The evolution of dental ceramics over the past four decades has transformed restorative dentistry, offering increasingly esthetic, durable, and biocompatible options. From traditional feldspathic porcelain to modern high-translucency zirconia, each ceramic class presents distinct indications, advantages, and limitations. This article traces the development of dental ceramics, compares material properties across glass-based, polycrystalline, and resin-matrix ceramic categories, and discusses clinical selection criteria, bonding protocols, and long-term performance data.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic intraoral pain condition characterized by a persistent burning sensation in the absence of identifiable mucosal pathology. Affecting predominantly postmenopausal women, BMS presents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. This article reviews current understanding of its multifactorial etiology, evidence-based diagnostic criteria, and the pharmacological, topical, and psychological management strategies available to dental practitioners.

Tooth autotransplantation, the surgical repositioning of a tooth from one site to another within the same individual, represents one of the most biologically elegant solutions in restorative dentistry. Unlike dental implants, which rely on osseointegration of a titanium fixture, an autotransplanted

Orthognathic surgery, the surgical correction of dentofacial skeletal discrepancies, represents the definitive convergence of orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery. These procedures are indicated not merely for aesthetic enhancement but for the restoration of functional occlusion, airway p

Maxillofacial prosthetics occupies a unique intersection of art, science, and clinical medicine, dedicated to restoring form and function for patients with acquired or congenital defects of the head and neck region. These patients present some of the most challenging rehabilitation scenarios in all

Dental plaque is not a random accumulation of bacteria but a structurally and functionally organized microbial community — a biofilm — that adheres to tooth surfaces and oral epithelia. The biofilm mode of existence confers profound advantages to resident microorganisms, including enhanced resistanc

Apical microsurgery has undergone a paradigm shift over the past three decades, evolving from a blind, technique-sensitive procedure with unpredictable outcomes into a precision-driven microsurgical intervention supported by advanced imaging, illumination, and biomaterials. When conventional orthogr

Sports-related orofacial injuries represent a significant public health concern, with dental trauma being among the most common injuries in contact and collision sports. This article examines the evidence supporting custom-fabricated mouthguards as the gold standard for orofacial protection, reviews fabrication techniques, and discusses the broader role of the dental professional in sports medicine.

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) represent a heterogeneous group of conditions with an increased risk of malignant transformation to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Early detection through systematic screening and appropriate surveillance can significantly improve patient outcomes. This review covers the clinical features, diagnostic workup, and evidence-based management of the most common OPMDs encountered in dental practice.

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, affects a significant proportion of the global population and can have profound psychological and social consequences. This comprehensive review explores the multifactorial etiology of oral malodor, with emphasis on the role of volatile sulfur compounds produced by gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, and provides evidence-based diagnostic and management protocols for dental practitioners.

The aging global population presents unique challenges and opportunities in prosthodontic rehabilitation. This article examines the evidence supporting implant-retained overdentures as a transformative treatment option for edentulous elderly patients, compares various attachment systems and implant configurations, and discusses clinical considerations specific to the geriatric population including bone quality, medical comorbidities, and maintenance protocols.

Dental practitioners routinely prescribe and administer a wide range of medications, making pharmacological competence essential for safe and effective patient care. This article provides a comprehensive overview of analgesics, antibiotics, and clinically significant drug interactions relevant to everyday dental practice, with emphasis on evidence-based prescribing and the management of medically complex patients.

Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) represents a fundamental paradigm shift in how dental professionals approach clinical decision making. Rather than relying solely on tradition, anecdotal experience, or expert opinion, EBD provides a systematic framework for integrating the best available scientific ev

Xerostomia, the subjective sensation of oral dryness, and hyposalivation, the objective reduction in salivary flow, represent one of the most common yet underrecognized complaints encountered in dental practice. Affecting an estimated 20-30% of the general population and up to 40% of older adults, t

Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) has emerged as a critical adjunctive intervention in modern dentistry, bridging the gap between orthodontics, sleep medicine, and pediatric airway management. This therapeutic approach targets the neuromuscular re-education of the orofacial musculature, addressi

Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) represents a fundamental paradigm shift in how dental professionals approach clinical decision making. Rather than relying solely on tradition, anecdotal experience, or expert opinion, EBD provides a systematic framework for integrating the best available scientific ev

The contemporary dental practice operates at the intersection of healthcare delivery and small business management, requiring practitioners to master competencies far beyond clinical excellence. Success in today's competitive landscape demands sophisticated understanding of practice economics, strat

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) represents the most common congenital craniofacial anomaly, occurring in approximately 1 in 700 live births worldwide, with significant variation across ethnic groups. The condition results from failure of fusion of the facial processes during early embryogenesis, specific

The transition from metal-ceramic to all-ceramic restorations represents one of the most significant material shifts in restorative dentistry over the past three decades. Driven by aesthetic demands, concerns about metal hypersensitivity, and remarkable advances in ceramic materials and CAD/CAM tech

Tooth extraction initiates a cascade of biological events that inevitably results in alveolar ridge remodeling—a process characterized by dimensional changes in both the horizontal and vertical planes that can compromise subsequent implant placement. The clinical significance of post-extraction ridg

Infection control has always been fundamental to safe dental practice, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented scrutiny to dental infection prevention protocols. The recognition that SARS-CoV-2 transmits primarily through respiratory droplets and aerosols—and that dental procedures generate