The Journal of Basic and Clinical Dentistry
The Journal of Basic and Clinical Dentistry (JBCD) is an open-access, multidisciplinary journal that publishes online on a bi-annual basis. As a double-blind peer-reviewed journal, JBCD focuses on the basic and clinical sciences of dentistry, providing a platform for disseminating both foundational and cutting-edge research. Established in 2024, JBCD aims to offer valuable research-based information without any processing or publication charges. Dr. Artak Heboyan, Editor-in-Chief. Dr. Nasser Ahmed, Editor. Dr. Mario Alberto Alarcón-Sánchez, Managing Editor. Email:info@j-bcd.com and journal.bcd@gmail.com Subjects Covered Prosthodontics Endodontics Operative Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry Orthodontics Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Oral Medicine Dental Education Dental Public Health Dental Biomaterials Periodontology and Implantology Digital and Computerized Dentistry Other dentistry related cores There are no processing and publication charges.
Caregiver-Mediated Determinants of Oral Health in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review of Home Hygiene, Dietary Practices, Dental Access and Family Impact
Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder experience oral-health concerns related to sensory hypersensitivity, behavioral inflexibility, food selectivity, reduced cooperation, and manual dexterity. This scoping review explored the published literature to summarize the evidence regarding caregiver-mediated determinants of oral health in children with ASD. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar from database inception to April 10, 2026. Additional records were identified through citation tracking, reference list checking, gray literature searching, and manual searching. Studies of primary data on children or adolescents with ASD reporting caregiver-mediated oral health behaviors, barriers, facilitators, or outcomes were included. The charted data were synthesized thematically and presented descriptively. Results: Twenty-three primary studies were included. Evidence has shown that tooth brushing is often facilitated with the help or supervision of a caregiver due to sensory sensitivities, refusal behaviors, poor cooperation, or decreased manual dexterity among children with ASD. Exposure to sugar, food selectivity, and preference for soft or sweet foods are common caregiver-mediated oral health risk behaviors reported among children with ASD. Conclusion: Childhood ASD-related oral health may be integrally related to caregiver-provided homecare, food-based, access-related, and family-level determinants. The suggested conceptual framework should be viewed as hypothesis-generating and evidence-informed rather than as an established causal pathway. The findings should be interpreted cautiously because of methodological heterogeneity across the included studies, the predominance of cross-sectional designs, and the limited direct measurement of caregiver burden or parental stress.
Copyright (c) 2026 The Journal of Basic and Clinical Dentistry https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Epidermoid Cyst: How to Reach the Diagnosis and What is the Best Treatment Approach
Epidermoid cysts are rare benign lesions of ectodermal origin in the oral cavity, most frequently affecting the submandibular and sublingual regions, and rarely involving the upper lip. This paper reports the case of a 17-year-old male patient presenting with a painless swelling in the left upper lip, excised under local anesthesia. The lesion displayed a well-defined capsule and keratinous content, consistent with an epidermoid cyst. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient has remained recurrence-free after seven years of follow-up. Early diagnosis and complete excision are essential for a favorable prognosis and prevention of recurrence.
Management of Dental Implants Displaced into the Maxillary Sinus: A Case Report Presenting Critical Clinical Considerations
Implant displacement into the maxillary sinus is a rare but potentially serious complication associated with posterior maxillary atrophy and inadequate primary stability. Proper diagnosis and timely surgical management are essential to prevent chronic sinus disease. A 44-year-old female patient presented with two dental implants displaced into the left maxillary sinus eight months after placement, associated with recurrent sinusitis, facial swelling, and an oroantral communication. Cone beam computed tomography confirmed the intranasal position of the implants and sinus mucosal thickening. Surgical removal was performed through a lateral maxillary sinus approach under local anesthesia, followed by irrigation and closure with a resorbable collagen membrane. Postoperative management included antibiotics, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory medication. The follow-up up to 24 months demonstrated complete resolution of symptoms and stable healing without recurrence or functional impairment. Clinical application: An invasive surgical approach is feasible to remove an intrasinusal dental implant.
Oral Fibrous Hyperplasia of the Anterior Hard Palate Characterized by Masson's Trichrome Staining: A Case Report
Fibrous hyperplasia is the most common reactive lesion that can occur in the gingiva. Its manifestation is linked to chronic irritation, such as biofilm and dental calculus, trauma, or poorly fitted restorations. Given the similarity in characteristics between reactive hyperplastic lesions and various pathologies, timely diagnosis is essential. The aim of this clinical case report is to describe the diagnostic approach, clinical management, and histopathological findings of a case of oral fibrous hyperplasia. A 59-year-old male patient presented with a mass in the hard palate area. Clinical examination identified a pedunculated, nodular lesion with a smooth surface and pale pink coloration. First, periodontal therapy was implemented to remove irritating factors; second, the lesion was excised to perform a biopsy. The diagnosis of fibrous hyperplasia was confirmed through histopathological analysis, and the characterization was completed with Masson’s trichrome staining. Follow-up revealed an adequate resolution. For the management of fibrous hyperplasia, surgical removal combined with the elimination of etiological factors is the appropriate treatment of choice.
Pyogenic Granuloma as Reactive Gingival Overgrowth in an Atypical Mandibular Location: A Case Report
Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a commonly encountered reactive lesion of the gingiva that develops due to local irritation, trauma, or poor oral hygiene. It is frequently seen in maxillary anterior region gingiva and has a predilection for females. However, when it appears at an atypical site or shows rapid growth, it can clinically resemble a malignant lesion. We report a case of a 24-year-old systemically healthy male who presented with a gradually enlarging overgrowth on the lingual aspect of the left mandibular region. The lesion had been increasing in size over six months and was associated with bleeding on brushing and difficulty in mastication and speech. Clinical examination revealed a 3 × 1.5 cm pedunculated soft tissue mass extending from teeth 34 to 38. Radiographic examination showed no underlying bone involvement. Initial non-surgical periodontal therapy was performed to reduce local inflammation, followed by complete surgical excision of the lesion. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ulcerated pyogenic granuloma. Healing was satisfactory, and no recurrence was noted during the follow-up period. This case highlights the need to consider pyogenic granuloma even in atypical mandibular locations and emphasizes the importance of histopathological confirmation to rule out malignancy and ensure appropriate management
Evaluating the Immediate Impact of an Online Dental Faculty Development Course for Emergency Remote Teaching Preparedness
Background: During the COVID-19 Pandemic, this study evaluated the immediate effects of an online course on MOODLE offered to the faculty of a medical university to deal with the emergency remote teaching and assessment. Materials and Methods: This single-group pre-post-design intervention study was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021. Data was collected through the course feedback form, pre-posttests assessing content knowledge and faculty readiness in online teaching & assessment. Descriptive variables were analyzed using SPSS version 20. A paired sample t-test was applied to determine the differences between mean scores. Results: A total of 172 responses (96.65%) were received by the faculty teaching remotely. There was a statistically significant difference in the pre and post-test scores (9.11±2.20 and 12.92±2.53 respectively) and course readiness scores (75.45±18.82 and 86.19±18.67 respectively) with a p < 0.001. Participants were satisfied and identified main strengths of the course which were use of online teaching tools and the relevance of the course content and weakness as technical glitches using MOODLE. Conclusion: The basics of online assessment and teaching course improved faculty knowledge and readiness to use online tools. However, feedback highlighted areas of improvement in the course and recommended addition of synchronous sessions and to develop more comprehensive blended courses.
The Effect of Muscle IGF-1 on Murine Craniofacial Growth in the Presence of Decreased Masticatory Load: A Comprehensive Review
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a crucial protein that participates in cell growth and development. The actions of growth hormone (GH) are primarily regulated by IGF-1. The anterior pituitary gland is responsible for the production of GH, which is then delivered in the bloodstream and triggers the liver for the production of IGF-1. The growth-promoting effects of IGF-1 then occur in nearly every cell of the human body, including skeletal muscle tissues, kidneys, skin, bone, cartilage, nerve tissues, bone marrow, and lungs. While the liver is responsible for secreting about 75% of the circulating IGF-1, some target tissues can produce and express IGF-1 locally through autocrine and paracrine roles. These tissues include muscle, cartilage, bone, kidneys, and brain. IGF-1 can influence cell growth and development, particularly in nerve cells, along with the synthesis of DNA within cells, in addition to its insulin-like effects. The importance of IGF-1 in cell proliferation and inhibition of cell death (apoptosis) has been demonstrated. This review article aimed to determine and present the effect of IGF-1 in murine craniofacial growth in the presence of decreased masticatory load.
Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite in Periodontal Bone Regeneration: A Promising Frontier in Biomimetic Dentistry
Periodontal bone regeneration has become one of the most important challenges in modern dentistry. Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (NHA) has established itself as a fundamental biomaterial due to its high bioactivity and chemical similarity to bone. Innovations in nanotechnology have enabled the development of biomimetic scaffolds with the ability to promote osteoconduction, cell adhesion, and controlled tissue regeneration. Recent clinical evidence has shown that NHA significantly increases clinical insertion and bone density compared to traditional treatments, particularly when combined with chitosan, collagen, chitosan, or fibrin-rich plasma. In biological terms, NHA acts as a mineral nucleator, releasing calcium and phosphate ions that promote osteoblastic differentiation and osteogenesis without generating an inflammatory reaction. Future prospects should include the design of multifunctional hybrid systems and customized 3D-printed structures aimed at promoting bone regeneration and strengthening the role of NHA in modern regenerative dentistry.
Crystalline nanohydroxyapatite as a osteoconductive material for periodontal bone regeneration
Bioactive nanostructures based on nanoxydroxyapatite and natural polymers
Clinical evidence of NHA bioactivity and bone integration
3D-printed nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Closure of Oroantral Communication with a Palatal Flap: A Case Report
Oroantral communication (OAC) is a frequent complication following maxillary molar extraction or sinus-related surgical procedures, which, if untreated, may evolve into a chronic fistula. This clinical report describes the successful closure of a persistent OAC using a palatal rotation-advancement flap. The technique provided a well-vascularized, keratinized tissue with minimal donor-site morbidity and maintenance of vestibular depth, allowing long-term functional and esthetic stability. Postoperative follow-up of this clinical case demonstrated complete healing and absence of sinus complications, confirming the palatal flap as a predictable and conservative alternative for oroantral closure in posterior maxillary defects.
Copyright (c) 2025 The Journal of Basic and Clinical Dentistry https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Aesthetic Enhancement in Conventional Removable Partial Dentures through Teeth Characterization: A Case Report
The objective of prosthodontic rehabilitation in partially edentulous elderly patients is to restore mastication, speech, aesthetics, and self-esteem. This article presents a clinical case involving a 77-year-old male patient who reported to the Prosthodontic Outpatient Department with complaints of aesthetic concerns and missing mandibular teeth. The tooth loss was progressive and attributed to chronic periodontal disease and dental caries. After evaluating various prosthetic options, the patient opted for an acrylic removable partial denture (RPD) due to time and financial constraints. Due to time and financial limitations, a treatment plan was implemented that involved fabricating an acrylic removable partial denture (RPD) with characterized acrylic teeth to improve esthetic results. This case underscores the clinical value of personalized tooth characterization in enhancing the visual appeal of dentures while maintaining their functional effectiveness.The use of characterized teeth in acrylic RPDs serves as a simple, cost-effective solution that enhances patient satisfaction and confidence, particularly for those unable to undergo advanced prosthetic procedures.
ProtBERT-Based Prediction of Functional TRPV Sequences for Oral Cancer Pain
Background and Objectives: Oral Cancer often leads to opioid tolerance, affecting pain-sensing neurons. TRPV ion channels, which are activated by inflammatory molecules, can be agonists or antagonists. Cancer changes the peripheral and central nervous systems, affecting tumor interactions, nociceptors, and the immune system. Activation of these receptors triggers pain perception and second messengers. Antagonists alleviate cancer-induced pain, suggesting therapeutic approaches. This study uses a large language model to find and forecast functional TRPV sequences for oral cancer pain. Materials and Methods: TRPV proteins were obtained from UniProt; id -Q8NER1, Q9HBA0, Q9NQA5, Q9H1D0, and Q9Y5S1 were identified and quality-checked. Deepbio analyzed FASTA sequences. Large language models and sequence prediction techniques were used for prediction and classification, including Protbert (a pre-trained protein sequence model), BiLSTM, LSTMAttention, and TextRGNN (a residual graph neural network). Results: The study reveals that ProtBERT and BiLSTM are the best predictors of amino acid sequences for TRPV1-based oral cancer, offering a balance of sensitivity and specificity. The ProtBERT model effectively identifies positive and negative cases related to TRPV with an accuracy of 0.90, a sensitivity of 0.89, a specificity of 0.91, and an AUC of 0.937. The BiLSTM model, similar to ProtBERT, has high accuracy and sensitivity, while the LSTM Attention model is reliable in detecting true positive cases. The text RGNN model has an accuracy of 0.51. Conclusions: Machine learning models like ProtBERT and BiLSTM can enhance the early detection and diagnosis of oral cancer pain, but challenges like data quality and validation persist.
Evaluation of Disinfection Protocol Compliance for Alginate Impressions: A Clinical Dental Audit
Abstract. Background: Dental impressions are essential in prosthodontics but pose a risk of cross-contamination if not properly disinfected. Objective: This audit aimed to evaluate compliance with alginate impression disinfection protocols in clinical practice and to assess the effectiveness of corrective measures after intervention. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational audit was conducted in the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine. Compliance with each step of the alginate disinfection protocol was assessed during the first audit cycle using a standardized checklist. Following the identification of deficiencies, staff training and reinforcement of infection control protocols were implemented. A second audit cycle was conducted to evaluate improvements. Results: The first cycle revealed significant non-compliance, particularly in labeling and sealing steps. After corrective actions were implemented, the re-audit demonstrated marked improvement in overall compliance with the disinfection protocol. Conclusions: Periodic audits, staff education, and strict adherence to standardized disinfection procedures are essential to ensure effective infection control and enhance patient safety in dental practice. Clinical Application: Ensuring compliance with alginate impression disinfection protocols minimizes cross-infection risks and promotes a safer clinical environment for both patients and dental staff.
Exploring the Experiences of Male Faculty in Gender-Disparate Basic Medical Sciences Faculty: A Qualitative Study
Objective: The study aimed to explore the experiences of male faculty members currently working in female-dominated basic sciences departments of different private and public medical & dental colleges in Karachi. Methods: This qualitative study employed an empirical phenomenological approach and was conducted from January 2021 to 2022. A total of 10 participants were interviewed, ranging from senior lecturers to professors. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were approved by the respondents to ensure clarity and rigor in the study. Three independent researchers conducted inductive data analysis and final themes were decided with consensus among six authors. Results: Two main themes with three subthemes were generated. Most interviewees agreed that working in female-dominated basic science departments had its advantages. However, most of them still seemed dissatisfied with their workplace. Issues such as gender bias, culturally based privilege abuse, the envious nature of females, and female bosses not being able to handle stress and criticism were identified as the main reasons for their dissatisfaction. Conclusion: Most of the participants were not satisfied with the female-dominant work environment. However, further research is required to eliminate the culture-based issues where society still struggles with accepting female dominance in workplaces.
Teledentistry: Building a Bridge Between Patient Care and Technology – A Narrative Review
Background When patients cannot reach us, we must reach them—this is where teledentistry comes in. This innovative approach leverages digital and electronic devices to enable dental diagnosis, therapy, and management, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of dental care. Teledentistry allows remote consultations, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations, significantly improving patient outcomes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became an essential tool, enabling remote dental care through telecommunications and digital platforms. Objectives This review aims to highlight the role of teledentistry in enhancing access to dental care, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore, and identify the challenges that must be addressed to improve its effectiveness to achieve equal access to dental care for all. Methods A scoping literature search used keywords related to telemedicine, teledentistry, and underserved populations across databases including PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Only articles published in English were selected, with a focus on literature from 2020 onwards. Results By reducing walk-in visits and minimizing travel costs, teledentistry effectively bridges gaps in access to care. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of tele dentistry, underscoring its vital role in maintaining dental care during uncertain times. While urban populations often benefit from advanced digital dentistry, rural and marginalized communities continue to face infrastructural limitations and financial barriers, including the lack of payment policies, regulatory barriers, and resistance from some healthcare providers and patients. To fully realize teledentistry’s potential, these obstacles must be addressed by improving internet accessibility, simplifying technology, and providing comprehensive training for dentists. Conclusion Despite its promise, teledentistry faces hurdles. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring equal access to quality dental care for all. Improving internet accessibility, simplifying technology usage, and implementing comprehensive training programs for dentists are essential steps. Keywords: Teledentistry, Digital dental care, Undeserved populations, Dental care accessibility, Healthcare barriers
Herpetic Lesions Affecting the Oral Cavity- Etiology, Diagnosis, Medication, and Laser Therapy: A Literature Review
Oral herpetic lesions, primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), present a significant therapeutic challenge due to their recurrent nature and impact on patient quality of life. After latency onset, HSV-1 can reactivate, causing frequent recurrences in some patients, while most individuals have few recurrences. Traditional treatment options for managing oral herpes include antiviral medications. These antiviral therapies function by inhibiting viral replication and alleviating symptoms, thus reducing the duration of lesions. These treatments have consistently demonstrated efficacy in reducing the duration and severity of lesions; however, their effectiveness can vary depending on the timing of administration, with early intervention yielding more favorable results.
Hybrid peptide classifier model for predicting periodontal cell-penetrating peptides
Background: Periodontitis, a global infectious disease-causing tooth loss and tissue destruction, is linked to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Conventional treatments fail to eliminate pathogens, necessitating alternative therapies. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) are promising for therapeutic applications like genetic defect correction and gene silencing, but face challenges like cytotoxicity and immune responses. They also manage periodontal disease by delivering agents directly to targeted tissues, improving drug penetration and treatment outcomes. CPP unique ability to traverse cellular membranes is key. Hybrid Peptide Classifier, a novel model using an LLM-based attention network, combines the strengths of multiple neural network layers to model peptide sequence structure and dependencies effectively. By improving medication delivery straight to infected periodontal sites, CPP provide a novel treatment option for periodontitis because of their antimicrobial activity and tissue-penetrating capacity. This model aims to predict periodontal cell-penetrating peptides, accelerating advancements in peptide-based therapies and drug delivery systems. Methods: The peptide classification dataset was sourced from thegleelab.org/MLCPP/MLCPPData.html, featuring sequences for both positive and negative sample classes. A custom PyTorch Dataset class was related to maintaining a consistent sequence length. The dataset was split into training and testing subsets and loaded into DataLoader objects for efficient batch processing. The hybrid peptide classifier class is a neural network model designed for peptide classification, initialized with vocabulary size, embedding dimension, hidden dimension, and maximum sequence length, and subjected to training with an epoch of 10 with early stopping. A hybrid architecture comprising convolutional and bidirectional LSTM layers was used to categorize peptide sequences. Results: The model exhibited strong classification performance with an accuracy of 85.2%, an F1-score of 0.88, and an AUC of 0.93. Conclusion: CPPs are promising tools for drug delivery and gene therapy, but challenges like data imbalances and experimental variability must be addressed. Our study showed promising results in better classifying the peptide sequences. Future research should focus on refining machine learning techniques, integrating diverse datasets, and implementing rigorous validation protocols to improve peptide classification models' reliability and patient outcomes in peptide-based therapeutics. This model provides a basis for creating customized, targeted peptide treatments in periodontology.
Peptide sequences, BERT, periodontal disease
Navigating Furcation: A Guide for an Accurate Assessment
Furcation involvement is a critical concern in periodontics, affecting the prognosis and treatment of multirooted teeth. Accurate diagnosis is essential, as improper assessment can lead to misclassification and ineffective treatment. This review discusses the challenges of probing furcations, the impact of furcation involvement on tooth survival, and various treatment strategies, including non-surgical therapy, regenerative approaches, and adjunctive therapies. Additionally, different furcation classification systems are outlined to aid clinicians in selecting appropriate interventions. Advanced diagnostic tools such as computed tomography enhance the precision of furcation assessment, ensuring better clinical outcomes.
The Necessity of Root Canal Treatment Following Coronectomy in Mandibular Third Molars: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Objectives: In the following study, the focal area of discussion is to evaluate and record any infection or complication caused by the remanent root that was intentionally left inside to avoid injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of the root canal treatment (RCT) with the coronectomy (CM) procedure and evaluate the importance of endodontic treatment during coronectomies. Materials and Methods: The study included 96 patients. The participants with proximity to IAN diagnosed based on radiographs and standard criteria were selected and divided into two equal groups of 48 each by lottery method into CM and CM with RCT following CM groups. Patients were re-evaluated for 3 weeks for complications and 3 months follow-ups for radiographic evaluations of root-fragment migration. Results: The overall average age of participants was 23.6 ± 2.7 years. The infection was found in 52 participants overall, with 12 occurring in the control and 40 in the experimental groups. Additionally, root-fragment migration was observed to be higher in the control group (2.2 ± 0.4 mm) compared to the experimental group (0.5 ± 0.2 mm), with an overall average of 1.3 ± 0.9 mm. The roots had also moved coronally at three months follow-up after the operation in the control group by a mean of 1.4 ± 0.9mm for the males and 1.3 ± 0.9mm for the females. Conclusion: The outcome of this research concludes that one may not need endodontic treatment following a CM procedure of an impacted mandibular third molar with close relations with IAN. Clinical application: If CM is chosen, it is better to leave the roots in place and allow them to migrate naturally rather than attempt to treat them with RCT.
Validation of In Vitro Model of Oral Fibrosis Via Genetic and Protein Characterization
Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) poses a significant health challenge due to its association with restricted mouth opening and an elevated risk of oral cancer. Despite its impact, a lack of well-characterized and validated in vitro models has impeded a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving OSMF progression. Objectives: The primary objective of the present study was to establish and characterize in vitro primary cell line, consisting of fibroblasts, from OSMF biopsy sample. Materials and Methods: The study involved the isolation of fibroblasts from tissue affected by OSMF. Following isolation, the fibroblasts were cultured and passaged, with the process continued up to passage 2. Cell viability and Population Doubling Time calculated cell proliferation, while morphological changes were reported. Immunocytochemistry assessed fibroblast markers (vimentin, β actin, and CD90), and qPCR measured gene expressions (TGFBR-1, COMP, TGM-2, TIMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-9) across passages, comparing with OSMF tissue and control fibroblasts. Results: The in vitro OSMF cell line demonstrated successful isolation, subculturing, and sustained fibroblast proliferation. Population Doubling Time calculations and morphological observations from passages 0 to 2 provided insights into growth patterns. Immunocytochemistry confirmed fibroblast identity through positive expression of vimentin, beta-actin, and CD90. QPCR revealed varied expressions of pathological genes across passages, closely resembling OSMF tissue, while distinct differences were noted as compared to control fibroblasts. Conclusions: The in vitro OSMF primary cell line was developed directly from the patient sample. Validation of this model of oral fibrosis was achieved successfully through genetic and protein characterization therefore, presenting it as a reliable experimental platform for future investigations into OSMF pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions. Clinical application: This study provides a validated in vitro model for OSMF, offering a foundation to explore disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and develop targeted therapies. By closely mimicking the molecular and cellular characteristics of OSMF, the model facilitates testing of potential treatments, understanding fibrosis-to-cancer transitions, and tailoring personalized interventions. It holds the potential for advancing precision medicine, improving early detection, and guiding regenerative therapies to restore oral function in affected patients.
Back to the Basics: Mastering Probing Techniques for Comprehensive Periodontal Assessment
In a high-level technological world, with many innovations, instruments and techniques, as well as new clinical approaches, it is more important than ever that dental professionals develop, maintain, and enhance their clinical skills. Studies show that experienced dental professionals, new graduates, and students alike are often challenged when probing periodontal/peri-implant pockets or gingival/peri-implant sulcus. Using inadequate probing technique can lead to errors and while it is not possible to achieve a level of 100% correctness in all cases, one should expect an accuracy level of at least 85% of a highly skilled clinician. A periodontal probe (PP) is a calibrated instrument used to evaluate the health of periodontal tissues during a comprehensive periodontal exam. The PP measures the distance from the free gingival margin (or gingival margin [GM]) to the gingival sulcus base or the periodontal pocket base. This measure is referred to as periodontal pocket depth (PD). The PP can also it can be used to measure be used to measure the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), which is a fixed-point reference, instead from the GM, to help determine the level of clinical attachment loss (CAL). Clinicians must use PPs effectively by following correct techniques while considering tip design, correct angulation, and adaptation, as well as the appropriate amount of pressure exerted. Three elements affect the accuracy of periodontal probing: tools, technique, and the patient. It is good practice to develop a standard technique for conducting periodontal probing, using the same probe type, exerting consistent pressure, and working through the same sequence every time. This promotes a consistent standard of care for every patient and helps ensure that measurements related to disease progression or current status are obtained similarly. Patients often find periodontal probing uncomfortable due to sensitivity and inflammation, making a thorough examination difficult. Always attempt to provide the most comfortable experience for the patient by being gentle and, if necessary, using anesthesia.
Copyright (c) 2024 The Journal of Basic and Clinical Dentistry https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Schwannomas (SW) are typically small, solitary, nonaggressive lesions involving peripheral, spinal or cranial nerves. The tongue SW amounts to about 1% of total SW cases in the oral cavity. In the present case report, we discussed a case of SW of the lateral side of the tongue and its management. A 25-year-old male presented to the outpatient department with a gradually enlarging, asymptomatic mass located on the left side of the anterior aspect of the tongue, persisting for one month. On oral examination, a nodule of about 3 cm in size, elastic, tender, and smooth, placed on the left lateral side of the tongue, covered by mucosa, was seen. The magnetic resonance imaging report indicated a clearly defined mass encapsulated within the thickness of the left tongue, with minor involvement on the right lateral aspect of the tongue. After receiving his consent, the patient underwent a complete trans-oral surgical excision under general anesthesia without incident. The excised mass was sent for a histopathological assessment, which diagnosed the lesion as a SW. To conclude, SWs of the oral cavity are quite rare and mostly occur on the tongue. Only radiological and histological tests can confirm a diagnosis.
Can Large Language Models Predicting Antimicrobial Resistance Genes Prevent the Spread of the Oral Resistome?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating concern worldwide. This article comments on the role of large language models (LLMs) in predicting AMR-related genes within the oral microbiome, which could be pivotal in controlling the dissemination of the oral resistome. By identifying patterns and forecasting the presence of AMR genes, LLMs may support public health initiatives and enhance personalized healthcare strategies. Despite their promise, challenges such as data reliability and ethical considerations remain. Therefore, the integration of LLMs with conventional approaches and health policies is essential for successfully addressing AMR.
A Single Appointment Chair-Side Procedure of Transforming Cast Partial Denture into Interim Immediate Acrylic Partial Denture: A Case Report
With increasing patient’s demands in developing countries (like Pakistan), and within limited budget, poses significant challenges for clinicians to meet their patient’s requirements and level of satisfaction, which arises the need for making modifications in existing techniques. In this case, patients needed an economical immediate denture to avoid edentulous period after extraction. This case-report presents a novel single-appointment, chair-side procedure using patient’s existing prosthesis (cast-partial denture) to fabricate interim-immediate partial denture. This procedure offers retained aesthetics and facial support, while maintaining occlusal vertical dimension during the healing phase. Overall, treatment was economical and spared patients of inconvenience.
Revitalizing Dental Diagnostics: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Rising Impact of 3D Imaging in Dentistry
Background and Objectives: The aim of this bibliometric analysis is to explore the impact of 3D imaging in dentistry by examining articles published over the past two decades. Materials and Methods: The electronic search utilized the terms "digital dentistry" AND "implant placement" OR "radiation dose" OR "accuracy" OR "clinical outcomes" OR "3D imaging" OR "cone beam computed tomography" OR "CBCT" OR "CAD/CAM technol*" OR "intraoral scanner*" OR "dental implant*" OR "orthodont*" OR "prosthodont*" OR "treatm* planning*". The search was conducted using the Web of Science database and restricted to publications from 1996 to 2022. Results: The results revealed that the United States had the most publications related to digital dentistry. The University of Michigan was identified as the most prolific institution, with the highest number of papers published in digital dentistry. King's College London in the UK was the second most cited institution for their published papers. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into the impact of 3D imaging in dentistry and the most active areas of research. The findings of this study can guide future research and identify key research areas that require further investigation. Clinical application: This study highlights the transformative role of 3D imaging in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning in dentistry. By providing detailed insights into dental structures, 3D imaging improves patient outcomes and enables more personalized care. The analysis underlines the need for further adoption and training in 3D imaging technologies across dental practice.