Objective To investigate the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) on Th17/Treg imbalance and vascular endothelial function in ApoE^-/- mice. Methods Eight-week-old ApoE^-/- mice were inoculated orally with P. gingivalis every other day and received high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The alveolar bone loss was assessed by Micro-CT and the oral microflora of mice was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing technology. HE staining and oil red O staining were used to detect plaque formation in ApoE^-/- mice. The total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels of mice were detected by biochemical detection technology. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the indicators of endothelial injury in the model aortic plaques, including vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. The relative proportions of Th17 and Treg in aortic plaque and spleen were detected by IHC, qRT-PCR and flow cytometry, including interleukin-17 (IL-17), retinoic acid related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3). Results In ApoE^-/- mice infected with P. gingivalis, the severity of alveolar bone loss was increased (P<0.01); the diversity of oral microbiota was decreased (P<0.05), and the composition of oral microbiota was changed. The proportion of atherosclerotic plaque area was increased (P<0.01), paralleled by elevated serum levels of TG, TC and LDL-C (P<0.05), alongside a significant decrease in HDL-C (P<0.01). Aortic plaques exhibited upregulated protein expression of VCAM and ICAM as well as heightened mRNA levels of ICAM, VCAM, MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P<0.05). The levels of IL-17 related protein and RORγt transcriptional activity in aortic plaque were increased (P<0.01), while the levels of Foxp3 related protein and gene were decreased (P<0.01). The ratio of Th17/Treg cells in spleen was imbalanced (P<0.05). Conclusion Periodontitis caused by the imbalance of the oral flora of ApoE^-/- mice induced by P. gingivalis can cause Th17/Treg imbalance in aortic plaque and exacerbate the endothelial dysfunction during atherosclerosis.

Objective To investigate the clinicopathological features of odontogenic myxoma (OM). Methods The clinicopath-ologic data of 15 patients with odontogenic myxoma(OM) diagnosed by routine pathology in Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2013 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Results (1)The most common cases were female(66.7%), 20-40 years old(73.3%), mandible(60.0%)and posterior dental area(93.3%). (2)The characteristic imaging findings were multilocular cystic low-density radiography, resembling honeycomb/tennis racket/soap bubble structures. (3)Microscopically, star or spindle tumor cells can be seen scattered in the background of light blue mucoid matrix, and occasionally a few odontogenic epithelial clusters. (4)In 15 odontogenic myxoma(OM) samples, ①β-catenin was not expressed in 1 case of mucous type, partially or diffusely expressed in 6 cases, not expressed in 2 cases of fibrous type, partially or diffusely expressed in 6 cases; ②CD34 and S100 were negative; ③Ki-67 index was lower than 1%. (5)Of the 15 patients, only one relapsed, and the rest had a good prognosis. (6)Surgical treatment is the main treatment plan at present, and the appropriate surgical plan should be selected according to the size of the tumor, the scope of the lesion and the situation of the patient. Conclusion Although odontogenic myxoma is a benign tumor, it is locally invasive and recurrent. It is necessary to distinguish it from low-grade malignant myxosarcoma, chondromyxoid fibroma and odontogenic fibroma. Understanding of and familiarity with its clinicopathological features is helpful to its diagnosis and improving the prognosis of patients.

Objective To comparatively analyze the friction wear performance, fracture resistance, and displacement resistance before and after aging of full crowns made from PEEK, cobalt-chromium alloy, and zirconia, providing a theoretical basis for the future application of PEEK in crown fabrication. Methods Standard anatomical full crowns of PEEK, cobalt-chromium alloy, and zirconia were fabricated by preparing the upper first premolar and taking silicone rubber impressions, resulting in 25 crowns of each material. The crowns were divided into three groups: Group A (15 crowns, 5 from each material), Group B (30 crowns, 10 from each material), and Group C (30 crowns, 10 from each material, serving as a control). Group A underwent 120 000 chewing simulations under simulated oral physiological conditions, using a stereomicroscope and Micro-image Analysis & Process system to assess and compare wear of antagonists (opposing talc ceramic balls) and material wear. Group B underwent 10 000 thermal cycling aging tests and Group C were served as the control. Universal testing machines were used to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance and displacement resistance of Groups B and C. Results ①The wear heights of full crown materials were as follows: cobalt-chromium alloy (0.61±0.05)mm, zirconia (0.81±0.07)mm, and PEEK (0.96±0.04)mm, with PEEK>zirconia>cobalt-chromium alloy (P<0.05). For antagonist wear, the wear heights were cobalt-chromium alloy>zirconia>PEEK (P<0.05). ②The fracture resistance of cobalt-chromium alloy before and after aging was (3 665.645±71.166)N and (2 906.830±225.143)N, respectively; for zirconia it was (2 447.825±316.961)N and(1 829.229±72.046)N; and for PEEK crowns it was (1 632.378±53.046)N and (1 074.872±105.491)N, showing cobalt-chromium alloy>zirconia>PEEK (P<0.05). The displacement resistance for cobalt-chromium alloy before and after aging was (1 604.630±95.680)N and (1 092.137±77.869)N; for zirconia it was (1 768.851±56.273)N and (1 381.618±62.326)N; and for PEEK crowns it was (1 148.811±70.417)N and (931.723±64.454)N, indicating zirconia>cobalt-chromium alloy>PEEK (P<0.05). The aging degradation of cobalt-chromium alloy’s fracture and displacement resistance was (758.815±157.734)N and (512.492±34.530)N, respectively; for zirconia, it was (618.597±251.281)N and (387.233±7.947)N; and for PEEK crowns, it was (557.506±61.950)N and (217.089±14.589)N, with anti-aging performance: PEEK>zirconia>cobalt-chromium alloy (P<0.05). Conclusion The wear resistance, fracture resistance, and displacement resistance of PEEK meet the clinical standards for full crown materials, and PEEK demonstrates good anti-aging performance while effectively protecting opposing teeth. Therefore, PEEK has the potential to become a novel material for full crown fabrication

Objective To investigate the mechanical effects of various height combinations of canine long-arm hooks and micro-implant anchorage on the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth in clear aligner treatment. It focuses on analyzing the stress distribution within the periodontal ligament and the movement tendencies of the anterior teeth, providing scientific evidence for optimizing orthodontic treatment strategies. Methods Three-dimensional finite element models were developed using CBCT scan data of patients and software including Mimics, Geomagic Studio, and Hypermesh. The models incorporated 16 different configurations of canine long-arm hooks(4, 6, 8, 10 mm) and micro-implant anchorage(6, 8, 10, 12 mm). Elastic traction forces of 3/16, 3.5 oz were applied to these models. Simulations assessed how these variables influenced periodontal ligament stress distribution and the movement patterns of the maxillary anterior teeth. Results Stress during anterior teeth retraction was predominantly concentrated in the cervical and apex regions of the periodontal ligament, where it interfaced with the alveolar bone, indicating significant local concentration. Increasing the height of micro-implant anchorage and traction hooks markedly reduced positional changes in both the crown and apex. Specifically, when hooks exceeded 8 mm and anchorage heights surpassed 10 mm, canine movement became more uniform, preventing extrusion and minimizing the deepening of the overbite. Additionally, combinations of high traction hooks and high micro-implant anchorage promoted more uniform tooth movement, reducing unnecessary tipping and rotation. Conclusion In the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth with clear aligners, using high-position micro-implant anchorage and high-position traction hooks significantly enhances torque control of anterior teeth and effectively prevents deepening of the overbite.

Objective To measure and analyze through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the incidence of alveolar bone fenestration and dehiscence, as well as the thickness and height of the alveolar bone in the maxillary canine region of adult patients with different sagittal skeletal patterns. Methods A total of 174 adult patients meeting the criteria were selected. In the first step, the incidence rates of fenestration and dehiscence were measured and statistically analyzed after grouping according to ANB. In the second step, the patients with bone fenestration and bone dehiscence were excluded, and the thickness of the alveolar bone at the apical, middle and cervical regions on the labial and palatal sides of the maxillary canine area and the height of the alveolar crest were measured in the remaining samples. Then, the three groups of patients were further divided into three groups according to the FMA for comparison and analysis. Results The incidence of bone fenestration and bone dehiscence in the maxillary canine area was higher in adult patients with skeletal Class Ⅱ. The thickness of the labial alveolar bone at the apical region in skeletal Class Ⅲ was greater than that in skeletal Class Ⅱ and skeletal Class Ⅰ. The thickness of the palatal alveolar bone at the middle root in skeletal Class Ⅱ: average angle > low angle > high angle. In skeletal Class Ⅲ, the thickness of the palatal alveolar bone at the cervical root: low angle > average angle > high angle. Conclusion The incidence of bone fenestration and bone dehiscence was the highest in adult patients with skeletal Class Ⅱ. The thickness of the labial alveolar bone at the apical region was greater in skeletal Class Ⅲ than in skeletal Class Ⅱ and skeletal Class Ⅰ. The thickness of the palatal alveolar bone at the middle root in skeletal Class Ⅱ high angle patients was thinner than that in the average angle and low angle groups, and the thickness of the palatal alveolar bone at the cervical region in skeletal Class Ⅲ was thinner in the high angle group than in the average angle and low angle groups.

Objective To analyze the clinical outcome of microimplant screw-assisted maxillary rapid arch expansion in patients with Class Ⅲ malocclusion. Methods A total of 58 patients with Class Ⅲ malocclusion treated at Handan Stomatological Hospital from January 2022 to April 2023 were selected as the control group, and surgically assisted rapid maxillary arch expansion treatment was used. A total of 58 patients with Class Ⅲ malocclusion treated at Handan Stomatological Hospital from June 2023 to May 2024 were selected as the observation group, and micro-implant assisted rapid maxillary arch expansion treatment was performed. After 3 months of treatment, cone beam CT was taken to compare the bone structure, soft tissue measurement results, occlusal function, arch expansion effect, and postoperative complications between the two groups of patients before and after treatment. Results The bony width and the tilt of the supported teeth of the maxillary teeth increased in both groups after treatment, compared with the preoperative period(P<0.05). The nasal width of the maxillary first molar in the observation group increased significantly, and the tilt of the supported teeth were all reduced significantly compared with the control group(P<0.05). After treatment, ANB and LI-MP of the observation group were higher than those of the control group; SNB and MP-SN were lower than those of the control group. Facial convexity angle and nasolabial angle were higher than those of the control group; chin-labial angle was lower than those of the control group, and occlusal function was higher than those of the control group(P<0.05). The postoperative complication rate of 1.72% in the observation group was lower than that of 13.79% in the control group, with a significant difference(P<0.05). Conclusion Micro-implant-assisted rapid maxillary arch expansion can achieve obvious bony expansion effect, promote the improvement of the patient’s bony structure, improve their facial morphology, and enhance their occlusal function, which can be promoted and applied.

Objective To explore the efficacy and the impact on the periodontal microenvironment of photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with subgingival glycine powder air polishing (SubGPAP) for patients with stage Ⅲ periodontitis on residual periodontal pockets. Methods Forty patients who visited the Department of Periodontology at our hospital with stage Ⅲ periodontitis were selected. After 4-6 weeks of initial treatment, the residual periodontal pockets of >4 mm depth with bleeding on probing, or ≥6 mm depth were randomly assigned in a split-mouth design, to receive subgingival scaling and root planning (SRP) (control group) or PDT+ SubGPAP + SRP (test group). Indicators including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding index (BI), plaque index (PLI), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) at baseline, 6 weeks and 3 months after treatment were measured and compared. Results The clinical indicators showed significant reductions in both groups at 6 weeks and 3 months compared with those at baseline (P<0.05). The TNF-α in test group showed no significant difference at 3 months compared with 6 weeks (P>0.05), while the other indicators in both groups showed significant reductions at 3 months compared with those at 6 weeks (P<0.05). The PD, CAL, BI, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in test group showed a significant reduction than those in the control group at 6 weeks and 3 months(P<0.05). The PLI in test group showed a significant reduction at 6 weeks (P<0.05). Conclusion PDT combined with SubGPAP assisted SRP for patients with stage Ⅲ periodontitis on residual periodontal pockets is conducive to enhancing the clinical efficacy and improving the microenvironment.

This study innovatively incorporates on-site teaching with the International Museum of Stomatology into the curriculum to establish an immersive and intuitive teaching mode, promoting education from both theoretical and practical dimensions. The teaching effect is comprehensively evaluated to explore the pathway to optimization. Multi-dimensional questionnaires are designed to collect feedback data from students on teaching satisfaction, knowledge mastery, professional identity, and humanistic literacy perception, followed by in-depth quantitative and qualitative analyses. The results demonstrate that this teaching mode significantly enhances literacy, playing a critical role in helping stomatological students fully understand professional knowledge and humanistic connotations while substantially improving their professional identity. This teaching mode gives a direction for innovative stomatological education, holds significant importance for cultivating stomatological professionals with both clinical skills and humanistic literacy, possessing substantial potential for promotion, application, and further refinement.

Pulpotomy of primary molars is a minimally invasive clinical treatment for deep caries or pulpitis in primary molars, which involves the removal of the diseased or infected coronal pulp to preserve the healthy radicular pulp. In recent years, with in-depth study on the biological characteristics of primary molar pulp and the rapid development of treatment techniques and biomaterials, pulpotomy of primary molars has been widely applied in clinical pediatric dentistry. This article reviews the indications, factors affecting success rates, and efficacy evaluation of pulpotomy for primary molars.

In recent years, the autologous platelet concentrates have increasingly been used in the field of periodontal tissue regeneration. To furnish insights that may aid in their clinical application, this article offers a comprehensive review of the evolution of autologous platelet concentrates, encompassing their properties, mechanisms, and utilization in the periodontal regeneration of both soft and hard tissues.

Sufficient keratinized mucosa is important for ensuring the long-term stability and aesthetics of dental implants. How to effectively augment the soft tissue volume at sites with insufficient keratinized mucosa width (KMW) has gradually become a hot research topic for current scholars. Apically positioned flap (APF) with free gingival graft (FGG) is recognized as the approach of choice for peri-implant keratinized mucosal augmentation, but the postoperative shrinkage and its influencing factors are not completely clear. The objective of this review is to explain the significance of keratinized mucosa to peri-implant tissue health, analyze the relevant factors affecting postoperative contraction of free gingival grafts, and finally propose a risk factor assessment table for postoperative shrinkage of FGG, with the aim of providing clinicians with a scientific and effective strategy for peri-implant soft tissue management.

Complex tumors of the maxillofacial region are difficult and risky to operate due to the complex anatomical structure and the proximity of multiple important neurovascular vessels, which is a great challenge for surgeons. Traditional single-mode imaging often requires physicians to synthesize different image features for analysis, and this kind of detached diagnosis brings great inconvenience to clinical practice. In recent years, with the increasing application of digital technology in the treatment of maxillofacial tumors, it is possible to display the tumor site, invasion range and its relationship with neurovascularity in a more three-dimensional and intuitive way, which greatly reduces the risk of surgery. In this paper, we focus on the clinical application of multimodal medical image fusion technology in complex maxillofacial tumors and its joint application with digital surgical technologies such as rapid prototyping technology, mixed reality technology, surgical navigation, surgical robotics, artificial intelligence, etc., to give an overview and outlook.

Avulsion of permanent teeth is the most severe type of tooth injury. Replantation has been widely recognized as the optimal method for managing avulsed permanent teeth in teenagers. Due to significant damage to periodontal tissue and death of periodontal membrane cells, secondary progressive root resorption often occurs after tooth replantation. Managing progressive root resorption clinically poses a major challenge following tooth replantation. It is crucial to control root resorption and prolong tooth retention time. This article reviews recent research and treatment on progressive replacement absorption and inflammatory absorption after replantation.