Dentin hypersensitivity is a common oral condition characterized by short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentin in response to external stimuli, significantly impacting patients quality of life. However, its mechanism has long been constrained by the hydrodynamic hypothesis, which fails to adequately explain key clinical phenomena such as rapid pain onset and suboptimal analgesic efficacy. To address this, we innovatively propose an ion conduction mechanism from a electrochemical perspective, redefining dentinal tubules as functional biological nanochannels with ion selectivity and rectification properties. This review systematically revisits the contributions and limitations of traditional theories, while focusing on the theoretical foundation and experimental evidence for the new mechanism. Through high-resolution electrochemical measurements, we confirmed the presence of an asymmetric potential distribution and microampere-level stimulus-evoked currents within dentinal tubules, and established a comprehensive stimulus-current-pain signal transduction model. This validates the superiority of the new mechanism in explaining millisecond-level pain transmission and demonstrates the clinical potential of polycation-based desensitizing materials developed using this approach for precise electrochemical regulation. This approach not only provides a new pathway for addressing dentin hypersensitivity but also promotes a paradigm shift in the field from mere “physical occlusion”to“modulation of the electrical microenvironment”, offering a novel perspective for developing new desensitizing materials.

Tooth agenesis refers to the congenital absence of teeth resulting from genetic and environmental factors. As one of the most prevalent congenital oral disorders, its clinical diagnosis is primarily based on clinical oral examination and radiographic imaging. Tooth agenesis, especially oligodontia and anodontia, seriously affects patients’ masticatory function, maxillofacial development, and mental health. Due to its long treatment process and high cost, it imposes severe psychological and financial burdens on patients. This article systematically reviews the diagnostic criteria, etiological mechanisms, and clinical features of tooth agenesis, with a focus on elaborating the multidisciplinary treatment strategy. During childhood, treatment primarily involves removable denture, emphasizing the protection of deciduous teeth and functional guidance. In adolescence, orthodontic treatment is used to adjust occlusion and optimize the space, laying a foundation for subsequent restoration. And in adulthood, utilizes various restorative approaches centered on implant-supported prostheses are utilized to ultimately achieve the dual restoration of function and aesthetics. In addition, we emphasize the current technical challenges and explore the application prospects of digital technology and regenerative medicine, aiming to provide references for developing personalized clinical treatment plans.

Multiple idiopathic root resorption(MIRR) is a rare progressive destructive dental condition with unclear etiology and pathogenesis. Based on anatomical location, it can be classified into three types: multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption(MICRR), multiple idiopathic apical root resorption(MIARR), and multiple idiopathic internal root resorption(MIIRR). MICRR is characterized by progressive external resorption at the cervical region near the cementoenamel junction, affecting at least three teeth in the dentition. While often asymptomatic initially, it can progress rapidly, leading to occlusal pain, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. MIARR presents as progressive external resorption at the root apex, also involving a minimum of three teeth. This condition typically remains clinically silent until late stages when increased tooth mobility may occur. MIIRR involves progressive internal resorption within the tooth structure, as well as affecting at least three teeth. Early stages are frequently asymptomatic, with tooth discoloration appearing as the condition advances. In recent years, there has been growing international attention to these conditions. This article comprehensively examines their definitions, etiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment approaches, and prognostic outcomes, aiming to provide valuable clinical references for dental practitioners.

Condylar osteochondroma (OC) is a rare benign tumor of the mandibular condyle, often resulting in mandibular deviation or asymmetry. Traditionally, treatment involves a two-stage procedure—open tumor resection followed by orthognathic surgery to correct the associated dentofacial deformities. This approach carries a high risk of facial nerve injury and increased trauma due to multiple surgical interventions. At Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, digital technologies—including computer-assisted surgical design, endoscopy, navigation, personalized surgical guides, and customized implants—have been integrated to achieve precise control from preoperative planning to intraoral, minimally invasive tumor resection performed concurrently with orthognathic correction. This paradigm shift marks the transition of OC management from experience-based surgery to data-driven precision surgery.

Tooth eruption disorders represent common developmental anomalies in dentistry, among which hereditary types pose significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to their complex molecular mechanisms and diverse clinical manifestations. This review systematically summarizes the etiology, clinical features, and management strategies of five major hereditary tooth eruption disorders, including primary failure of eruption(PFE), cleidocranial dysplasia(CCD), osteopetrosis(OP), pyknodysostosis, and GAPO syndrome. For diagnosis, we emphasize an integrated approach combining characteristic clinical presentations, imaging evaluations, and genetic testing to achieve precise classification. Regarding treatment, we propose multidisciplinary collaboration as the foundation for developing personalized sequential treatment plans, while highlighting the importance of genetic counseling and long-term management. This review aims to provide both theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the systematic understanding and precise management of these disorders.

Orofacial genetic and rare diseases, characterized by low prevalence and complex manifestations, represent a “niche yet critical”challenge in precision diagnosis and treatment within the field of dentistry. In recent years, artificial intelligence technology has been reshaping traditional medical diagnosis and treatment processes, and its involvement has provided an innovative approach to addressing these challenges. For instance, it assists in disease imaging analysis, facial feature assessment, and gene mutation screening, thereby improving the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis. Meanwhile, it also innovates surgical navigation pathways and personalized treatment strategies. However, multiple barriers remain before such advances can be fully translated into clinical practice. This article summarizes the recent progress of research on the application of artificial intelligence to the diagnosis and treatment of oral genetic and rare diseases, discusses its advantages and challenges, and provides scientific evidence for future clinical research and practice.

Objective To systematically evaluate the expression pattern and clinical significance of collagen type Ⅺ alpha 1 chain (COL11A1) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues and to explore its potential role in tumor microenvironment (TME) regulation based on bioinformatics analysis. Methods A total of 80 OSCC tissue samples from our hospital were collected, and immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression level of COL11A1 and its clinical relevance. Public databases, including TCGA-HNSC, TISCH2, TIMER, and cBioPortal, were further utilized to explore the potential functions of COL11A1 in OSCC, involving differential expression analysis, Reactome pathway enrichment analysis, and immune cell infiltration evaluation. Results COL11A1 was predominantly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within OSCC tissues, with the highest levels observed at the invasive front. High COL11A1 expression was significantly associated with larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and shorter disease-free survival (P<0.05). Reactome enrichment analysis indicated that COL11A1 was involved in key biological processes including amino acid metabolism, selenocysteine biosynthesis, and protein translation, and was also closely related to TME remodeling. Further analysis showed that high COL11A1 expression was negatively correlated with CD8⁺ T cell infiltration (P<0.05), and positively correlated with the expression of multiple immunosuppressive molecules, including CD86, CSF1R, HAVCR2, IL10, and PDCD1LG2 (P<0.05). Conclusion COL11A1 is expressed in CAFs in OSCC and is upregulated at the invasive front, showing strong associations with poor patient prognosis and immunosuppressive features, suggesting its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic targe.

Objective To analyze the relationship between the morphology and position of the temporomandibular joint disc and the vertical and sagittal morphology of the mandible. Methods A group of adult female patients with temporomandibular disorders were selected in the Department of Temporomandibular joint at West China Stomatological Hospital, Sichuan University. They were classified into normal position, disc displacement with reduction (DDwR), and disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR). The total number of patients included in this study was 223. The morphology of the disc was classified into normal and abnormal groups. Vertical (mandibular plane angle, Y-axis angle, ramus height) and sagittal (SNB, mandibular body length, saddle angle) morphological indicators of the mandible were measured on the lateral cephalometric radiographs. The correlation between the indicators and the morphology and position of the disc was compared. Results It showed that there was a correlation between the position and morphology of the disc and mandibular plane angle, Y-axis angle and ramus height (P<0.05), a correlation between the position of the left disc and SNB (P<0.05), and a correlation between the morphology of the bilateral disc and SNB (P<0.05). Conclusion There is a correlation between the morphology and position of the disc and the vertical and sagittal mandibular morphology, with a closer correlation with the vertical shape.

Objective To confirm the mutation in a family with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) and explore its possible effects on protein structure and function. Methods A proband with CCD was diagnosed through clinical symptoms and radiography examinations. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband and his family members for whole-exome sequencing. The pathogenic mutation was validated by Sanger sequencing. Further investigations were conducted to analyze the protein structural and functional changes induced by this mutation and explore the potential mechanisms by which this gene contributed to the pathogenesis of CCD. Results In this family, both the proband and his father exhibited typical clinical manifestations of cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), including clavicular hypoplasia, delayed closure of fontanelles, craniofacial and dental abnormalities. A previously reported RUNX2 missense mutation (c. 569G>A, p. Arg190Gln) was identified in this family. This mutation occurred within the highly conserved runt domain, disrupting RUNX2 protein function. Bioinformatics analysis further confirmed the critical role of RUNX2 in craniofacial skeleton and tooth development. Conclusion A missense mutation in exon 4 of the RUNX2 gene is identified in a Chinese CCD family, providing novel therapeutic insights for CCD patients from molecular biological perspective.

Objective To compare the clinical effects of ICam4D photogrammetry technology combined with intraoral scanning technology, traditional splint impression technology and traditional window impression technology in full dentition oral implant fixed prosthodontics. Methods A total of 46 cases of dentition, including 14 patients with complete dentition and 18 patients with single-jaw dentition, who had completed implant surgery and needed final restoration, were divided into three groups: the ICam4D group (Group A), the splint group (Group B), and the window group (Group C). Group A included 16 cases, in which ICam4D photogrammetry technology combined with intraoral scanning technology was used to take impressions. Group B included 15 cases, in which traditional splint technology was used to take impressions. Group C included 15 cases, in which only window impression rods were used for impression taking without splints. The marginal adaptation of the prosthesis, impression-taking comfort, time consumption, satisfaction with the restoration, and patient follow-up observations were compared among the three groups to evaluate the clinical effect of ICam4D photogrammetry technology combined with intraoral scanning technology in oral implant fixed prosthodontics. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the marginal adaptation of the prosthesis. The impression-taking comfort scores were: Group A (95.77±2.30), Group B (60.02±7.56), and Group C (71.92 ± 6.55). There were statistically significant differences among the three groups(P<0.001). The time consumption was: Group A (16.53±3.24)min, Group B (59.38±10.74)min, and Group C (25.46±5.63)min. There was a statistically significant difference(P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the satisfaction with the restoration. Conclusion ICam4D photogrammetry technology combined with intraoral scanning technology is more time-efficient, provides higher patient comfort, and has better marginal adaptation of the prosthesis in oral implant fixed prosthodontics. It is recommended for clinical promotion.

Mikulicz disease is an IgG4 related disease and a rare systemic immune-mediated fibrotic disease. Its diagnosis and treatment are complex, and there is currently limited research on it, making it prone to misdiagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease can prevent organ damage caused by fibrosis in later stages. We report a case of Mikulicz disease of the parotid gland admitted to our hospital and conduct a literature review to discuss the concept, development process, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease, in order to improve clinical doctors’ understanding of this disease.

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), a class of regulatory RNAs, have demonstrated potential to fine-tune bacterial pathogenicity at physiological doses. This offers the dual benefit of reducing antibiotic resistance and minimizing cytotoxic effects, providing a novel strategy for infection control. ncRNAs of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) are widely distributed throughout the bacterial transcriptome and regulate the expression of virulence factors, biofilm formation, and stress responses through interactions with RNA, DNA, and proteins. Moreover, they participate in regulatory networks that collectively influence the development and progression of dental caries. This review summarizes the biological functions, regulatory mechanisms, and application prospects of ncRNAs in S. mutans, aiming to provide new insights for the development of small-molecule anti-caries materials.

The resorption of labial alveolar bone after tooth extraction remains a major aesthetic concern in anterior restorations, as it may cause facial profile collapse. Although immediate implants can reduce the amount of resorption to a certain extent, they cannot achieve the desired result. The socket-shield technique can maintain the thickness of the alveolar ridge and prevent resorption by retaining healthy root fragments with a certain thickness and shape on the labial side of the implant site to form a root-periodontium-alveolar bone complex. This review provides an overview of the classification, clinical aspects, and management of complications of the socket-shield technique. It aims to provide reference for clinicians to wisely use this technique in aesthetic implant restorations.