Objective To analyze three-dimensional(3D) radiographic characterizations of bone island(BI) in jaw using cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT). Methods CBCT data from four thousand patients were selected, reconstructed and analyzed using NNT 10.0 software. The sagittal, coronal and axial planes were used to analyze the 3D radiographic characteristics of BIs, including the localization, shape, density, boundary, the relationship between BIs and tooth and bone cortex, diameter and anatomical structures and complications involved. Their relationship with gender were analyzed. Results A total of 803 people had BIs, with the prevalence rate of 20.08%, including 338 males with 389 BIs and 465 females with 526 BIs. Both males and females had a dominant BI, and the ratio between male and female was 1∶1.38, but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). The BIs of both male and female mostly occurred in the mandibular premolars and molars area, and appeared irregular in shape, dense and contact with lingual bone cortex. Mostly BIs were apical type and with unclear boundary. The mean maximum diameter of mesial/distal direction was greater than buccal/lingual direction(P<0.05). The most commonly involved anatomy structure was the inferior alveolar neural canal, cortical infiltration and mental foramen. Conclusion There are no significant differences between males and females in the three-dimensional image characteristics of BIs in Chinese populations. CBCT can accurately and comprehensively analyze the 3D radiographic characteristics of BI and its relationship with the surrounding teeth and bone.

Objective To analyze the morphology of the pterygoid hamulus and its relationship with adjacent tissues on CBCT images, establish reference data of the anatomical structure of the pterygoid hamulus in the adult population, in order to provide a basis for clinical assisted diagnosis and treatment of pterygoid hamulus syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome. Methods A total of 151 patients with CBCT images who met the inclusion criteria were collected from August 2020 to December 2023 in the Department of Stomatology at the Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Jiangsu Province. The CBCT images were reconstructed using the maximum intensity projection(MIP) and volume rendering(VR) modes of cone-beam CT. The morphology, length, width, vertical height, abduction angle, mucosal thickness, distance from the pterygoid hamulus to the midline of the palate, and distance from the pterygoid hamulus to the greater palatine foramen were observed and statistically analyzed in 302 bilateral cases. The differences in the morphology of the pterygoid hamulus and its adjacent tissues were analyzed in different places, genders and age groups. Results The apex of the pterygoid hamulus faced inward on 6 sides and outward on 296 sides. The apex of the pterygoid hamulus was sharp on 46 sides and blunt on 256 sides. The pterygoid hamulus showed no statistically significant differences in various parameters between the left and right sides, except for the width. In males, the length, width, height, distance from the pterygoid hamulus to the mid-palatal suture, and mucosal thickness on the surface of the hamulus were all greater than those in females, demonstrating statistically significant differences. Females also exhibited a larger outward angle of the pterygoid hamulus than males, which was statistically significant. Moreover, with the increase of age, the length and height of the pterygoid hamulus initially increased and then decreased, exhibiting statistically significant differences. Conclusion CBCT has the advantages of low radiation dosage, convenient operation, clear imaging, stable measurement data, and clear images in the examination of pterygoid hamulus. It helps in the diagnosis and treatment of pterygoid hamulus-related diseases in a clinical setting.

Objective To explore the effect of melatonin(MT)-modified PEEK implant assisted by polydopamine(PDA) coating on osteointegration in osteoporotic rats. Methods MT was adhered to PEEK implants with PDA coating as carrier. The physicochemical properties of the materials were analyzed by SEM image, water contact angle, FTIR and protein adsorption experiment. OVX-rBMSCs were inoculated on the surface of PEEK sheet and cultured. The cytoskeleton was stained and cell adhesion morphology was observed. Cell proliferation activity was evaluated by CCK-8 assay; key enzyme activities for osteogenic differentiation were analyzed by ALP staining, and expression levels of osteoblast-related genes COL-1, Runx2, OPN, OCN, BMP-2 and ALP were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, implants were implanted into the femur of osteoporotic rats and bone volume on the implant surface was detected and quantified by Micro-CT. Results MT was successfully loaded on PEEK; the cell adhesion was better, and the proliferation activity and osteogenic differentiation ability were significantly higher than those of control group(P<0.01). In the rat osteoporosis model, there was more new bone formation around the modified PEEK implant(P<0.01). Conclusion MT-modified PEEK implants have excellent biocompatibility and improve osteointegration in an osteoporotic environment.

Objective To investigate the incidence and severity of enamel demineralization during clear aligner treatment and provide reference for clinical medical nursing work. Methods A total of 151 patients(3 507 teeth)undergoing clear aligner treatment in our hospital from 2015 to 2022 were collected. The enamel demineralization before and after treatment was compared, and the enamel demineralization index(EDI) was calculated to evaluate the severity of demineralization. The incidence and severity of enamel demineralization were analyzed statistically, and the differences among different genders, ages and dental positions were compared. Results Enamel demineralization occurred in 84 patients during treatment, with an incidence rate of 55.63%. Gender and treatment time had no effect on the incidence, and the incidence of adolescent patients was higher than that of adult patients. Among the investigated 3 507 teeth, 601 teeth had enamel demineralization, and the incidence rate was 17.14%. The incidence of maxillary anterior teeth and mandibular posterior teeth was higher; the incidence of right teeth was significantly higher than that of left teeth, and the incidence of teeth with adhesive attachments was also significantly increased. 88% of the enamel demineralization lesions were 1-2 degrees, and the degree of enamel demineralization was similar in male and female patients. But the degree in adolescents was significantly higher than that in adult patients. The average EDI value of maxillary anterior teeth was significantly higher than that of mandible, but that of maxillary posterior teeth was significantly lower than that of mandible. The average EDI value of right teeth was significantly higher than that of left. Conclusion The incidence of enamel demineralization is high in the process of clear aligner treatment, and teenagers are susceptible to it. The demineralization of teeth is significantly different among different tooth positions, and adhesive attachments will increase the risk of enamel demineralization. Therefore, medical staff should take active and effective measures in the prevention and treatment of enamel demineralization.

Objective To study the effect of temperature on microleakage of Beautifil Flow Plus F00, Filtek^TM Z350 XT, SDR, Tetric^®N-Flow and Constic, and to provide reference for clinical selection of ideal fluid resins. Methods A total of 60 adult detached premolars removed for orthodontic extraction were divided into 10 groups(n=12), which were divided into F00A group, Z350A group, SDRA group, TetricA group and ConsticA group according to whether they had undergone cold and hot cycle aging test, and F00B group, Z350B group, SDRB group, TetricB group, ConsticB group, a total of 10 groups. The occlusal surface of each isolated tooth was prepared into a type Ⅰ hole with the width of 2 mm, length of 4 mm and depth of 2 mm, which was filled with the corresponding fluid resin respectively. Methylene blue staining experiment was performed on specimens in group A, and methylene blue staining experiment was performed on specimens in group B after 5 000 times of cold and hot cycling aging experiment. The crowns of all specimens were dissected longitudinally along the long axis of the tooth body from the direction of buccal tongue(palate). The degree of microleakage in each group was observed under stereomicroscope, and the data were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results ①There was no significant difference in the degree of microleakage between the F00A group, the Z350A group, the SDRA group, the TetricA group and the ConsticA group(P>0.05). ②The degree of microleakage in the SDRB group and TetricB group was significantly higher than that in the F00B group and Z350B group(P<0.05). ③Temperature had a significant effect on the microleakage degree of Beautifil Flow Plus F00, Filtek^TM Z350 XT, SDR, Tetric^® N-Flow and Constic(P<0.05). Conclusion ①There was no significant difference in the degree of immediate microleakage of Beautifil Flow Plus F00, Filtek^TM Z350 XT, SDR, Tetric^® N-Flow, and Constic without cold and hot cycle aging experiments. ②After the cold and hot cycle aging experiments, the microleakage degree of SDR fluid resin and Tetric^® N-Flow fluid resin was high, and the edge tightness was poor. Beautifil Flow Plus F00 fluid resin and Filtek^TM Z350 XT fluid resin had a low degree of microleakage and better edge tightness. ③The micro-leakage degree of Beautifil Flow Plus F00, Filtek^TM Z350 XT, SDR, Tetric^® N-Flow and Constic was aggravated by the cold and hot cycle aging experiments.

Objective To explore the long-term clinical effect of Theracal LC on complicated crown fracture of immature permanent teeth. Methods A total of 33 teeth (13 males,15 teeth; 16 females, 18 teeth) from 29 adolescent patients with complicated crown fracture were collected. In this randomized clinical trial, all the samples were divided into two groups depending on the different pulp capping materials: the experimental group-Theracal LC(n=17) and the control group-MTA(n=16), with the same contralateral or adjacent teeth as blank control group. The treated teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 months. Results During the 4-year follow-up, clinical symptoms of all the treated teeth in both groups improved and disappeared. At 6 months, the clinical success rate of both groups was 100%. The clinical success rate was 93.7% at 12 months in the MTA group. The clinical success rates of Theracal LC group at 12 months and 24 months were 94.1% and 88.2%, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the groups in clinical efficacy(P>0.05). The samples of MTA group went black, while Theracal LC group had no discoloration. The formation rate of early-formed dentine bridge in Theracal LC group was relatively faster than that in MTA group. The dentine bridge could be seen in all samples of both groups in the long term. The dentine bridges in Theracal LC group had complex morphology, while the linear uniform was mostly seen in MTA group. Conclusion As a pulp capping agent, Theracal LC has good clinical efficacy and biosafety,and can be used as one of the substitutes for MTA.

Objective To evaluate the polishing finish of four different polishing tools. Methods Fifty specimens were selected from suitable zirconia and randomly divided into 5 groups with 10 specimens in each group. Group A was the negative control group; Group B was the EVE group; Group C was the SHOFU group; Group D was the Toboom group, and Group E was the NAIS group. All specimens were subjected to surface roughness measurements after each level of treatment. One specimen in each group was randomly selected after each level of treatment and put into the vacuum coater for surface gold spraying, and then put into the scanning electron microscope for surface morphology observation after vacuuming. Results Final Ra value: The negative group ((1.677±0.066)μm)>SHOFU group ((0.357±0.037)μm)>EVE group ((0.248±0.051)μm)>Toboom group ((0.115±0.039)μm) and NAIS group ((0.123±0.029)μm). Scanning electron microscope observation showed that the deepest and longest scratches were left on the surface of the specimen with the diamond needle, and the surface of the specimen was gradually smoothed by using the polishing kit to treat the surfacein turn. The surface of the specimens polished by NAIS group and Toboom group had the least and shallow scratches under the mirror. Conclusion Toboom and NAIS zirconia polishing tools provide the best polishing results.

Objective To conduct a cross-sectional study on sleep and periodontal conditions, and further analyze the correlation between sleep disorders and the progression of periodontitis. Methods A total of 100 patients who visited the Department of Stomatology at Nanjing First Hospital from June 2022 to October 2023 and met the inclusion criteria were selected. According to the 2018 International New Classification of Periodontitis and Implant Periodontitis, patients were divided into stages Ⅰ-Ⅳ of periodontitis. General patient information was recorded. A Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) questionnaire survey was conducted to understand the patient’s sleep status, and routine periodontal examinations were conducted to record probing depth (PD), periodontal attachment level (AL), bleeding index (BI), and blood routine tests were used to measure white blood cell count. The correlation between sleep disorders and periodontitis was statistically analyzed. Results The average PSQI score of all patients was (7.01±3.17) points, with an average PD of (3.52±0.67) mm, an average AL of (3.84±1.58) mm, and an average BI of (3.15±1.26). Among them, patients with stage Ⅳ periodontitis had the highest PSQI score. The white blood cell count of patients with stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ periodontitis was higher than that of patients with stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ (P<0.05), and the white blood cell count of patients with sleep disorders and periodontitis was higher than that of patients with periodontitis without sleep disorders (P<0.000 1). Using PSQI score as the independent variable and periodontitis stage as the dependent variable, after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, brushing frequency, and white blood cell count, regression analysis showed an OR of 1.480 2 (95% CI: 1.248 5-1.755 0). Conclusion There is a correlation between sleep disorders and periodontitis, and sleep disorders can promote the occurrence and development of periodontal tissue inflammation.

With advancements in radiology, endoscopic techniques, surgical treatments, cell biology and molecular biology, the understanding of temporomandibular disorders(TMD)has increased. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure comprising both soft and hard tissues. Within the TMJ, the temporomandibular disc is a soft tissue structure that connects the mandible to the skull, providing cushioning and stability during joint movement. Different imaging techniques have their own advantages and limitations in the diagnosis and treatment of TMD. Therefore, using image registration technology to assess the condition and position of the articular disc provides new research perspectives for evaluating TMD, which may contribute to the diagnosis and treatment. This article reviews the latest advancements in TMJ imaging, explores the applications of various image registration techniques, particularly in the context of TMD diagnosis and treatment, and discusses future prospects. Combining the research results of some scholars at home and abroad with the author’s clinical experience, the article aims to provide valuable insights for clinicians.

Exosomes are a kind of extracellular vesicles, which directly stimulate target cells through receptor-mediated interaction, or exert their biological functions by transferring various bioactive molecules to target cells, playing a key role in intercellular communication between cells and their microenvironment. From the perspective of tissue engineering, pulp regeneration refers to the combination of scaffolds, stem cells, and signaling factors implanted into a properly treated pulp cavity. Under the action of scaffolds and signaling factors, stem cells proliferate and differentiate to form pulp dentin-like complexes, restoring pulp function. In recent years, studies have found that p38MAPK, TGF-β/SMAD, Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway and some other signaling pathways are important for the secretion in regulating pulp regeneration, and play a key role in pulp regeneration. Therefore, this article reviews the mechanism and research progress of signaling pathways related to the regulation of pulp regeneration by exosomes.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound(LIPUS)was first introduced in clinic for the treatment of fracture because of its safety, effectiveness and non-trauma. Then, a large number of subsequent studies have used LIPUS as a synergistic factor in bone, cartilage, joint, cancer treatment and oral clinical research, jointly revealing the powerful synergistic effect of LIPUS. This paper summarizes the synergistic effect of LIPUS in the above research fields, in order to broaden the possible clinical application scope of LIPUS.

Oral bacteria are associated with a variety of oral diseases such as caries, periodontal disease and oral cancer. Some pathogenic bacteria also play an important role in the occurrence and development of systemic diseases. The rapid identification of bacterial pathogens helps the diagnosis and precise treatment of oral diseases. Raman spectroscopy is a simple, rapid and non-invasive novel detection technique that can provide abundant and detailed bacterial information and can rapidly identify bacteria, but the application of this technique in oral clinical settings is still relatively rare and needs further exploration. This paper summarizes the research progress of Raman spectroscopy in the identification of oral bacteria and discusses the prospects and challenges of its clinical application.

Berberine is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, which has the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ongoing investigations have identified berberine as an effective medicine for systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and neurological disorders. At the same time, there exists a close relationship between oral microbiota and these systemic diseases. This review focuses on the relationship between berberine, oral microbiota and systemic diseases, offering new insights for the treatment of systemic diseases.

The superimposition analysis of imaging data on the structure of craniomaxillofacial tissue at different time points of the same object is an important method for studying craniomaxillofacial growth and development, evaluating the efficacy of orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery. While overcoming the common shortcomings of traditional 2D imaging, 3D image superimposition provides more comprehensive craniomaxillofacial information and more accurate dental and bone data. Therefore, more and more scholars are validating and exploring the reliability and accuracy of 3D superimposition technology for clinical applications. This article reviews the 3D image data sources, superimposition methods, and clinical applications, to provide scientific research and clinical guidance for 3D image superimposition technology in orthodontics.