Abstract Background In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the widespread integration of large language models and their chatbot applications into various fields, including dental education. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ChatGPT-4 Omni (ChatGPT-4o) and Gemini Advanced in answering multiple-choice questions from the Turkish Dentistry Specialization Exams (DUS) across various disciplines. Methods A total of 1,504 multiple-choice questions from 10 years of DUS exams were analyzed to compare the accuracy of ChatGPT-4o and Gemini Advanced. The questions were categorized into Fundamental Medical Sciences (n = 514) and Clinical Dental Sciences (n = 990). Each question was submitted to both chatbots, resulting in 3,008 responses. Accuracy was assessed using the official answer keys. Chi-square tests and Bonferroni post-hoc analyses were used to compare accuracy across disciplines and examine year-based variations. Results ChatGPT-4o achieved an overall accuracy rate of 84%, while Gemini Advanced achieved 81.8% (p = 0.110). For the Fundamental Medical Sciences questions, no statistically significant differences were observed across sub-disciplines, with overall accuracies of 92.6% for ChatGPT-4o and 93.4% for Gemini Advanced. For the Clinical Dental Sciences questions, ChatGPT-4o outperformed Gemini Advanced in Prosthetic Dentistry (p = 0.013) and Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (p = 0.001), whereas Gemini Advanced showed higher accuracy in Pediatric Dentistry (p = 0.008). Across all Clinical Dental Sciences questions, ChatGPT-4o achieved an accuracy of 79.5%, compared to 75.8% for Gemini Advanced, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.046). Conclusions AI-based chatbots demonstrate strong potential in answering multiple-choice dentistry questions. However, variations in performance across disciplines were observed, indicating differences in accuracy depending on the subject area. These findings highlight the potential educational implications of integrating AI into dental curricula, particularly as supplementary tools for exam preparation and knowledge reinforcement. Nevertheless, cautious integration is required to ensure that AI supports, rather than replaces, critical thinking and professional expertise.
Background: Recent advances in mRNA vaccine technology, accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, have generated significant interest in their applications beyond infectious diseases. Dentistry has emerged as a promising field for exploring the potential of mRNA-based therapies in preventing and treating oral diseases. Objectives: This narrative review aims to evaluate the current status of mRNA vaccine development and its preclinical applications in oral health, focusing on periodontal disease, dental caries, regenerative medicine, implantology, and oral cancer. Methods: The review synthesizes findings from preclinical studies, including research conducted in animal models and in vitro, to assess the potential of mRNA-based therapies to modulate immune responses and promote tissue regeneration in the oral cavity. Clinical trials were only mentioned in the context of broader areas of mRNA vaccine implementation such as oncology and immunotherapy. Results: The preclinical studies highlight the capacity of mRNA vaccines to enhance the body’s immune response and facilitate tissue repair processes. Despite these promising results, challenges persist in delivering mRNA vaccines effectively within the complex oral environment. These challenges include vaccine stability, delivery mechanisms, and the modulation of immune responses. Conclusions: While mRNA vaccines offer significant promise for revolutionizing oral health care, they face notable limitations concerning safety, efficacy, and clinical feasibility. Overcoming these obstacles through further research is essential to unlock their full translational potential and ensure their safe and effective integration into dental practice.
Mitochondrial transfer is defined the process through which specific cell types release their mitochondria and subsequently transfer them to unrelated cell types in response to various physiological or pathological stimuli. This process enhances cellular function and alters disease states. Recent research has begun to explore the potential of intercellular mitochondrial transfer as a therapeutic strategy for human diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction represents a significant pathological alteration in osteoarthritis, and studies indicate that mitochondrial transfer may serve as an effective modulatory treatment approach for osteoarthritis. Mitochondrial transfer, as an innovative subcellular therapeutic technique, presents the advantages of diverse acquisition methods and multiple transmission pathways. This paper aims to summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms of mitochondrial transfer in relation to osteoarthritis, emphasizing the existing research on mitochondrial transfer in osteoarthritis and its potential as a disease-modifying therapy.
Gene therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach across various oral diseases. This review examines current applications and future prospects of gene therapy in dentistry, focusing on five key areas: oral cancer, cancer-related pain, xerostomia (dry mouth), dental caries, and periodontal disease. Recent advances in viral and non-viral vectors have enabled more efficient gene delivery systems, with particular success in cancer pain management through µ-opioid receptor gene transfer and xerostomia treatment using aquaporin-1 gene therapy. For periodontal applications, gene therapy strategies include both immunomodulation and tissue regeneration approaches using growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor and bone morphogenetic proteins. While significant progress has been made, particularly in treating radiation-induced xerostomia and oral cancer pain, challenges remain in vector optimization and delivery methods. Clinical trials, predominantly in Phase I, indicate both the potential and current limitations of gene therapy in oral healthcare. This review synthesizes current evidence and outlines future directions for gene therapy applications in oral medicine and dentistry.
Aim:
Facial imaging technology has become a pivotal tool in modern medical practice, particularly within fields such as maxillofacial prosthodontics, orthodontics, and smile design. The creation of digital twins, or virtual patients, enhances diagnostic accuracy, aids in treatment planning, and improves outcome prediction. The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of various facial scanners, determine overall accuracy of each scanner, and identify which scanner demonstrates superior accuracy in specific facial regions.
Settings and Design:
An observational crossover study.
Materials and Methods:
Cone beam computed tomography volumetric scan was used as a control group, as it has been considered as a gold standard in terms of accuracy. For comparison, scan data were obtained from three different scanners, namely Carestream facial scanner, Medit intraoral scanner for facial scan, and MetiSmile face scanner. The standard tessellation language files thus obtained were compared for accuracy in Geomagic X software by superimposition technique and were evaluated for their accuracy using various reference points on the face.
Statistical Analysis Used:
Normality was confirmed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. One-way analysis of variance for comparison among groups and Tukey test for pairwise comparison was used using SPSS software (IBM SPSS version 29 USA).
Results:
The study concluded that MetiSmile was the best facial scanner among the three groups with a mean discrepancy of (0.35 ± 0.33) mm and P = 0.001, indicating significant difference between the scanners.
Conclusion:
Each scanner evaluated demonstrated acceptable performance, with notable variations attributable to their distinct scanning methodologies. Among these, the MetiSmile scanner emerged as the most accurate, delivering the most favorable results in terms of accuracy.
Abstract Background The proportional trends of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) according to various factors have not been analyzed in detail in previous studies. We aimed to evaluate the trends of HPV-associated OPSCC in the United States. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 13,081 patients with OPSCC from large population-based data using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 2010–2017 database, 17 Registries. Patients were diagnosed with OPSCC primarily in the base of tongue (BOT), posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW), soft palate (SP), and tonsil and were tested for HPV infection status. We analyzed how the proportional trends of patients with OPSCC changed according to various demographic factors. Additionally, we forecasted and confirmed the trend of HPV (+) and (−) patients with OPSCC using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. Results The proportion of patients who performed the HPV testing increased every year, and it has exceeded 50% since 2014 (21.95% and 51.37% at 2010 and 2014, respectively). The HPV-positive rates tended to increase over past 7 years (66.37% and 79.32% at 2010 and 2016, respectively). Positivity rates of HPV were significantly higher in OPSCC located in the tonsil or BOT than in those located in PPW or SP. The ARIMA (2,1,0) and (0,1,0) models were applied to forecast HPV (+) and (−) patients with OPSCC, respectively, and the predicted data generally matched the actual data well. Conclusion This large population-based study suggests that the proportional trends of HPV (+) patients with OPSCC has increased and will continue to increase. However, the trends of HPV (+) and (−) patients differed greatly according to various demographic factors. These results present a direction for establishing appropriate preventive measures to deal with HPV-related OPSCC in more detail.
Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens, Infectious and parasitic diseases
Eglal Ahmed Ghozy, Nehal Fouad Albelasy, Marwa Sameh Shamaa
et al.
Abstract Trial design Parallel. Objective To compare skeletally anchored Carriere Motion appliance (CMA) for distalization of the maxillary buccal segment vs. Essix anchored CMA. Methods Thirty-two class II malocclusion patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups. One group was treated with infrazygomatic (IZC) miniscrew- anchored CMA (IZCG) and the other group treated with Essix retainer- anchored CMA (EXG). Two lateral cephalograms and two digital models for upper and lower arches were taken for each patient: immediately before intervention and after distalization had been completed. Results Distalization period was not significantly different between the two groups. In contrast to EXG, IZCG showed insignificant difference in ANB, lower incisor proclination, and mesial movement of the lower first molar. There was significant rotation with distal movement of maxillary canine and first molar in both groups. Conclusion IZC anchored CMA could eliminate the side effects of class II elastics regarding lower incisor proclination, mesial movement lower molars with a more significant amount of distalization of the maxillary buccal segment but with significant molar rotation. Trial registration The ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) has this RCT registered as (NCT05499221) on 12/08/2022.
Priyanka Aggarwal, Pallavi Anand, Kopal Singh
et al.
Background: Well articulated by John Knowles – “Everything has to evolve or else it perishes.” With the paradigm shift of emphasis toward the prevention of dental caries, it has been proven that laser irradiation protects against both caries initiation and caries progression. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the micromorphology of caries-free extracted premolars using a Scanning electron microscope (SEM) after fissurotomy by conventional fissurotomy bur and erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (ER, CR: YSGG) hard-tissue laser. Methodology: Sixty caries-free premolars extracted atraumatically for orthodontic treatment were included in the study. The samples were divided into two groups randomly (Group 1: fissurotomy by bur, n = 30, and Group 2: fissurotomy by hard-tissue laser, n = 30). Each sample was further divided into halves from the occlusal surface wherein one-half of the occlusal surface received fissurotomy procedure and the other half was control. Samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for micromorphological changes. Results: Profile image of control samples revealed the disorganization of enamel surface at the junction of fissures forming a heterogeneous tissue and agglomeration of enamel with deep pit and fissure. On the contrary, the image of experimented samples (with laser fissurotomy) showed smooth enamel surface and homogeneous enamel subsurface with wider pit and fissure owing to self-cleansing ability. Conclusion: On the grounds of the present study results, it could be concluded that the intervention of ER, CR: YSGG hard-tissue laser possesses self-cleansable pit and fissures for caries prevention and has the potential to irradicate the smear layer entirely for superior attachment of remineralizing agents.
ObjectivesConsidering the high incidence rates of denture stomatitis, research that providing dental biomaterials with antifungal property are essential for clinical dentistry. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effect of zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA) modification on the antifungal and cytotoxic properties, as well as the variance in surface characteristics and other physicochemical properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resin.MethodsPMMA with various mass fraction of ZDMA (1 wt%, 2.5 wt% and 5 wt%) were prepared for experimental groups, and unmodified PMMA for the control. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was applied for characterization. Thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy and water contact angle were performed to investigate the thermal stability and surface characteristics (n=5). Antifungal capacities and cytocompatibility were evaluated with Candida albicans (C. albicans) and human oral fibroblasts (HGFs), respectively. Colony-forming unit counting, crystal violet assay, live/dead biofilm staining and scanning electron microscopy observation were performed to assess antifungal effects, and the detection of intracellular reactive oxygen species production was applied to explore the possible antimicrobial mechanism. Finally, the cytotoxicity of ZDMA modified PMMA resin was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and live/dead double staining.ResultsThe FTIR analyses confirmed some variation in chemical bonding and physical blend of the composites. Incorporation of ZDMA significantly enhanced the thermal stability and hydrophilicity compared with unmodified PMMA (p < 0.05). The surface roughness increased with the addition of ZDMA while remained below the suggested threshold (≤ 0.2 µm). The antifungal activity significantly improved with ZDMA incorporation, and cytocompatibility assays indicated no obvious cytotoxicity on HGFs.ConclusionsIn the present study, the ZDMA mass fraction up to 5 wt% in PMMA performed better thermal stability, and an increase in surface roughness and hydrophilicity without enhancing microbial adhesion. Moreover, the ZDMA modified PMMA showed effective antifungal activity without inducing any cellular side effects.
Stem cells can self-renew and produce different cell types, thus providing new strategies to regenerate missing tissues and treat diseases. In the field of dentistry, adult mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been identified in several oral and maxillofacial tissues, which suggests that the oral tissues are a rich source of stem cells, and oral stem and mucosal cells are expected to provide an ideal source for genetically reprogrammed cells such as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Furthermore, oral tissues are expected to be not only a source but also a therapeutic target for stem cells, as stem cell and tissue engineering therapies in dentistry continue to attract increasing clinical interest. Part I of this review outlines various types of intra- and extra-oral tissue-derived stem cells with regard to clinical availability and applications in dentistry. Additionally, appropriate sources of stem cells for regenerative dentistry are discussed with regard to differentiation capacity, accessibility and possible immunomodulatory properties.
Bone grafts are used as a filler and scaffold to facilitate bone formation and promote wound healing. These grafts are bioresorbable and have no antigen-antibody reaction. These bone grafts act as a mineral reservoir which induces new bone formation.
I. A. Gatilo, T. L. Kobylkina, M. G. Perikova
et al.
The outcome of endodontic treatment directly depends on the high-quality instrumental and medical treatment of root canals. The most effective, widespread and well-known antiseptic used for rinsing root canals is sodium hypochlorite. Unfortunately, in the process of irrigation complications arise in the form of sodium hypochlorite of various concentrations extrusion into the periapical region. We must not forget about the anatomical and topographic features of the structure of nearby structures, such as the mandibular canal and the maxillary sinus. The aim of the clinical case is to assess the depth of irrigant penetration into the periodontal area using radiography and to develop an algorithm for actions in the event of a hypochlorite accident.
Anahit H. Hovhannisyan, Hyeonwi Son, Jennifer Mecklenburg
et al.
Abstract Trigeminal (TG), dorsal root (DRG), and nodose/jugular (NG/JG) ganglia each possess specialized and distinct functions. We used RNA sequencing of two-cycle sorted Pirt-positive neurons to identify genes exclusively expressing in L3–L5 DRG, T10-L1 DRG, NG/JG, and TG mouse ganglion neurons. Transcription factor Phox2b and Efcab6 are specifically expressed in NG/JG while Hoxa7 is exclusively present in both T10-L1 and L3–L5 DRG neurons. Cyp2f2, Krt18, and Ptgds, along with pituitary hormone prolactin (Prl), growth hormone (Gh), and proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) encoding genes are almost exclusively in TG neurons. Immunohistochemistry confirmed selective expression of these hormones in TG neurons and dural nerves; and showed GH expression in subsets of TRPV1+ and CGRP+ TG neurons. We next examined GH roles in hypersensitivity in the spinal versus trigeminal systems. Exogenous GH produced mechanical hypersensitivity when injected intrathecally, but not intraplantarly. GH-induced thermal hypersensitivity was not detected in the spinal system. GH dose-dependently generated orofacial and headache-like periorbital mechanical hypersensitivity after administration into masseter muscle and dura, respectively. Periorbital mechanical hypersensitivity was reversed by a GH receptor antagonist, pegvisomant. Overall, pituitary hormone genes are selective for TG versus other ganglia somatotypes; and GH has distinctive functional significance in the trigeminal versus spinal systems.
Cecilia Ponce-Garcia, Antonio Carlos de Oliveira Ruellas, Lucia Helena Soares Cevidanes
et al.
Abstract Introduction Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images can be superimposed, allowing three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of craniofacial growth/treatment effects. Limitations of 3D superimposition techniques are related to imaging quality, software/hardware performance, reference areas chosen, and landmark points/volumes identification errors. The aims of this research are to determine/compare the intra-rater reliability generated by three 3D superimposition methods using CBCT images, and compare the changes observed in treated cases by these methods. Methods Thirty-six growing individuals (11–14 years old) were selected from patients that received orthodontic treatment. Before and after treatment (average 24 months apart) CBCTs were analyzed using three superimposition methods. The superimposed scans with the two voxel-based methods were used to construct surface models and quantify differences using SlicerCMF software, while distances in the landmark-derived method were calculated using Excel. 3D linear measurements of the models superimposed with each method were then compared. Results Repeated measurements with each method separately presented good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC ≥ 0.825). ICC values were the lowest when comparing the landmark-based method and both voxel-based methods. Moderate to excellent agreement was observed when comparing the voxel-based methods against each other. The landmark-based method generated the highest measurement error. Conclusions Findings indicate good to excellent intra-examiner reliability of the three 3D superimposition methods when assessed individually. However, when assessing reliability among the three methods, ICC demonstrated less powerful agreement. The measurements with two of the three methods (CMFreg/Slicer and Dolphin) showed similar mean differences; however, the accuracy of the results could not be determined.
Abstract Objectives A lack of consensus on how to classify post‐operative complications in dentistry limits the ability for comparison of outcomes among treatments and their primary providers. Therefore, the Fonthill Dental Surgery Complication Classification Scale has been proposed as a uniform reporting tool to allow for the standardized quality assessment of dental treatment. This instrument classifies negative outcomes arising after dental treatment and is based on the clinician and the clinician time required to resolve the complication in seven classes of increasing severity. Materials and Methods The scale was evaluated in a cohort of 2,382 consecutive patients, of which 9% experienced a complication, the majority of which were Class I or Class II—resolved without intervention by the dental surgeon. Results Four scenarios where interpretation of the scale was required are presented with an explanation of their complication class. Conclusions This classification system will ultimately prove reliable in measuring clinician success rate and aiding in the decision‐making process for patients, clinicians, and financial providers.