As a critical component of oral diseases, the management of pulp and periapical diseases is undergoing a transformation toward personalized, precise, and minimally invasive therapies, driven by advancements in diagnostic and treatment technologies. These innovations have significantly improved the success rate of pulp preservation and tooth retention. The application of multimodal imaging, artificial intelligence, and molecular biology detection technologies has introduced new dimensions to the diagnosis and treatment of pulp diseases. The integration of dental microscopes with static/dynamic guided endodontics systems has enhanced root canal debridement efficiency. Breakthroughs in bioactive material development have achieved dual progress in infection control and tissue regeneration for pulp and periapical lesions. Furthermore, tissue engineering strategies combining stem cell delivery with biomimetic scaffold materials offer novel approaches for regenerating the pulp-dentin complex. This review summarizes recent technological advances to provide a scientific basis for optimizing clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To confirm whether PANoptosis is involved in the occurrence and development of non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) and identify key genetic variations and genes involved. Methods Firstly, a two-stage population was collected for genome-wide association study (GWAS) to determine the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and NSCL/P. Next, the PANoptosis gene set was selected and SNPs were extracted to conduct quality control and gene-based association analysis in the stage Ⅰ population to screen candidate SNPs, and the stage Ⅱ samples were used as validation. The functional annotation of Haploreg, RegulomeDB, and ATAC sequencing combined with linkage disequilibrium-based clumping further identified the key functional SNP and risk gene. Finally, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis, RNA sequencing, single-cell sequencing, and protein-protein interaction analysis were used to predict the regulatory effects of the locus and gene. Results rs71518324 was associated with the risk of NSCL/P (P_meta<0.001), and the surrounding region was enriched with a large number of active functional element markers. The eQTL effect of rs71518324 on PRKAR1B gene was significant (P<0.001). The expression of PRKAR1B in RNA sequencing generally increased over time. Five cell clusters were identified in single-cell RNA sequencing, with PRKAR1B mainly localized to the ectoderm. Conclusion rs71518324 in PRKAR1B, a PANoptosis related gene, is significantly associated with NSCL/P risk.

Objective To investigate the effect of miR-7975 on the malignant phenotype of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its potential mechanisms. Methods This study compared the expression levels of miR-7975 in different oral cell lines by qRT-PCR. miR-7975 mimic and miR-7975 inhibitor were transfected into OSCC cell lines HSC3 and HN4 respectively. Colony formation assay, CCK8 assay, Transwell assay, and wound healing assay were conducted to evaluate the effects of miR-7975 on the malignant phenotype of OSCC cells. Western blot was employed to analyze changes in the expression of EMT related proteins and proteins associated with the RAS/ERK signaling pathway. Subcutaneous tumor model of nude mice was used to further validate the tumorigenic effect of miR-7975 in vivo. Results The expression of miR-7975 was downregulated in OSCC cells. Overexpression of miR-7975 reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OSCC cells, whereas downregulation of miR-7975 enhanced these abilities. After miR-7975 overexpression, the expression of the EMT-related protein E-cadherin was upregulated, while N-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, Snail, and Slug were downregulated. Additionally, the expression of proteins related to the RAS/ERK signaling pathway increased. Conversely, the expression of EMT and RAS/ERK signaling pathway-related proteins showed opposite changes when miR-7975 was downregulated. Compared to the control group, the volume and weight of tumors formed in nude mice were significantly smaller after miR-7975 overexpression, while they were significantly larger when miR-7975 expression was reduced. Conclusion miR-7975 exerts its tumor-suppressive effects by inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC through the regulation of EMT and the RAS/ERK signaling pathway.

Objective To study the effect of wall thickness on the accuracy (trueness and precision) of 3D printed models. Methods The 3D scanning data of the standard gypsum dental arch model was imported into Exocad software. And four sets of models were designed, including horseshoe shaped solid model and horseshoe shaped hollow models with different wall thicknesses (2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm). On the first and seventh day after printing, the 3D scanning data of resin models were imported into Geomagic software. Deviation analysis were performed on 3D printed models for the root mean square (root mean square, RMS). Results The trueness range of the four groups of printed models on the first day was (34.63±4.17)μm to (45.26±6.50)μm, there was no statistical difference. The precision range was (30.25±10.18)μm to (47.65±14.77)μm, and the precision of the solid group was lower than the other three groups (P<0.05). The trueness range of the four groups of printing models on the 7th day was (49.00±9.11)μm to (69.25±9.70)μm. The trueness of the 2 mm wall thickness group was lower than that of the solid group and the 4 mm wall thickness group (P<0.05). Conclusion The accuracy of printing models with different wall thicknesses was within the clinical acceptance range. There was no statistically significant difference in the trueness values of the four groups of printing models on the first day. The precision value of the solid group was the lowest. On the 7th day, the trueness of the wall thickness of 2 mm group was lower than that of the solid group and the 4 mm wall thickness group.

Objective To compare the differences in stress on maxillary anterior implants and labial cortical bone under varying thicknesses of palatal bone plates through three-dimensional finite element analysis. Methods Using CBCT scan data and finite element software, a three-dimensional finite element model of maxillary central incisor implant restoration was constructed. The thickness of the palatal bone plate at the cervical region of the implant was set to 0, 0.5, 1.0 mm, respectively. The effects of different palatal bone plate thicknesses on the equivalent stress of the implant and the minimum principal stress (compressive stress) of the labial cortical bone under normal occlusal conditions were simulated. Results Under normal occlusion, when the palatal cervical bone plate thickness was 0, 0.5, 1.0 mm, the maximum equivalent stress of the implant was consistently located at the midline of the labial cervical region at the implant-abutment interface, with values of 106.8, 103.5, 99.71 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the minimum principal stress of the cortical bone appeared at the alveolar crest at the junction of the implant-abutment and labial alveolar bone, measuring 107.8, 103.2, 95.55 MPa, respectively. The results indicated that as the palatal cervical bone plate thickness decreased, both the maximum equivalent stress of the implant and the minimum principal stress of the labial cortical bone exhibited an increasing trend, though they remained below their respective yield strengths. Conclusion From a biomechanical perspective, maxillary anterior implant restoration remains feasible even when the thickness of the palatal bone plate at the cervical region of the implant is 0 mm.

Objective To explore the effects of cerium-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Ce-MBGNs) as reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanocarriers on inflammation in pulp and their potential to promote odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Methods The cytotoxicity of Ce-MBGNs was assessed by CCK-8. The expression of mRNA of osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation in DPSCs and that of inflammatory factor in RAW264.7 cells were detected by RT-qPCR. Alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red S staining were utilized to investigate their ability to promote dentin mineralization. The ability of Ce-MBGNs to scavenge ROS was evaluated by immunofluorescence and JC-1 staining was used to assess the membrane potential (MMP) of mitochondrial. Results Ce-MBGNs exhibited good biocompatibility and significantly increased the expression of osteogenic/odontogenic-related genes in DPSCs, promoting mineralization. Additionally, Ce-MBGNs effectively scavenged intracellular ROS, maintained MMP, inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory factors. Conclusion Ce-MBGNs can protect DPSCs from oxidative damage by maintaining the MMP of mitochondrial and controlling inflammation, and promote their odontoblastic differentiation, providing a theoretical basis for the development of novel therapeutic agents for oral treatment.

Objective To investigate the effects of Nel-like type 1 molecule (NELL-1) on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs). Methods SHEDs was isolated, cultured, and identified. The third generation SHEDs were used for subsequent experiments. SHEDs were divided into 4 groups, and NELL-1 was added to each group at concentrations of 0 (control group), 50, 100, and 200 ng/mL. Cell activity was measured by CCK-8 assay and crystal violet staining. The changes in osteogenic ability were detected by alkaline phosphatase activity. The expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes ALP, OCN and Runx-2 by RT-qPCR were detected. Western blot was used to detect the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins ALP, Runx-2 and Col-Ⅰ. Results SHEDs exhibited stem cell characteristics, and 50 ng/mL of NELL-1 protein had a promoting effect on SHEDs proliferation (P<0.01). Alkaline phosphatase activity assay showed that after the addition of NELL-1, the osteogenic effect of each group was better than that of the control group and 50 ng/mL of NELL-1 was the best (P<0.05). RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that 50 ng/mL of NELL-1 significantly promoted the expression of osteoblast-related genes including ALP, OCN and Runx-2 and the protein expression of ALP, Runx-2 and Col-Ⅰ (P<0.05). Conclusion NELL-1 can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of SHEDs.

Objective To investigate the changes and clinical significance of synovial fluid Asporin level in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Methods A total of 48 TMD patients who were treated in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 due to irritant pain and mouth opening limitation were randomly selected as the observation group, and 48 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. The synovial fluid Asporin levels of the two groups were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The difference of synovial fluid Asporin levels between the two groups was compared. The correlation between the synovial fluid Asporin levels and the clinical symptoms of TMD was analyzed. Results The synovial fluid Asporin level in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The synovial fluid Asporin level was positively correlated with the pain degree of TMD patients (Rs=0.825, P<0.001), negatively correlated with the degree of mouth opening (Rs=-0.945, P<0.001). Conclusion The level of Asporin in synovial fluid of TMD patients was significantly increased. The level of Asporin in synovial fluid of TMD patients is correlated with the clinical symptoms of TMD, which provides a basis for the diagnosis and evaluation of TMD.

Objective To investigate the effects of composite nanoparticles E/Ce@MCSNs loaded with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and cerium dioxide (CeO₂) on the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) and macrophage polarization under inflammatory conditions. Methods E/Ce@MCSNs were synthesized and characterized. Cell viability of SCAPs and RAW 264.7 cells treated with varying concentrations of E/Ce@MCSNs was assessed via CCK-8 assay. The antioxidant enzyme-mimetic activity of E/Ce@MCSNs was evaluated. Under simulated inflammatory conditions, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity was measured via DCFH-DA fluorescent probe. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining/activity, alizarin red staining/semi-quantitative analysis, and RT-qPCR were performed to detect odonto/osteogenic differentiation markers, including dentin sialoprotein (DSPP), ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), type Ⅰ collagen (COL-Ⅰ), and osteopontin (OPN) in SCAPs. The effects of E/Ce@MCSNs on the odontogenic/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs under this condition were evaluated. RT-qPCR were used to analyze cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, TGF-β, IL-10) and secreted TNF-α/IL-6 levels in RAW264.7 cells. The concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. Results E/Ce@MCSNs exhibited excellent biocompatibility at concentrations ≤100 μg/mL. They demonstrated potent ROS-scavenging activity (P<0.05) and significantly enhanced ALP activity (P<0.001), promoted calcium nodule formation (P<0.001), and upregulated odonto/osteogenic gene expression (DSPP, ALP, Runx-2, COL-Ⅰ, OPN) in SCAPs under inflammatory conditions (P<0.05). In RAW264.7 cells, E/Ce@MCSNs downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS) (P<0.01) and upregulated anti-inflammatory factors (TGF-β, IL-10)(P<0.001), while reducing TNF-α and IL-6 secretion (P<0.001). Conclusion E/Ce@MCSNs exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in apical periodontitis by scavenging excessive ROS, thereby promoting odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs.

The healing of the alveolar socket following tooth extraction is a complex process, which is influenced by multiple factors. After tooth extraction, the soft and hard tissues surrounding the extraction site undergo remodeling. During this process, systemic factors and local anatomical structure of the extraction site play a significant role. This review provides a detailed discussion of the alveolar socket healing process and its potential influencing factors. It aims to offer clinicians a comprehensive reference when assessing the healing potential of different extraction sites, thereby providing more informed and precise clinical decision-making.

As a commonly used material for removable partial dentures, cobalt-chromium alloy frameworks offer excellent corrosion resistance, processability and stability. However, they also have drawbacks, including a high modulus of elasticity and poor aesthetics. Titanium, known for its lighter weight and superior corrosion resistance, also has disadvantages such as insufficient ductility and higher cost. Thus, exploring materials with improved performance for removable partial dentures has been a hot topic in the field of oral restoration. In recent years, poly-ether-ether-ketone(PEEK) has attracted attention for its outstanding mechanical properties, wear resistance, and biocompatibility, and has been gradually applied in the oral medicine fields of bone defect repair, implantation, restoration, and orthodontics. This paper provides an overview of the application and research progress of PEEK in the repair of removable partial dentures, and offers a perspective on its future application prospects and development directions in this area.

Deep proximal lesions with significant defects and subgingival margins exceeding cementoenamel junction are common clinical scenarios. With the development of materials and bonding dentistry, along with the popularization of the concept of minimally invasive dentistry, deep margin elevation is becoming an option for its minimal invasion and less time-consuming. Even though deep margin elevation seems a valuable technique, clinicians have not extensively applied it limited to its technical sensitivity. Current research is mainly in vitro and lacks high-quality clinical randomized controlled trails, or even standardized clinical process. This review summarizes the concept, procedure and clinical performance of deep margin elevation.

Prefabricated myofunctional appliances are one of the recommended appliances for early orthodontic treatment or prevention of malocclusions during the growth and development stage of children. At the beginning of its invention, it was commonly used to treat Class Ⅱ, division 1 malocclusion with deep overjet in children, based on the principle of combining the effects of a functional appliance with the effects of a positioner. With the development of orthodontic treatment, the indications of prefabricated myofunctional appliances have gradually expanded. Scholars have also conducted research on children’s psychological changes, compliance, and other aspects when using this appliance. This narrative review seeks to conclude the clinical applications of prefabricated myofunctional appliances in existing literature, aiming to provide reference for clinicians when using this appliance.