Abstract: Dental implant rehabilitation has become the first-line treatment option for dentition defect and edentulism, and the transmucosal area is the core region affecting the long-term stability of implant rehabilitation. Previous research in this field has been mostly limited to a single histological or structural perspective. This paper innovatively proposes the concept of the Transmucosal Biological Complex (TBC), which integrates implant components (implant neck, abutment, and transmucosal part of the restoration) above the bone level and below the gingival margin with the surrounding hard and soft tissues as an integrated research object. By comprehensively reviewing the latest literature in the field of dental implantation, this paper expounds the composition system of the TBC, and systematically explores its key influencing factors, including implant neck design, type and stability of the implant-abutment connection, transmucosal materials of abutments/restorations, peri-implant soft tissue phenotype, and transmucosal design of the superstructure. For each influencing factor, the paper objectively clarifies its mechanism of action on the peri-implant marginal bone and soft tissues, and details its clinical advantages, application limitations, and existing research controversies in the field. This study aims to provide in-depth reference and guidance for clinical decision-making, technical application and scientific research in dental implantation, and to help improve the long-term clinical outcomes of implant rehabilitation and patients' quality of life.

Abstract: Background: Despite the achievements of psycho-oncology, the number of studies devoted to the psycho-emotional characteristics of the course of oncological diseases remains limited, especially with regard to the dynamics of psycho-emotional changes at different stages of the treatment and rehabilitation process and their connection with the localization of neoplasms and the degree of functional and aesthetic disorders. In this context, this problem is relevant and requires further comprehensive research. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the dynamics of the psychoemotional state of patients with tumor diseases of the maxillofacial region at different stages of treatment and rehabilitation, as well as to determine its dependence on tumor localization, the severity of anatomical, functional, and aesthetic disorders, and their influence on the treatment and rehabilitation process.. Methods: We examined 85 patients with oncological lesions of the maxillofacial region. To assess their psychoemotional state, we used a modified anxiety and depression assessment scale and an integral psychoemotional index (IPEI) at the time of hospitalization, in the preoperative and postoperative periods. The results were evaluated using statistical methods. Results: The most pronounced psychoemotional disorders were detected at hospitalization: anxiety – 12.4 points, depression – 10.8 points, IPEI – 2.31 points. In the preoperative stage, these indicators decreased significantly to 10.6, 9.1, and 1.87 points, respectively (p < 0.05). The lowest values were recorded after surgical treatment: anxiety level – 7.3 points, depression level – 6.2 points, IPEI – 1.28 points (p < 0.01). A statistically significant dependence on tumor localization was found: the highest IPEI values were observed in patients with lesions of the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus (2.61 units), intermediate values – in lesions of the upper jaw and alveolar process (1.93 units), and the lowest in lesions of the hard and soft palate (1.42 units) (p < 0.01). The indicated levels of anxiety and depression were significantly higher in women and younger patients. Conclusions: Patients with oncological lesions of the maxillofacial region showed a significant decrease in anxiety and depression levels on the HADS scale, starting from the stage of hospitalization to the postoperative rehabilitation period.

Abstract: Critical-sized bone defects represent a major clinical challenge, as bone gaps of this magnitude are unable to heal spontaneously without regenerative intervention. The present study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent osteoinductive effect of rhBMP-2–loaded β-TCP scaffolds on bone regeneration in critical-sized calvarial defects in a rabbit model. Eighteen adult male New Zealand White rabbits were used, and four circular defects (5 mm in diameter) were surgically created in the calvaria of each animal, resulting in a total of 72 defects. The animals were divided into four groups: control, β-TCP + 5 μg rhBMP-2, β-TCP + 10 μg rhBMP-2, and β-TCP + 20 μg rhBMP-2. Bone healing was evaluated at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively using histological and histomorphometric analyses. Masson’s trichrome staining was performed to assess collagen deposition and maturation, while CD31 immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate vascularization. The results demonstrated rhBMP-2–loaded β-TCP scaffolds significantly enhanced bone regeneration in a dose-dependent manner, with the β-TCP + 20 μg rhBMP-2 group demonstrating the greatest new bone formation and more mature bone architecture. In addition, BMP-2 treatment promoted osteoblastic activity, improved collagen maturation, and increased vascularization within the defect area. These findings indicate that rhBMP-2–loaded β-TCP scaffolds enhance bone regeneration in a dose-dependent manner, with higher rhBMP-2 doses resulting in greater bone formation and more mature bone architecture.

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into dental diagnostics, treatment planning, documentation, and research. While ethical principles such as transparency and accountability are widely discussed, there is limited synthesis of how informed consent should be conceptualized and operationalized within the evolving dentist–patient–AI relationship. This scoping review aimed to map existing evidence on informed consent in AI-augmented dentistry and dental research, identify conceptual and practical gaps, and propose a structured framework to support ethically robust implementation; Methods: PRISMA-ScR guidelines was followed with review question formulated using the Population–Concept–Context (PCC) framework. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and ClinicalKey, complemented by grey literature screening; Results: From 2624 identified records, 30 studies were included after screening. The literature consistently emphasized disclosure of AI involvement, clarification of clinician accountability, communication of algorithmic limitations and bias, and separation between clinical and research consent. Based on thematic synthesis, we propose the ACCOUNT-AI framework, comprising structured domains addressing AI role clarification, clinician accountability, contextual differentiation, operational risks, secondary data governance, adaptive consent design, and transparency across the AI lifecycle. The framework integrates clinical use, research applications, and regulated data reuse as components of a unified accountability model; Conclusions: Informed consent in AI-augmented dentistry requires adaptation from traditional bilateral models to a triadic dentist–patient–AI framework grounded in human professional accountability. Standardized, context-sensitive consent structures are needed to ensure transparency, protect patient autonomy, and support ethically responsible AI integration in both clinical care and research.

Abstract:

Background/Objectives: Harmony between tooth morphology and facial features is a key factor in aesthetic dentistry. The sufficient smile design requires the integration of functional, biological aspects, individual identity and personality traits. The present study investigated the relationship between the shape of teeth and personality characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 142 participants. Data were collected through a standardized questionnaire, including demographic indicators, assessment of the shape of the teeth and personality characteristics according to two models: type 1 (choleric, sanguine, melancholic, phlegmatic) and type 2 (extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, focus on others, neuroticism). Pearson’s χ² test and Cramer’s coefficient (V) were applied to analyze the dependencies. Results: A statistically significant relationship was found between tooth shape and personality type 1 (χ²(9)=61.96, p<0.001; V=0.38), with a medium to strong effect. The oval shape was associated mainly with melancholic temperament, the triangular shape with sanguine, the rectangular shape with choleric, and the square shape with melancholic and phlegmatic types. A significant relationship was also observed between tooth shape and personality type 2 (χ²(12)=41.82, p<0.001; V=0.31), with a medium effect, with the different morphological shapes showing specific distribution profiles according to personality traits. No statistically significant relationship was found between the two personality models (χ²(12)=18.10, p=0.113). Conclusions: The shape of the frontal teeth is associated with temperament-based and trait-oriented personality characteristics, with the relationship being stronger in the classical temperament typology. This supports the hypothesis that dental morphology may reflect biologically determined aspects of personality and be relevant to individualized aesthetic dental design.

Abstract: Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) remains a pervasive global health challenge. Historically managed through aggressive mechanical excavation, contemporary pediatric dentistry has evolved toward biologically driven, minimally invasive therapies. This study aims to critically compare the most recent clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD 2024), the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD 2022), and the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD 2026) regarding the management of deep carious lesions in primary molars. Methods: A comparative critical review was conducted focusing on four core clinical variables: caries removal strategies, direct pulp capping (DPC) utility, pulpotomy medicaments, and the implementation of the Hall Technique (HT). Data were systematically extracted and synthesized to establish points of global consensus and therapeutic divergence. Results: A definitive paradigm shift toward conservative management was identified across all organizations. There is unanimous consensus strongly recommending Selective Caries Removal (SCR) as the gold standard over complete excavation to minimize iatrogenic pulp exposure. For vital pulpotomies, Calcium Silicate Cements (CSCs), particularly Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), have categorically superseded traditional fixatives like formocresol due to superior biocompatibility and success rates. Furthermore, the Hall Technique is highly endorsed, predominantly by the EAPD and IAPD, as a definitive, cost-effective biological intervention. Conversely, Direct Pulp Capping remains cautiously restricted due to low success predictability.Conclusions: The synthesis of the AAPD, EAPD, and IAPD guidelines confirms a global convergence on minimally invasive dentistry. Given the inherent unreliability of traditional pulpal diagnostics in pediatric patients, clinicians are strongly urged to prioritize pulp vitality through SCR, HT, and CSC-based therapies, establishing a unified biological approach to deep caries management.

Abstract: Background: Helicobacter pylori is a well-established risk factor for gastric carcinogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests that the oral cavity may serve as an extragastric reservoir for the bacterium, potentially contributing to persistent infection and reinfection. Orthodontic appliances can modify oral biofilm ecology and may facilitate bacterial colonization. This study aimed to investigate the association between oral H. pylori colonization and gastric cancer, while exploring the potential modifying role of fixed orthodontic appliances. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 212 participants were recruited from gastroenterology and dental clinics between January 2023 and March 2025. Oral samples were collected and analyzed for H. pylori DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Gastric diagnoses were established through endoscopic examination and histopathological evaluation, classifying participants into gastric cancer, precancerous gastric lesions, non-atrophic gastritis, and control groups. Demographic, clinical, and oral health variables were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between oral H. pylori detection and gastric cancer while adjusting for potential confounders, including age, sex, smoking status, oral hygiene indicators, and socioeconomic factors. Results: Oral H. pylori DNA was detected more frequently in participants with gastric cancer compared with controls. After adjustment for potential confounders, the presence of oral H. pylori was significantly associated with increased odds of gastric cancer. Interaction analysis suggested that individuals with fixed orthodontic appliances demonstrated higher rates of oral H. pylori detection, supporting the hypothesis that orthodontic biofilm retention may facilitate bacterial persistence within the oral cavity. Conclusions: Our findings support the concept of an oral–gastric microbial axis in H. pylori–associated disease and suggest that the oral cavity may represent a potential reservoir contributing to gastric infection dynamics. The presence of orthodontic appliances may influence oral microbial ecology and could play a role in sustaining H. pylori colonization. These results highlight the importance of interdisciplinary approaches integrating dentistry and gastroenterology in the understanding and management of H. pylori infection and gastric cancer risk.

Abstract: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by microbial dysbiosis and an exacerbated host immune response, leading to progressive periodontal tissue breakdown and contributing to systemic inflammation. Although scaling and root planing remains the standard treatment, its capacity to fully restore immune balance and host–microbiota homeostasis is limited. In this context, probiotics have emerged as promising adjunctive strategies capable of modulating immunological and metabolic pathways involved in disease progression. This narrative review aimed to evaluate current evidence regarding the use of probiotics in periodontal therapy. The review followed the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed for manuscripts indexed up to January 2026 using MeSH-based terms related to periodontitis and probiotics. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests that probiotics may reduce alveolar bone loss and periodontal inflammation by downregulating proinflammatory mediators, enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokine production, strengthening epithelial barrier function, and modulating innate and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, probiotics may exert systemic effects through interactions with the gut microbiota, potentially improving metabolic regulation and reducing systemic inflammation. Overall, current evidence supports probiotics as biologically plausible adjuncts to periodontal therapy.

Abstract: (Background/Objectives): This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an ultrasound-guided infiltration method with hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids in the treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). (Methods): Twenty-eight patients (16 females and 12 males), aged between 25 and 55 years, with TMD and evidence of retrodiscal tissue hyperemia on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) were enrolled. Before treatment, the intensity of preauricular pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the presence of associated symptoms such as tinnitus, vertigo, headache, and joint clicking was recorded. After the creation of individualized interocclusal devices, a bilateral ultrasound-guided infiltration of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and corticosteroid was performed. (Results): Immediately after treatment, joint clicking disappeared in 80% of patients. Follow-up assessments at 30, 60, and 90 days, supported by control ultrasound, showed a substantial and statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement in pain symptoms. (Conclusions): The ultrasound-guided infiltration technique proved to be a valid short-term therapeutic option for patients with TMD and inflammation of the retrodiscal tissue. A larger sample size and long-term follow-up are necessary to confirm these preliminary results.

Abstract: Background:Transcrestal maxillary sinus floor elevation (TSFE) is a key technique for posterior maxillary bone deficiency in implantology, with sinus membrane perforation as the main complication. Accurate risk assessment is critical for improving surgical success and implant survival rates. Findings:TSFE surgical risk is determined by six core factors: bone defect type, elevation height, sinus floor morphology, sinus membrane status, ostium patency, and immediate implant placement. Surgical difficulty can be stratified into Easy/Moderate/Difficult, with matching technical strategies to reduce risks. Conclusions: and RelevanceMultidimensional risk stratification and targeted technique selection effectively control TSFE risks. Surgeons with lateral window technique experience are recommended for TSFE, and multidisciplinary collaboration is advised for high-difficulty cases, providing precise guidance for clinical implant practice.

Abstract: Background/Objectives Light-assisted in-office whitening procedures are widely used in clinical practice; however, comparative clinical data remain limited, particularly when evaluated using objective outcome measures. This exploratory pilot randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the immediate objective performance of two light-assisted in-office whitening protocols using standardized digital spectrophotometry. Materials and Methods Twelve healthy adult participants (18–45 years) presenting extrinsic or mixed-type tooth discoloration (baseline shade VITA A3 or darker) were randomly allocated into two parallel groups (n = 6 each). One group received whitening with a 35% hydrogen peroxide gel activated by a diode laser device, while the other group underwent whitening with a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel activated by an LED-based device. Tooth color was measured before and immediately after treatment using a digital spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V, VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany), and color differences (ΔE) were calculated based on CIE L*a*b* coordinates. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Both light-assisted interventions resulted in clinically perceptible whitening outcomes (ΔE > 3.3). The LED-assisted group showed a slightly higher mean ΔE value (11.62 ± 5.93) compared with the laser-assisted group (10.96 ± 3.27); however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.818). Given the limited sample size, the study was not powered for definitive comparative inference. No adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this exploratory pilot randomized clinical trial, both light-assisted in-office whitening protocols produced immediate clinically perceptible color changes. Although no statistically significant difference was detected, the limited sample size precludes definitive conclusions regarding relative efficacy. Larger, adequately powered randomized studies incorporating longitudinal follow-up and patient-reported outcomes are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

Abstract: Linear measurements are used on radiographs for various purposes, such as measuring lengths in endodontics, analysing bone loss in perio-dontal disease and making age determinations in forensic dentistry. The purpose of this study was to analyse the accuracy of periapical radio-graphs for the measurement of the contact point to the crest of the bone compared to the actual measurements of a dried skull. A dried skull had lead squares measuring 1 x 1mm attached to the contact point and the bone crest. Each site was radiographed using a parallel technique with a Rinn holder. The radiographs were taken perpendicularly to the tooth and repeated at 10° and 20° horizontal angulations. The results showed that variation in the angle of the radiograph had a significant effect on the resulting measurements, F (1.7, 26.9) = 218.265, p < 0.001. The results from this study indicate that when measuring the contact point to the crest of the bone, a shift of 20° from the perpendicular of the tooth has a significant effect on the radiograph measurement and the actual meas-urement of the contact point to the crest of the bone on the actual skull.

Abstract: Due to extra axial forces, post and core (PC) treatment shows the worst survival probability if the tooth is used as an abutment for telescopic crown retained dentures (TCD). The reason for this is a mismatch of the mechanical properties between PC material and dentin or a bad accuracy of fit of PC resulting in tooth fracture or decementation. However, the inclusion of severe damaged endodontically treated teeth needing PC is often mandatory in order to receive a statically stable situation for TCD. Thus, an advancement of PC treatment for TCD is of high clinical interest. Recently it is possible to fabricate customized PC with favourable mechanical properties by using CAD/CAM technology. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the performance of these PC (CAD/CAM PC) to customized cast PC (CPC) and prefabricated fibre-reinforced PC (PFPC) in a TCD set-up using a chewing simulator. The investigation group with CAD/CAM PC showed neither tooth fracture nor decementation in contrast to CPC and PFPC in which both types of failure were recorded. Thus, CAD/CAM PC showed significantly better performance than CPC and PFPC. Within the limitations of this study CAD/CAM PC are therefore recommendable for PC treatment with TCD.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a frequent cause of community-acquired pneumonia, but it is increasingly recognized for extrapulmonary complications, specifically Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM). This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess the incidence, diagnostic criteria, clinical features, and outcomes of oral mucositis in patients with confirmed MP infection. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, covering the period 2015–2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed in vivo studies, case reports, and case series in English focusing on MP-associated mucositis. Methodological quality was assessed using JBI checklists for case-based evidence and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Two clinical cases were reported. Results: Out of 242 identified records, 42 studies were included, involving 140 patients with a notable male predominance (62%). Oral involvement was reported in 92.9% of cases, often characterized by severe ulcerations, hemorrhagic crusting, and debilitating pain. Intensive Care Unit admission was required in 21.5% of cases due to severe systemic or mucosal disease, with 14.3% necessitating parenteral nutrition. Quality assessment indicated moderate-to-high methodological rigor across most included studies. Conclusions: MIRM represents a significant clinical entity where oral mucositis is a dominant feature, often preceding or overshadowing respiratory symptoms. Early recognition by oral health professionals is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis, ensure appropriate multidisciplinary care, and implement supportive or immunomodulatory therapies that reduce morbidity and hospitalization length.

Abstract: Background: Emotional aspects of early dental experiences have long-lasting effects. This study aimed to assess parents’ childhood dental memories and their impact on current attitudes toward dental treatment and to evaluate the perceived usefulness of educational material focused on psychological management of children’s dental visits. Methods: An educational booklet was developed and distributed to parents, who were encouraged to read it and complete a short questionnaire. Responses were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25. Results: In the first month, 142 parents (88% mothers) participated. Negative childhood dental experiences were reported by 44.4% (more frequent among mothers, p

Abstract: Background: Childhood obesity has become a major global health concern and is increasingly recognized as a factor influencing skeletal development. Emerging evidence suggests that excess adiposity may alter craniofacial growth patterns, potentially affecting orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and airway function. However, the extent to which obesity influences craniofacial morphology in growing individuals remains incompletely understood. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and craniofacial morphology in children and adolescents using selected sagittal and linear craniofacial parameters, and to determine the independent effects of age and sex on these associations. Methods: This cross-sectional orthodontic study included 130 healthy subjects aged 19 or younger. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, and BMI was calculated to classify participants into normal weight, overweight, and obese groups. Standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained, and twenty-one skeletal and soft-tissue parameters were analyzed. Statistical evaluation included tests of normality, one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc comparisons to assess differences according to BMI, sex, and age groups. Results: Obesity was significantly associated with increased sagittal skeletal dimensions. Mandibular body length, mandibular unit length, SNB angle, and maxillary unit length demonstrated progressive increases across BMI categories (p < 0.05). In contrast, vertical growth parameters showed no significant differences. Soft-tissue analysis revealed reduced facial convexity and lower facial height ratios in obese subjects. Age was strongly associated with increases in linear jaw dimensions, whereas sex differences were limited primarily to skeletal size rather than morphological relationships. Conclusions: Childhood obesity is associated with enhanced sagittal craniofacial growth, particularly involving mandibular structures, while vertical skeletal patterns remain largely unaffected. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating BMI assessment into orthodontic evaluation and suggest that obesity may influence growth timing, facial morphology, and airway-related risk factors.

Abstract: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a severe occupational hazard in dentistry, with pediatric dentists facing unique biomechanical challenges due to the demanding nature of patient behavior management. Despite the recognized global burden, there is a critical scarcity of targeted ergonomic research regarding this high-risk specialty in developing nations. This descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, anatomical distribution, and severity of WMSDs among pediatric dentists in Jordan, and to investigate the direct associations between these disorders and specific ergonomic practices. A validated survey, adapted from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, was administered to 110 licensed pediatric dentists. The clinical data revealed an alarmingly high WMSD prevalence, with 88.2% of practitioners reporting musculoskeletal pain in the past 12 months, predominantly affecting the neck (62.7%), shoulders (58.2%), and lower back (52.7%). Female pediatric dentists exhibited a significantly higher susceptibility to both cervical (p=0.008) and lumbar pain (p<0.001). Crucially, the non-utilization of magnification loupes was significantly associated with increased neck pain (p=0.020), while the absence of four-handed dentistry proved to be a primary catalyst for severe lower back pain (p<0.001). Furthermore, the high pain severity led to significant occupational disruption, with 49.1% of dentists requiring sick leave, exacerbated by a widespread neglect of preventive micro-breaks and stretching. Based on the synthesis of these findings, WMSDs are a highly prevalent and debilitating risk for pediatric dentists. Strict adherence to fundamental ergonomic interventions—specifically the use of magnification loupes and four-handed dentistry—is mechanically crucial for occupational longevity. The severity of the problem firmly establishes the urgent need to transition from passive awareness to the active, mandatory implementation of ergonomic protocols and gender-sensitive preventive strategies in pediatric dental practice.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: This study evaluated whether linear cephalometric measurements show systematic differences in their central values across birth cohort groups in adults from a clinical population and analyzed the implications of these differences for clinical interpretation when norms and clinical deviations are used as reference frameworks. Methods: A cross-sectional observational analytical study was conducted on the basis of 604 lateral cephalometric radiographs of adult patients. Eleven linear cephalometric measurements were obtained and compared across predefined birth cohort groups (&lt;1980, 1980–1989, and 1990–1999) via robust estimators of central tendency through median regression models adjusted for sex, age group, and sagittal skeletal classification. Results: Several linear cephalometric measurements revealed different central values between birth cohort groups, even after adjusting for relevant covariates. Cranial length, anterior cranial base length, posterior facial height, and posterior cranial base length presented lower adjusted median values in the 1990–1999 cohort than in the &lt;1980 cohort. The effective maxillary length and maxillary length also differed between these cohorts. Mandibular measurements, including mandibular length, corpus length, and ramus height, presented the largest adjusted median contrasts between cohorts. These cohort-associated differences were not uniform across all measurements. Conclusions: Routinely used linear cephalometric measurements present different central values across adult birth cohort groups under comparable clinical conditions. A cephalometric value's relative position within its reference distribution may vary by birth cohort. This suggests that using fixed reference means and standard deviations could lead to systematic misestimation in adults from different birth cohorts. Cohort-aware interpretation is valuable in routine cephalometric assessment.

Abstract: Oral cancer remains one of the deadliest malignancies with more than half of late-stage patients dying within five years of diagnosis globally. Late presentation before initial diagnosis is a principal driver of poor outcomes for the disease. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning systems, has emerged as a promising tool to improve the sensitivity and timeliness of oral cancer detection. This narrative review examines the current state of AI-assisted oral cancer diagnosis, evaluating the performance of image-based approaches [including convolutional neural networks (CNNs) applied to clinical photographs, histopathological slides, and cytology workflows] and critically analyzes where these systems fall short. Of note is the fact that AI models are functionally blind to submucosal and early infiltrating lesions without visible surface change, and their detection of high-grade epithelial dysplasia remains poor. Model generalizability across institutions is further compromised by the absence of large-scale standardized oral cancer image repositories. This review argues that the next frontier must shift from morphology-based learning to biologically informed AI [specifically through multiomics integration, tumor microenvironment characterization, and molecular imaging biomarkers] in order to detect oral cancer earlier and more reliably.

Abstract: Backround and objectives: White spot lesions (WSLs) represent a common enamel demineralization complication associated with fixed orthodontic treatment. Resin infiltration is widely used as a minimally invasive approach to arrest lesion progression and improve esthetics; however, the influence of lesion severity on treatment effectiveness remains insufficiently understood. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the impact of WSL severity on resin infiltration performance under conditions simulating orthodontic demineralization. Material and Methods: Ninety extracted human premolars were subjected to controlled acidic exposure to produce mild, moderate, and severe lesions. All specimens were treated using a standardized resin infiltration protocol. Lesion depth, resin penetration, optical masking effect (ΔE), and surface microhardness were evaluated using confocal microscopy, spectrophotometry, and Vickers hardness testing. Results: Lesion depth increased significantly with demineralization duration (p < 0.001). Resin penetration showed a strong positive correlation with lesion depth (r = 0.81), while infiltration efficiency was highest in moderate lesions. Optical masking effectiveness decreased significantly with increasing lesion severity (p < 0.01). Surface microhardness improved significantly after infiltration in all groups, with the greatest recovery observed in moderate lesions. Conclusions: Lesion severity significantly influences the clinical performance of resin infiltration. Early and moderately developed WSLs respond more favorably to infiltration treatment, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention during orthodontic therapy.