Preserving the sustained vitality of dental pulp, maintaining the periapical tissues in a healthy state and implementing minimally invasive therapies are key themes within the development of contemporary endodontics. The research of irreversible pulpitis is of great importance within endodontics. The application and investigation of vital pulp therapy(VPT)in the field of irreversible pulpitis is expected to facilitate the precision and minimally invasive process in diagnosis and treatment of pulpitis. This review article focuses on the application of vital pulp therapy in the diagnosis and treatment of irreversible pulpitis as well as the challenges.

Objective To evaluate the effects of chloroquine alone and in combination with traditional antifungal agents on the Candida albicans biofilms and its drug resistance. Methods This study used standard strains of Candida albicans, and drug-resistant strains of Candida albicans. The inhibitory effects of chloroquine alone and in combination with antifungal drugs on biofilms of Candida albicans were detected by XTT reduction method and chessboard dilution method respectively. The morphological characteristics of biofilms were observed under scanning electron microscopy. Results Chloroquine at the concentration of 50 μmol/L or above showed a direct inhibitory effect and increased with concentration. Chloroquine combined with amphotericin B had a synergistic inhibitory effect. Results of the time-killing curve showed that the growth trends of biofilms treated with chloroquine alone and combined with amphotericin B varied in different time periods during the experimental culture. Morphological observation also revealed that chloroquine alone and in combination with amphotericin B could reduce the ability of Candida albicans to form hyphae and biofilms. Conclusion Chloroquine has an inhibitory effect on Candida albicans biofilms and can reduce its drug resistance. Furthermore, chloroquine shows a synergistic anti-fungal effect when combined with amphotericin B.

Objective To evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) assisted mechanical debridement (MD) in the treatment of peri-implantitis. Methods According to the new international classification of periodontal diseases and peri-implant diseases in 2018, single tooth implants diagnosed as peri-implantitis were included. Before treatment, the probing depth (PD), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), and modified plaque index (mPLI) were recorded as the baseline, with mSBI ≥ 1 sites as the treatment sites. The MD group was a control group, and only mechanical subgingival debridement was performed. The PDT group was treated with photodynamic therapy twice, immediately after subgingival debridement and one week after. Follow-up was arranged at 6 and 12 weeks after the end of treatment to examine the changes in PD, mSBI, and mPLI at the included implant treatment sites. Results A total of 35 patients were included in this study, with 38 teeth affected by peri-implantitis and 154 treatment sites. The PDT group and MD group included 20 and 18 implants respectively, with a total of 78 treatment sites included in the PDT group, 51 sites with PD ≥ 6 mm, and 27 sites with PD<6 mm. A total of 76 treatment sites were included in the MD group, including 53 sites with PD ≥ 6 mm and 23 sites with PD<6 mm. At baseline, there was no statistically significant difference in PD, mSBI, and mPLI between the two groups. At 6 and 12 weeks after treatment, there were statistically significant differences in clinical indicators between the two groups compared to baseline (P<0.05). Among them, the mSBI in the PDT group was significantly lower than that in the MD group at 6 weeks after treatment (P<0.05). At sites with PD ≥ 6 mm, the mSBI of the PDT group was significantly lower than that of the MD group at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment (P<0.05). The number of implants in the PDT group and MD group that reached the treatment endpoint at 12 weeks follow-up was 70.00% and 55.56%, respectively, and there was no difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Photodynamic therapy assisted with mechanical debridement can effectively treat peri-implantitis and is a safe and effective auxiliary method, and has significant therapeutic effects on inflammation control and improvement of mSBI in those sites with PD ≥ 6 mm.

Objective To investigate the labial alveolar bone thickness of maxillary incisors and mesiodistal space in the maxillary adjacent central and lateral incisors based on cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) image data, and provide reference for aesthetic implantation in cases of consecutive missing maxillary incisors. Methods CBCT image data of 619 patients were selected in this study.The labial alveolar bone thickness of maxillary incisors as well as the mesiodistal space in the maxillary adjacent central and lateral incisors were measured at three millimeters apical to the cementoenamel junctio, followed by statistical analysis. Results The labial alveolar bone thickness at the maxillary central incisor and lateral incisor locations was (1.03±0.32)mm and (0.96±0.36)mm, respectively, with central incisors having greater thickness than lateral incisors. The mesiodistal space in the maxillary adjacent central and lateral incisors was (15.94±1.18)mm, with males (16.31±1.13)mm exhibiting slightly greater space than females (15.59±1.12)mm, showing no left-right positional differences. Among these, 5.01% failed to satisfy a space of 14 mm. Conclusion The majority of maxillary incisors fail to meet the ideal thickness requirements of labial alveolar bone for implantation, necessitating bone augmentation surgery. For the maxillary adjacent central and lateral incisors, approximately 5.01% of the mesiodistal spaces fail to meet the essential horizontal distance for the placement of two implants. In such situations after tooth loss, it is recommended to place only one implant in the region of the central incisor and aprosthetic restoration consisting of an implant crown on this implant connected with a cantilever at the position of the lateral incisor for long-term aesthetic results.

Objective To explore the effect of FBXW7 on ferroptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Methods Head and neck squamous cell lines HN4 and HN6 were cultured in vitro. FBXW7 and SOX2 overexpression plasmids were constructed, and the plasmids were stably transfected into cell lines. The overexpression transfection efficiency was verified at the transcription level and protein level by qRT-PCR and Western blot experiments, respectively. The lipid peroxidation levels of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells with overexpressing FBXW7 were verified by measuring malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH), and reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels. After treating cells with ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1, the changes in cell viability were further detected to verify the effect of FBXW7 on ferroptosis. The effect of transfection of the overexpressed plasmid on cellular pathways was detected by Western blot. Results HN4 and HN6 cell lines showed increased levels of lipid peroxidation after overexpression of FBXW7, and the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 was able to effectively reverse the ferroptosis induced by overexpression of FBXW7. Western blot assay results showed that overexpression of FBXW7 reduced the expression of c-Myc, SOX2 and SLC7A11. Conclusion FBXW7 regulates the expression of SOX2-SLC7A11 by degrading c-Myc, thereby effectively regulating ferroptosis in HNSCC.

Objective To compare the accuracy of maxillary dentition defect models obtained by digital impression and traditional pressure impression, analyzing the influencing factors. Methods Twenty patients with maxillary dentition defects(25 free ends and 18 non-free ends)were selected. Digital impression and traditional pressure impression were utilized to fabricate models of maxillary dentition defects. Digital impressions were obtained through intraoral scanning(TRIOS2, 3Shape). For the same patient, traditional pressure impression and perfusion plaster model were used for window scanning(SHINING 3D), and the resulting STL format digital model was exported. In Geomagic Control X software, conversion fit and best fit analyses were conducted on the two digital models using the remaining abutment as reference landmarks. The total deviation(T) between the two digital models was measured, and positional deviations of the alveolar crest in mesial(M), central(C), distal(D), and maxillary palate(P)regions of the defect area were calculated. A comparison was made between free end defect area and non-free end defect area, followed by statistical analysis using t-test. Results When the remaining abutments were utilized as reference points for conversion fitting, the total deviation between the two digital models was measured at 0.03 mm, while the positional deviations of M, C, D, P positions amounted to 0.47 mm, 0.65 mm, 1.48 mm and 0.07 mm respectively. In the best fitting, the total deviation between the two digital models was 0.03 mm, while the positional deviations of M, C, D, P, were measured to be 0.50 mm, 0.66 mm, 1.43 mm and 0.08 mm respectively. The two fitting methods exhibited no statistically significant distinction(P>0.05). The comparison results between the free end defect area and the non-free end defect area revealed that the mean deviations of C and D sites in the free end defect area were 1.07 mm and 2.38 mm, respectively, which exceeded those observed in the non-free end defect area(0.08 mm and 0.11 mm, P<0.05) with statistically significant difference. Conclusion The digital impression for maxillary dentition defect model exhibits a greater deviation compared to the traditional pressure impression model, particularly in the central and distal regions of the free end defect area.

Objective To investigate the antibacterial performance and biocompatibility of silver nanoparticles-coated root canal nickel titanium instruments(AgNPs-NiTi). Methods AgNPs-NiTi was prepared using pulse electrochemical deposition. The morphology of AgNPs-NiTi was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM), and the elemental composition and content were analyzed using X-ray diffraction(XRD)and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS). The mechanical properties of AgNPs-NiTi were tested. After Co-culturing AgNPs-NiTi with E. faecalis, the antibacterial effect was detected by colony-forming units method. By constructing an in vitro model of E. faecalis biofilm in the root canal of teeth, the antibacterial effect of AgNPs-NiTi was observed using FE-SEM and live/dead bacterial staining. In addition, AgNPs-NiTi was co-cultured with Raw 264.7 cells, and its cytotoxicity was detected by CCK-8. Results The pulse electrochemical deposition was used to construct a silver nanoparticle(AgNPs)coating on NiTi instruments with no significant change in the mechanical properties. AgNPs-NiTi significantly inhibited the proliferation of E. faecalis and damaged E. faecalis biofilm in the root canal. AgNPs-NiTi had no significant influence on the proliferation of Raw264.7 cells and had no cytotoxicity. Conclusion The mechanical properties of AgNPs-NiTi are similar to those of nickel titanium instruments. AgNPs-NiTi inhibits E. faecalis proliferation with good biocompatibility.

Objective To evaluate and compare the impact of three root canal sealers (C-Root SP, iRoot SP, and AH-Plus Jet) on the sealing performance in single-cone root canal filling using micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). Methods Ninety mandibular single-rooted extracted teeth meeting inclusion criteria were collected, prepared with Protaper Next up to X3, and randomly assigned to three experimental groups which were C-Root SP group (Group A), iRoot SP group (Group B), and AH-Plus Jet group (Group C). Subsequently, all three groups underwent single-cone root canal filling, followed by one week of oral environment simulation. The sealing performance of the three root canal sealers was evaluated by measuring the proportion of the root canal volume and its rate using Micro-CT. Results In different segments of the roots (upper 1/3, middle, and lower), identifiable bubbles were observed in the Group A, Group B and Group C, with volumes of (0.15±0.03)mm³, (0.22±0.11)mm³, and (0.34±0.28) mm³, respectively. Overall, Group A exhibited the smallest bubble volume (0.15±0.03) mm³. Group A and B were similar, they were superior to group C. (P<0.05) Nevertheless, in the apical 1/3 segment (0-3 mm), a significant statistical difference was observed between the bubble volumes of Group A (0.01±0.01)mm³ and Group C (0.12±0.08)mm³ (P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed compared to Group B. Conclusion The apical sealing performance of C-Root SP is similar to iRoot SP and superior to AH-Plus Jet. C-Root SP can be considered as a favorable choice for root canal sealer.

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is characterized by progressive cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone remodeling, chronic inflammation in the synovial tissue and osteophyte formation. Chondrocyte apoptosis is one of the main factors of cartilage degeneration. Prevention and treatment of TMJOA can be achieved by inhibiting premature or excessive chondrocyte apoptosis. Primary cilia protruding from the surface of chondrocytes can sense mechanical stimulation and induce chondrocyte differentiation. Studying the role of primary cilia in TMJOA will help us understand the pathogenesis of TMJOA and construct a reasonable and effective treatment strategy.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) stands as a chronic metabolic ailment predominantly characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, stemming from either a resistance to insulin or aberrations in insulin secretion. The ensuing persistent hyperglycemia, a direct consequence of pancreatic β-cell devastation, acts as a catalyst for a myriad of complications, inclusive of extensive neuropathies. The disease has substantial prevalence and mortality rates, underscoring the gravity of its impact on public health. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are readily obtainable, and they exhibit a profound capacity for self-renewal, multi-lineage differentiation, and vigorous proliferation. Remarkably, DPSCs can differentiate into pancreatic β-cells, subsequently participate in insulin secretion and play a pivotal role in immune modulation. This has achieved notable advancements in the therapeutic domain, particularly in the treatment of chronic diseases. Furthermore, DPSCs harbor the potential to mitigate symptoms in patients afflicted with type 1 diabetes. They navigate this therapeutic pathway through mechanisms that involve suppressing autoimmunity, modulating inflammatory responses, and counteracting oxidative stress. This article meticulously reviews the biological characteristics inherent to DPSCs and explores their multifaceted therapeutic potential in addressing DM and its associated complications. Through this endeavor, the article aims to contribute to the refinement and enhancement of DM management strategies.

In previous studies, the two-way relationship between periodontitis and diabetes has been established. Subgingival flora and salivary flora are often used to explore the relationship between the microbiome in diabetes and periodontitis. In recent years, the development of sequencing technology has provided a broader and deeper approach to exploring the impact of diabetes on oral microbiome. This review aims to summarize the effects of diabetes on subgingival flora and salivary flora in patients with periodontitis, so as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Removable partial denture is one of the most important means of treating dental defects for its high strength, low price, wide range of indications, minimal trauma and repairability. With the aging of the population becoming more and more prominent, removable partial dentures will continue to be a common restorative method in the future. The production of removable partial denture cannot be separated from the accurate impression technology, and there are many shortcomings in the process of taking impressions of traditional removable partial denture, such as the number of visits, time-consuming, complex production process, high pollution, waste, low efficiency, and the quality is not easy to control, etc. However, the emergence of digital impression provides new technical support for the taking of removable partial denture impression. Digital impression technology has the advantages of high precision, comfort, high efficiency, shortened treatment time and personalized design, which helps to improve the effect of removable partial denture restoration and patient satisfaction. As the premise and foundation of the whole digital removable partial denture restoration treatment, accuracy of the reconstruction of the oral model directly affects the final denture restoration effect. At present, digital impression technology has been widely used in the field of oral restoration. This paper will review the current status of the application of digital impression technology in removable partial denture, in order to further guide the clinical application.

The mandibular interforaminal area is usually considered a safe area for oral surgery without causing serious complications due to the absence of important nerves and blood vessels. With an increasing number of surgeries performed in the mandibular interforaminal area, there are more and more reports of surgical complications. Understanding the size and location of the anatomical structures in the mandibular interforaminal area is essential to develop surgical plans for implant, chin extraction, orthognathic, and oral cancer-related surgeries in the mandibular interforaminal area. This article reviewed the anatomy related to the mandibular interforaminal area.

Different sagittal and vertical malocclusions exhibit different characteristics in the growth, development, and final morphology of the temporomandibular joint. Different skeletal malocclusions affect the spatial and morphological characteristics of the final temporomandibular joint through different growth and development mechanisms. These mechanisms have important guiding significance for determining the etiology and guiding treatment plans of maxillofacial malocclusion in children and adolescents in clinical practice. This article summarized and analyzed morphological differences of the temporomandibular joint fossa and condyle in different sagittal and vertical malocclusions, as well as the relative position of the condyle in the fossa. It is found that there is a connection between different maxillofacial malocclusions and the characteristics of the temporomandibular joint, with the vertical direction having a more significant impact on the temporomandibular joint than the sagittal direction;the impact of vertical malocclusion on the temporomandibular joint is mainly reflected in the shape of the joint fossa and the position of the condyle in the fossa. The joint fossa of hyperdivergent malocclusion is often relatively low and flat, with the condyle located in the anterior upper position of the fossa. The joint fossa of hypodivergent is relatively narrow and deep, and the condyle is relatively backward and lower in the joint fossa. The possible mechanisms were also elaborated, providing reference for clinicians’ comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.