medit Link software with the Medit Occlusion Analyzer application. The differences in recorded values, in the case of the digital flow of prosthetic restorations, require the intervention of the dentist to perform clinical adjustments to optimize occlusal relationships after the fabrication and cementation of restorations.

Background/Objectives: Fixed prosthetic dentures (FPD) represent a reliable treatment option to rehabilitate oral function and aesthetics. The concentration of loads at a certain level of the bridge causes overloading of the bridge components. The objectives of this study were to identify the frequency and severity of complications in FPDs associated with occlusal overload for patients prosthetically treated with metal–ceramic and metal–acrylic FPDs. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional clinical study included 306 patients of both sexes, aged 30+, with an FPD requiring rehabilitation. The following data were collected: general demographic data of the patients, data on dental bridges, data on occlusal overloads, and complications of FPDs according to severity. Statistical processing was performed in SPSS. Results: Metal–ceramic FPDs had more abutment teeth (p = 0.035), fewer intermediaries (p < 0.0005), and less severe complications (p = 0.001). Maxillary FPDs had a higher number of abutment teeth, compared to mandible FPDs (p < 0.001). As the life duration of the FPDs increased, the number of intermediaries and the severity grade also increased (p < 0.001). Compared to intercalated and pontics, cantilever pontics of FPDs had a longer duration (p < 0.001), a lower number of intermediaries (p < 0.001), and a higher severity grade (p < 0.001). The presence of occlusal interferences was associated only with a lower FPD duration (p = 0.007). The presence of unbalanced occlusion planes was associated with a higher severity grade, while the presence of shortened arches was associated with a longer FPD duration (p < 0.001), a higher number of intermediaries (p = 0.005), and a higher severity grade (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The most severe complications of FPDs were recorded in the case of shortened arches and cantilever bridges. This study draws attention to the need for preprosthetic and postprosthetic occlusal balancing and the need for complete rehabilitation of the dental arches.

Background/Objectives: Fixed partial dentures (FPD) are intended to restore the impaired functions of the dento-maxillary system (DMS) following the onset of partial edentulism. The objectives of this study were to determine the association of risk factors represented by caries predisposition (DMFT index - decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth), oral hygiene, bruxism and smoking with FPD complications. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 428 patients who presented to the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova for various complications related to FPD. Biological, technical, and aesthetic complications were identified in terms of their frequency and their association with risk factors, including caries predisposition quantified by the DMFT index, oral hygiene, bruxism, and smoking status. Associations were assessed using Pearson’s chi-square tests and Mann–Whitney U tests (two-sided, α = 0.05), performed in IBM SPSS Statistics, version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The DMFT index showed elevated values, 16.41 ± 4.43 in subjects aged ≤45 years and 18.39 ± 4.89 in subjects aged >45 years. Oral hygiene was satisfactory in a percentage of 75.82%, bruxism was present in 38%, and 40.52% were smokers. Regarding FPD complications, 94.77% were biological, 86.27% were technical, and 85.62% were aesthetic. Conclusions: Caries predisposition, assessed by the DMFT index, and smoking were associated with a higher frequency of biological complications. Bruxism and smoking were associated with technical complications, while unsatisfactory oral hygiene and smoking were associated with aesthetic complications.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether the oral parameter reflecting the total number of remaining permanent teeth (NRT) on both arches represents a predictability factor for a certain type of cardiovascular condition. Methods: This study included 84 subjects (40 males and 44 females) with ages between 50 and 89 years old, hospitalized in the Cardiology Department, who required dental examinations and specialized therapeutic interventions within the Emergency Dental Department of the same medical facility. Results: The study participant’s data were statically analyzed. An unadjusted oral parameter NRT < 21 may represent a statistically significant predictor of developing cardiomyopathy (OR = 8.00, 95%CI = 2.78–23.06, p < 0.0005), heart valve disease and arterial hypertension, in association with other comorbidities (except for metabolic or pulmonary comorbidities). The regression analyses revealed a borderline-significant association between the adjusted NRT and metabolic comorbidities or coronary disease (OR = 0.37, 95%CI = 0.13–1.01, p = 0.052). Conclusions: Overall, the NRT may be considered a predictive marker that is relative to the risk of exhibiting cardiovascular conditions.

Background/Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) constitute an umbrella term encompassing a spectrum of conditions, including pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscle pain, and restricted mandibular movement. The objective of the present study was to translate the Fonseca and TMD-7 questionnaires into Romanian, to assess their face validity, and to determine the reliability of the Romanian-language versions for use in the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and in subsequent epidemiological and clinical studies. A secondary objective was to establish a scoring scale for the TMD-7 questionnaire. Methods: Both questionnaires were translated from English into Romanian and back-translated by two independent teams of translators, after which the final versions were established for face validity assessment and reliability testing. Results: The study demonstrated reliability according to the Cronbach’s α coefficient, with values of 0.862 for the TMD-7 questionnaire and 0.840 for the Fonseca questionnaire. The scoring scale corresponding to the Fonseca questionnaire could not be implemented for the TMD-7 questionnaire. Conclusions: Both Romanian-language questionnaires demonstrated high corresponding Cronbach’s α coefficients; however, for clinical use, the Fonseca questionnaire will be utilized, as the TMD-7 questionnaire does not have a scoring scale.