This article provides a comprehensive review of dental sleep medicine and OAT, covering diagnostic pathways, MAD appliance design categories, clinical efficacy benchmarks, side effect management, the critical role of physician-dentist collaboration, and the emerging role of digital workflows and rem

Dental radiography generates an enormous volume of diagnostic images annually: bitewings, periapicals, panoramic radiographs, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. In the United States alone, an estimated 500 million dental radiographs are taken each year, according to a 2023 analysis by t

Additive manufacturing has moved from the margins to the core of modern dentistry, reshaping how crowns, surgical guides, dentures, aligners, and models are produced. According to a 2023 market analysis by Grand View Research, the global dental 3D printing market was valued at $3.1 billion and is pr

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also known as tic douloureux, is a chronic orofacial pain disorder characterized by recurrent, unilateral, brief, electric shock-like pain in the distribution of one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve. It is widely regarded as one of the most severe pain conditions

Tooth whitening has become one of the most sought-after elective dental procedures worldwide. With increasing emphasis on facial aesthetics, a bright, white smile is now widely perceived as a marker of health, youth, and social confidence. This article provides a comprehensive review of contemporary

The edentulous posterior maxilla presents unique challenges for implant rehabilitation due to the pneumatization of the maxillary sinus and the progressive resorption of the alveolar ridge following tooth loss. Sinus floor elevation, or sinus lift surgery, is a predictable and well-documented surgic

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive therapeutic modality that combines a photosensitizing agent, light of a specific wavelength, and molecular oxygen to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. Originally developed for oncological applications, PDT has been increasingly adopted in d

The introduction of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) has fundamentally transformed orthodontic treatment by providing skeletal anchorage that is independent of patient compliance. TADs, also known as mini-implants or miniscrews, enable tooth movements that were previously impossible or required co

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, disproportionately affecting children, elderly populations, and communities with limited access to conventional restorative care. The traditional restorative approach requires expensive equipment, cooperative patients, and m

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a second-generation platelet concentrate, has emerged as one of the most widely adopted autologous biomaterials in contemporary dentistry and oral surgery. Developed by Dr. Joseph Choukroun and colleagues in France in 2001, PRF represents a conceptual evolution from first

The transition from conventional to digital impressions represents one of the most significant technological shifts in contemporary dentistry. Intraoral scanners (IOS) have evolved from experimental prototypes in the 1980s to sophisticated clinical instruments that now rival and, in several key metr

Gingival recession, defined as the apical migration of the gingival margin beyond the cementoenamel junction with exposure of the root surface, is a prevalent condition affecting a substantial proportion of the adult population. Epidemiological studies report that approximately 50% of adults exhibit

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning by providing three-dimensional imaging that overcomes the inherent limitations of conventional periapical radiography. While two-dimensional radiographs remain the first-line imaging modality for endo

Traumatic dental injuries constitute a significant public health problem, particularly among children and adolescents, with approximately one-third of individuals experiencing a dental trauma before adulthood. The International Association of Dental Traumatology periodically updates evidence-based guidelines for the management of these injuries. This article synthesizes the current IADT recommendations, covering crown fractures, luxation injuries, root fractures, and avulsion, and discusses emergency management protocols, splinting techniques, follow-up regimens, and factors influencing long-term prognosis.

Chemomechanical debridement through irrigation is fundamental to endodontic success, eliminating microorganisms, dissolving organic tissue, and removing the smear layer from the complex root canal system. This article reviews contemporary irrigation protocols, compares the properties and efficacy of sodium hypochlorite, EDTA, chlorhexidine, and newer irrigants, and evaluates activation techniques including passive ultrasonic irrigation, sonic activation, laser-activated irrigation, and negative pressure systems.

Conventional oral examination remains the cornerstone of oral cancer screening, but adjunctive diagnostic tools have been developed to improve the detection of potentially malignant disorders and early malignancy. This article evaluates the evidence supporting toluidine blue staining, autofluorescence devices, chemiluminescence, brush biopsy, and salivary biomarkers as adjuncts to visual and tactile examination, discusses their sensitivity and specificity, and provides a practical framework for incorporating these tools into clinical practice while avoiding over-referral and unnecessary patient anxiety.

The transition from conventional elastomeric impressions to digital intraoral scanning represents one of the most significant technological shifts in restorative dentistry. This article compares the accuracy, clinical efficiency, patient acceptance, and cost-effectiveness of digital versus conventional impression techniques across various clinical applications including single crowns, fixed partial dentures, and implant-supported restorations, drawing on recent systematic reviews and clinical studies.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in dentistry has undergone substantial re-evaluation over the past two decades, driven by evolving evidence on the risk of distant site infections, growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance, and the recognition of adverse drug reactions. This article reviews current evidence-based guidelines from the American Heart Association, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and other authoritative bodies regarding prophylaxis for infective endocarditis and prosthetic joint infections, and discusses clinical decision-making in the context of immunosuppression, cardiac devices, and other special patient populations.

Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to deliver smoking cessation interventions due to the frequent and regular nature of dental visits and the visible oral consequences of tobacco use. Evidence demonstrates that even brief advice from a dental practitioner can significantly increase quit rates. This article reviews the current evidence base for smoking cessation interventions in dental settings, outlines the 5As framework, and discusses the integration of pharmacotherapy, behavioral counseling, and referral pathways into routine dental practice.

Removable partial dentures (RPDs) remain a cost-effective and widely used prosthetic solution for partially edentulous patients. Despite the increasing popularity of implant-supported restorations, RPDs continue to serve a substantial patient population. This article examines the fundamental principles of RPD design, including Kennedy classification, biomechanical considerations, and component selection, and reviews long-term clinical outcomes regarding patient satisfaction, abutment tooth survival, and the impact on oral health-related quality of life.

Dental fear and anxiety affect approximately 15 to 20 percent of the adult population, with a smaller subset meeting criteria for specific phobia. These conditions lead to avoidance of dental care, deterioration of oral health, and reduced quality of life. This article reviews the epidemiology and etiology of dental fear and anxiety, describes validated assessment tools, and provides an evidence-based framework for behavioral interventions, communication strategies, and pharmacological approaches including nitrous oxide sedation, oral sedation, and intravenous conscious sedation.