Background: Digital intraoral scanners (IOSs) represent one of the key tools in contemporary digital dentistry and are widely applied in prosthodontics, orthodontics, implantology, and treatment monitoring. The aim of this study was to critically analyze the factors affecting the accuracy of intraoral scanning and to evaluate their clinical significance. Methods: This study was designed as a narrative literature review conducted using a structured literature search. The analysis was based on publications retrieved from the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases and published between 2016 and 2026 using keywords related to intraoral scanners, digital impressions, trueness, precision, scanning strategy, operator experience, scanner type, restorative materials, and clinical conditions. Results: Twenty publications selected according to the review scope and eligibility criteria were included. Based on the analysis, four major groups of factors influencing IOS accuracy were identified: scanning strategy, operator experience, scanner type and restorative material, and clinical/environmental conditions. The available evidence most consistently associated scan quality with the scanner type and the applied scanning strategy, although the effectiveness of individual protocols depended on the specific IOS system used. The influence of operator experience remained inconclusive and appeared to be less significant in modern devices equipped with advanced image reconstruction algorithms. Clinical factors such as lighting conditions, arch morphology, subgingival preparation margins, maneuverability restrictions, and material-related optical properties also played an important role, whereas humidity and moisture control should be interpreted as possible clinical confounders rather than experimentally verified independent factors in the included primary studies. Conclusions: The findings indicate that intraoral scanning accuracy is a multifactorial phenomenon requiring individualized adaptation of the scanning procedure to clinical conditions and the type of IOS system used. Because the included evidence was heterogeneous and did not allow for formal ranking of effect magnitude, conclusions regarding the relative importance of individual factors should be interpreted with caution.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by a relapsing course, pain, and a substantial impact on patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to present the current state of knowledge on the diagnosis and contemporary treatment methods of OLP, with particular emphasis on emerging therapeutic strategies. The manuscript was prepared as a narrative review of the literature. The analysis was conducted primarily using the PubMed database and included publications from 2019-2025 concerning the treatment of lichen planus. Thirteen studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of topical therapies, photobiomodulation, photodynamic therapy, laser therapy, biological treatment, probiotic therapy, and other adjunctive approaches were included in the final analysis. The findings indicate that topical corticosteroids remain the first-line treatment, effectively reducing symptom severity and improving patients' quality of life. Promising results have also been reported for photodynamic therapy, photobiomodulation, and laser therapy, which may constitute valuable alternatives or adjuncts to standard treatment. Increasing importance is being attributed to therapies targeting the IL-17/IL-23 pathway, particularly in patients with treatment-resistant forms of the disease. Beneficial effects have also been observed for probiotic therapy, topical mycophenolate mofetil, lycopene, and ozone therapy. Despite advances in the treatment of OLP, high-quality studies with long-term follow-up remain lacking. Further multicenter clinical trials are required to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of novel therapeutic modalities and to develop optimal treatment strategies.

Introduction: Periodontal diseases constitute a significant public health concern, and their development and progression are strongly influenced by environmental factors, including nicotine exposure. In recent years, the popularity of alternative nicotine delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, has increased considerably, necessitating an evaluation of their impact on periodontal tissues. Aim: The aim of this review was to compare the effects of conventional tobacco smoking and alternative nicotine delivery systems on the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and on the outcomes of periodontal treatment. Material and Methods: A narrative literature review covering the years 2020–2025 was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses investigating the effects of nicotine on periodontal tissues and periodontal treatment outcomes were included. Results: Conventional tobacco smoking exerts a strong multidirectional effect on periodontal tissues, leading to microcirculatory disturbances, impairment of the immune response, and exacerbation of inflammatory processes, resulting in disease progression and poorer treatment outcomes. Although alternative nicotine delivery systems eliminate the combustion process, they also demonstrate adverse biological effects, including oxidative stress, microbial dysbiosis, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Their clinical impact appears to be less pronounced, yet still significant. Conclusions: No form of nicotine delivery is neutral with respect to periodontal health. Patients using both conventional and alternative nicotine products should be regarded as a group at increased risk for periodontal disease. Complete nicotine abstinence remains the most effective strategy for improving periodontal treatment prognosis.

Modern medicine increasingly relies on a partnership model in which the patient’s trust in medical staff plays a key role. When assessing the competence, credibility, and empathy of physicians, patients rely not only on clinical information but also on nonverbal cues, such as appearance and attire. The aim of this study was to compile and analyze current knowledge regarding the impact of medical attire—its color and style—on patients’ perceptions of medical staff. This study is a narrative literature review utilizing the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. The analysis included publications from 2016 to 2025 concerning the impact of the color and type of medical attire on patients’ perceptions of medical staff. The search strategy included combinations of keywords related to medical attire, clothing color, patient trust, fear of the dentist (dentophobia), and the doctor-patient relationship. After selecting the publications, nine studies were included in the analysis. The analyzed studies showed that the color of medical attire influences the assessment of medical staff’s professionalism, competence, empathy, and credibility. Shades of blue and navy blue were rated most positively, as they were associated with professionalism, calmness, and a high level of competence. The color black was consistently rated negatively and associated with lower levels of trust and empathy. Green uniforms were strongly associated with procedural specialties, particularly surgery, but did not always receive the highest ratings in terms of interpersonal traits. In many studies, the white coat remained a significant symbol of professionalism, especially among older patients and in outpatient care. The results indicate that the color of medical attire is a significant element of nonverbal communication and influences how patients perceive medical staff, enhances patient comfort, and builds trust in the patient-physician relationship.

Oral leukoplakia is a potentially malignant disorder of the oral mucosa associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Because of its potential for malignant transformation, it requires appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up. The aim of this review was to present contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic methods for oral leukoplakia, with particular emphasis on advanced imaging techniques, artificial intelligence-based tools, and laser therapies. A narrative review of the literature published between 2015 and 2026 was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies addressing diagnostic methods, surgical treatment, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and factors influencing recurrence and malignant transformation were analyzed. The findings indicate that modern imaging techniques, such as autofluorescence, narrow band imaging, and optical coherence tomography, may support the early detection of lesions with an increased risk of malignancy. Laser treatment, particularly with CO₂ and Er:YAG lasers, shows efficacy comparable to or greater than conventional methods, with a favorable healing profile and reduced postoperative symptoms. Photodynamic therapy also provides promising results. Despite technological progress, no method completely eliminates the risk of malignant transformation. Early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and long-term patient monitoring remain essential.

Introduction Dental implant therapy has become a predictable and widely accepted treatment modality for the restoration of oral function and aesthetics. Despite high long-term survival rates, biological complications such as peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis remain significant challenges that may compromise implant stability and patient quality of life. Implant surface characteristics play a crucial role in both osseointegration and microbial colonization, creating a complex balance between enhanced bone integration and resistance to biofilm formation. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current strategies in dental implant surface engineering with regard to their dual role in promoting osseointegration and preventing peri-implant diseases. Materials and Methods Literature published between 2020 and 2025 was analyzed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Results The review discusses the influence of surface topography, roughness, chemistry, and wettability on biological responses at the implant interface. Furthermore, contemporary modification strategies, including bioactive ceramic coatings, ion and nanoparticle incorporation, nanotopography, anodization, and laser surface treatments, are critically evaluated. Emerging multifunctional approaches combining osteogenic and antimicrobial properties are also highlighted. Conclusions Current evidence suggests that no single surface modification fully optimizes both osseointegration and bacterial resistance. However, advanced nanostructured and laser-modified surfaces demonstrate promising potential for improving long-term implant performance. Future progress in implantology will likely depend on integrating biomaterial innovations with individualized clinical approaches and long-term evidence-based evaluation.