A Bibliometric Evolution Of Molecular Mechanisms And Emerging Research Trends Of Therapeutic Resistance In Oral Cancer, Chu-Yen Chien, Ying-Chen Chen, Jia-Rong Wu, Hsu-Hua Chu, Yi-Jen Hung, Yi-Shing Shieh

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Drug resistance has served as a primary determinant of treatment failure and disease recurrence in oral cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the global research landscape of drug resistance mechanisms in oral cancer by integrating bibliometric mapping with bioinformatic validation.

Materials and methods: A comprehensive dataset of 1660 publications was retrieved from the Scopus database. Bibliometric analyses were performed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to evaluate publication trends, collaborative networks, and thematic evolution. To bridge research trends with biological mechanisms, 1469 genes associated with oral cancer and drug resistance were extracted from the GeneCards database and subjected to functional …

Effects Of Low-Level Er:Yag Laser Irradiation On Endothelial Angiogenic Responses In Diabetes: An In Vitro Study, Bruna Akinaga Moreira, Koji Mizutani, Natsumi Saito, Lu Chen, Shu Takemura, Keita Nakagawa, Yujin Ohsugi, Taichen Lin, Takanori Iwata, Akira Aoki

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation has been reported to promote angiogenesis-related endothelial responses and enhance periodontal tissue healing. However, its effects on angiogenesis under hyperglycemic conditions have not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate whether low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation enhances the angiogenic response under hyperglycemic conditions.

Materials and methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in control-glucose (CG, 5.5 mM) or high-glucose (HG, 25 mM) medium and subjected to low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) using an Er:YAG laser at 10 Hz and 30 mJ/pulse for 30 s under two pulse-widths. Angiogenesis-related cellular functions were evaluated by assessing cell …

Anemia, Hematinic Deficiencies, And Hyperhomocysteinemia In Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody-Positive And -Negative Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Patients, Yu-Hsueh Wu, Yi-Ping Wang, Yi-Pang Lee, Julia Yu-Fong Chang, Andy Sun, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Our previous study found the serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity in 12.8% of 430 recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients. This study assessed whether GPCA-positive RAS (GPCA⁺RAS) patients had significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis, anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than healthy control subjects or GPCA-negative RAS (GPCAˉRAS) patients.

Materials and methods: The mean corpuscular volume, blood hemoglobin (Hb), and serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels were measured and compared between any two of three groups of 55 GPCA⁺RAS patients, 375 GPCAˉRAS patients, and 430 healthy control subjects.

Results: We found …

Blood Vessels Expressing Cd31 And Endomucin Contribute To The Formation Of New Hard Tissue Via Osterix-Expressing Cells During The Healing Process Of Pulp Revascularization In Mice, Takatoshi Ikarashi, Keisuke Mitomo, Kentaro Tashiro, Mayuka Haketa, Toshihide Mizoguchi, Akira Yamaguchi, Takashi Muramatsu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Niche for osteogenesis forms near specialized blood vessels that highly express both CD31 and endomucin (Emcn). However, localization of the vessels remains unknown during wound healing process after pulp revascularization. We investigated the localization of both CD31 and Emcn-expressing vessels and osterix (Osx)-expressing cells after pulp revascularization. Materials and methods: Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice underwent pulp revascularization in the mesial root canal of the right first maxillary molar. The mice were sacrificed at 1 hour, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days post-surgery, and immunofluorescence for CD31, Emcn, and Osx was performed. Additionally, calcein labeling was used to visualize …

Adhesion Performance Of Conventional And High-Translucency Zirconia: Effects Of Airborne-Particle Abrasion And 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl Dihydrogen Phosphate Treatments, Chia-Ling Li, Li-Li Kang, Jui-Che Lin, Shu-Fen Chuang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: High-translucency zirconia exhibits different microstructure and composition, which may influence their responses to mechanical and chemical treatments, affecting resin–zirconia adhesion. This study aimed to evaluate the adhesive behaviors of conventional and high-translucency zirconia, focusing on surface modifications induced by airborne-particle abrasion (AA) and 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP).

Materials and methods: Disk-shaped specimens were fabricated from six zirconia materials: CerconBase, CerconHT, and VitaHT (3Y-TZP); VitaST (4Y-PSZ); and CerconXT and VitaXT (5Y-PSZ). Specimens were air-abraded with alumina particles at 0.25 MPa. Micromorphology and roughness were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), profilometry, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface chemical composition …

Current Orthognathic Surgery Practices In Taiwan: A Questionnaire Survey Among Board-Certified Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons, Chia-Wei Nien, Bo-Jun Chen, Ryoji Yoshida, Yoichi Ohiro, Chih-Yuan Fang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Orthognathic surgery (OgS) has substantially evolved in Taiwan; however, few comprehensive surveys have been conducted. This study investigated the contemporary clinical landscape and practice patterns of Taiwanese oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs).

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire study, consisting of 48 questions covering 5 major domains, was conducted in Taiwanese OMSs between August 22 and September 8, 2024.

Results: A total of 94 valid responses were collected. 71.28% respondents practiced in medical centers and 52.13% were located in northern Taiwan. Whereas 51.06% of active surgeons performed 1–5 cases annually, a distinct high-volume subgroup (9.0%) performed over …

Sesamin Suppresses High Glucose-Induced Cyclooxygenase-2 And Prostaglandin E2 Production Through Toll-Like Receptor 2-Dependent Oxidative Stress In Human Gingival Fibroblasts, Ya-Lun Li, Yu-Chia Hsu, Fang-Yu Fan, Yung-Li Wang, Yang-Che Wu, Sin-Yu Li, Thi Thuy Tien Vo, Yu-Chia Chang, Yin-Tzer Shih, I-Ta Lee

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Hyperglycemia contributes to periodontal inflammation through oxidative stress and inflammatory mediator production in gingival fibroblasts. Sesamin, a major lignan from sesame, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated whether sesamin attenuates high glucose (HG)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), and examined the involvement of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-dependent oxidative signaling.

Materials and methods: HGFs were exposed to HG in the presence or absence of sesamin. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity, COX-2 expression, and PGE₂ production were evaluated. …

Interaction Between Removable Partial Denture Use And Number Of Natural Teeth On Health-Related Quality Of Life In Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study, Pai-Shien Liao, Chia-Hsuan Chou, Ya-Xin Zheng, Jiiang-Huei Jeng, Wan-Chuen Liao, Ying-Fang Chen

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: The compensatory benefit of removable partial dentures (RPDs) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) depends on the number of natural teeth. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction between RPD use and number of natural teeth on HRQoL, measured by EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 410 older adults. Dental status, including the number of natural teeth and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, and RPD use were assessed. Participants were categorized into three groups (0-9, 10-19, and ≥ 20 natural teeth). HRQoL was measured using the …

Anemia, Hematinic Deficiencies, Hyperhomocysteinemia, And Serum Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody Positivity In Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Patients With Iron Deficiency, Yi-Ping Wang, Yu-Hsueh Wu, Yi-Pang Lee, Julia Yu-Fong Chang, Andy Sun, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Our previous study found that 101 of 430 recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients have iron deficiency (ID). This study assessed whether all RAS patients with ID (so-called ID/RAS patients) had iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and evaluated whether the ID/RAS patients had significantly higher frequencies of anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity than healthy control subjects.

Materials and methods: The blood hemoglobin (Hb) and serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 101 ID/RAS patients and 430 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

Results: We found that …

Universal Coverage But Unequal Access: An Area-Level Statistical And Policy Analysis Of Taiwan’S Dental Workforce, Chien-Yang Yeh, Shih-Hsien Yang, Wei-Chia Su, Hsin-Hu Chen, Wei-Chin Hsu, Su-Feng Chen

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Universal health insurance coverage does not necessarily ensure equitable access to dental care. This study examined Taiwan’s dental workforce distribution using area-level statistical analysis and interpreted the findings through an oral health equity perspective.

Materials and methods: Publicly available county/city-level data on practicing dentists in Taiwan were analyzed. Dentist density was calculated as dentists per 10,000 population. Geographic variation was assessed using descriptive statistics, z-scores, quartile classification, highest-to-lowest ratio, coefficient of variation, and population-weighted Gini coefficient. Group differences were compared by geographic classification using Welch’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Hedges’ g, and Cliff’s delta. Findings were further …

Routine Dental Scaling And Reduced Risk Of Serious Infections In Individuals With Moderate-To-Severe Cerebral Palsy: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study, Li-Wei Ou-Yang, Yu-Tung Huang, Ya-Ting Chang, Hsin-Mao Hsu, Shih-Hao Chang, Chia-Ling Wu, Tsung-Chieh Yao

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/ purpose: Individuals with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy (CP) are highly susceptible to serious infections. Oral biofilms may serve as reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms, yet the impact of professional oral healthcare on systemic infection risk in this population remains unclear. This study investigated the association between routine dental scaling and the risk of serious infections and infection-related mortality among individuals with moderate-to-severe CP.

Materials and methods: This nationwide, population-based cohort study used data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database and National Death Registry (2009–2019). Individuals with moderate-to-severe CP were categorized into a routine dental scaling group (≥1 scaling annually for …

Artificial Intelligence Assisted Multitask Framework For Dental Detection And Root Canal Filling Assessment On Periapical Radiographs, Chia-Lin Hsu, Li Wei Ou-Yang, Chih-Hao Chang, Yuan-Jin Lin, Po-Lin Huang, Kai-Syun Chiu, Heng-Chia Chen, Tsung-Yi Chen, Jia-Ching Wang, Wei-Chen Tu, Patricia Angela R. Abu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Accurate evaluation of root canal filling (RCF) quality is paramount for successful endodontic outcomes. However, conventional radiographic interpretation is often subject to subjective variability. This study developed an automated, multitask artificial intelligence (AI) framework using YOLO11 and advanced image pre-processing to identify multiple dental structures and provide quantitative assessments of RCF quality on periapical radiographs.

Materials and methods: We proposed an image enhancement pipeline, which integrate intensity normalization, white top-hat transform, and linear contrast stretching to refine dental contours for training the YOLO11 multitask model. The framework simultaneously detected primary, permanent, dental crowns, and RCFs. Quantitative metrics, including …

Optimizing Light-Curing Protocols For Clear Aligner Attachments: A Comparison Of Bulk-Fill And Conventional Resin Composites, Narudol Treethanya, Nuntinee Nanthavanich Saengfai, Choltacha Harnirattisai, Pongstorn Putongkam, Chia-Tze Kao, Peerapong Santiwong

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: The durability of clear aligner attachments is closely related to the polymerization and surface hardness of resin composites, which may be affected by extended light-curing distance during clinical procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different light-curing times at a 10 mm distance on the surface hardness and polymerization efficiency of conventional and bulk-fill resin composites.

Materials and methods: A total of 120 disk-shaped specimens (5 mm diameter, 2 mm thickness) were fabricated from six resin composites (two conventional and four bulk-fill). Specimens were light-cured for 20, 30, or 40 seconds using a low-intensity LED curing …

The Bridge To Practice: A Regulatory Analysis Of Pre-Licensure Dental Training In Taiwan, Wei-Chia Su, Hsin-Hu Chen, Ching-Yu Yen, Hsun-Yu Liu, Yuan-Der Huang, Jian-Hong Yu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Pre-licensure dental clinical training in Taiwan is commonly viewed as an educational issue, yet it is also shaped by regulation. Eligibility for the dentist licensing examination still requires graduation, completion of internship, and possession of a diploma, whereas lawful practice requires separate practice registration and a practice license. This study examined whether the current training framework is aligned with the legal status and clinical responsibility assigned to dental students.

Materials and methods: A qualitative regulatory analysis was conducted using current official legal and policy documents in Taiwan, including the Physicians Act, the Medical Care Act, staged examination rules, the …

Active Learning-Assisted Deep Learning For Automated Maxillary Sinus Segmentation In Dental Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Hsuan Chen, Khoa Dang Nguyen, Chih-Ling Chang, Hong Thi-Phuong Doan, Ya-Chu Chang, Thantrira Porntaveetus, Guang Hong, Wen-Liang Lo, Ding-Han Wang, Ming-Lun Hsu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Accurate automated segmentation of the maxillary sinus in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans is crucial for dental implant planning, sinus lift procedures, and pathological assessment, yet there remains a notable lack of publicly available models and datasets for this task. This study developed and evaluated a deep learning model for automated maxillary sinus segmentation using an active learning approach to minimize annotation effort while achieving high accuracy.

Materials and methods: We utilized 249 CBCT scans from the publicly available CTooth+ and STS-Tooth datasets. Ground truth annotations were generated through semi-automated segmentation in 3D Slicer with validation by five expert …

Do Anatomy, Physiology And Biochemistry Subject Scores Predict Future Academic Performance? A Longitudinal Analysis Of Undergraduate Dental Students Across All Professional Years., Shahid Akhtar Akhund, Hassan Shaibah

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Basic sciences subjects including anatomy, physiology and biochemistry form the foundation of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme. However, empirical evidence linking the basic science academic performance to sustained academic achievement across subsequent clinical years remains limited. This is true for low and medium sized economies like Pakistan.

Materials and methods: A retrospective, quantitative, and longitudinal cohort study was conducted.  The deidentified data from a representative dental college was used. Basic science examination scores from the 1^st professional year examination served as predictor variables. The examination scores across 14 subjects served as outcome variables. Pearson product-moment correlations …

Deer Antler Tip Cell Culture Supernatant Restores Endothelial Barrier Function And Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2/Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Nitric Oxide Signaling Impaired By Porphyromonas Gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide, Ming-Shou Hsieh, Ya-Ting Yang, Chin-Sheng Huang, Ting-Yi Renn, Chuen-Kai Wang, Chia-Chen Hsu, Wei Jen Chang, Yu-Sheng Chang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose:

Periodontal inflammation contributes to endothelial dysfunction, but effective biologically active strategies for vascular protection remain limited. This study investigated whether deer antler tip cell culture supernatant could rescue Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) induced endothelial injury and restore endothelial homeostasis.

Materials and methods:

Velvet antler tissues from the tip, shaft, and burr regions were examined histologically and used for primary cell isolation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to Pg-LPS or indirectly co-cultured with LPS-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. Deer antler tip cell culture supernatant was subsequently applied to these endothelial inflammatory models, and its protective effects were …

Heat Shock Factor 1 Promotes Cell Migration And Predicts Poor Prognosis In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Fang-Yu Wu, Hui-Hsin Ko, Wen-Ren Lin, Shih-Jung Cheng

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) regulates heat shock proteins and stress-responsive genes and has been implicated in tumor progression and poor prognosis in several malignancies. However, the clinicopathological significance and biological role of HSF1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. This study investigated HSF1 expression in OSCC tissues, its association with clinicopathological parameters and survival, and its functional role in OSCC cell migration.

Materials and methods

HSF1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in 80 OSCC specimens and 20 normal oral mucosa samples. HSF1 immunoreactivity was quantified using the labeling index (LI). Associations between HSF1 LI and …

Evaluation Of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (Rag) With Gpt-4o For Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Clinical Questions, Vinsensia Launardo, Merve Koseoglu, Lucky Susanto, Michael Kase, Amanda Colebeck, Heidi Huber, Maribeth Krzesinski, Derry Wijaya, Muhammad Ruslin, Alvin Gerard Wee, Heng-Li Huang, Lih-Jyh Fuh, Cortino Sukotjo

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Large language models (LLMs) offer promising education and clinical decision support to help address the global shortage of maxillofacial prosthodontists. To overcome the lack of source traceability in base LLMs, this study evaluated a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture for answering complex clinical questions.

Materials and methods: An expert panel consisting of five maxillofacial prosthodontists selected 15 high-complexity clinical questions. Responses were generated using base GPT-4o and a naive RAG-GPT-4o model built with domain-specific literatures. Outputs were evaluated across five parameters using a 5-point Likert scale and analyzed via Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: No statistically significant differences …

Runt-Related Transcription Factor 2 Transcriptionally Represses Sirtuin 1 To Regulate Osteoclastogenesis And Tooth Eruption, Jie Li, Changqing Yan, Xinyi Sun, Chenying Zhang, Xiaozhe Wang, Yang Liu, Shuguo Zheng

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), caused by Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) haploinsufficiency, features delayed tooth eruption. Although impaired osteoclastogenesis contributes to eruption failure, the direct molecular mechanisms linking RUNX2 deficiency to osteoclast dysfunction remain elusive. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a critical regulator of osteoclastogenesis; however, whether it serves as a downstream effector of RUNX2 remains unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanistic link between RUNX2 and SIRT1 in regulating osteoclast differentiation and tooth eruption.

Materials and methods: Tooth eruption and osteoclast differentiation were assessed by micro-computed tomography and histological analysis in Runx2^+/- mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain …

Prediction Of Adequate Alveolar Ridge Contours For Dental Implant Placement Using An Artificial Intelligence-Based Algorithm, Hao-Chieh Chang, Shan-Pin Pan, Cheng-Liang Wu, Wei-Chan Hsu, Yi-Chun Weng, Po-Chun Chang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Accurate prediction of ridge contour following ridge augmentation is an integral part of planning dental implant therapy. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithm to predict adequate alveolar ridge contours for accommodating implants based on preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images using a deep learning (DL) approach.

Materials and methods: A total of 96 mandibular CBCT images with minor and major defects were used, virtual implants with adequate ridge contours were added, and a U-Net 2.5D model was used for DL training.

Results: The results revealed that the predicted ridge contours achieved Dice Similarity Coefficients of …

Biological Performance Enhancement Of Ni-Free Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass For Dental Implants Via Nitrogen Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation, Hsun-Miao Huang, Ying-Sui Sun, Ya-Lin Huang, Kai-Yi Lin, Thantrira Porntaveetus, Thanaphum Osathanon, Wei-Cheng Chen, Her-Hsiung Huang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Improving the biocompatibility of bulk metallic glass (BMG) alloys is critical for expanding their applications in biomedical fields, particularly in dental implants. This study systematically investigated the suitability of nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (NPIII)-treated Zr-based BMG alloy for next-generation dental implant applications, focusing on protein adsorption, platelet responses, and cell behavior.

Materials and methods: NPIII was employed as a surface modification approach to enhance the biological performance of a Ni-free Zr₆₂.₅Cu₂₂.₅Fe₅Al₁₀ BMG alloy. The effects of NPIII treatment on surface characteristics, including crystallinity, chemical composition, layer thickness, roughness, and hydrophilicity, were comprehensively analyzed. Protein adsorption …

Prognostic Impact Of The Preoperative Naples Prognostic Score On Overall And Progression-Free Survival In Surgically Treated Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study From A Taiwanese Medical Center, Pei-Lun Hsueh, Yu-Hsuan Li, Cheng-Yu Yang, Gu-Jiun Lin, Yuan-Wu Chen, Wei-Chin Chang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Systemic inflammation and nutritional status are key determinants of cancer progression and survival. The Naples prognostic score (NPS), integrating nutritional and inflammatory biomarkers, has shown prognostic value in cancers, however its significance in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. This study evaluated the prognostic value of NPS in patients with OSCC undergoing curative surgery. Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study included 334 patients with OSCC who underwent surgery at a Taiwanese medical center between 2002 and 2015. Preoperative serum albumin, total cholesterol, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio were used to calculate NPS. Patients were categorized …

Correlation Between Preoperative Mandibular Restriction And Functional Outcomes After Arthroscopic Discopexy For Temporomandibular Joint Internal Derangement, Yen-Hung Lin Arthur, Chih-Hua Yeh, Ying-An Chen, Hui-Hsin Ko

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Arthroscopic discopexy is an established treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement, yet its functional benefit in patients with restricted mouth opening remains unclear. This study evaluate whether arthroscopic discopexy improves mouth opening and pain in patients with restricted mandibular mobility (maximum mouth opening [MMO] < 35 mm).

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 46 patients (58 joints) with preoperative MMO < 35 mm who underwent TMJ arthroscopic discopexy between January 2023 and December 2024. MMO, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, and MRI-confirmed disc repositioning success were compared preo- and postoperatively using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. MMO improvement was analyzed by severity band with multiple linear regression to assess confounders and sensitivity analysis excluding bilateral cases.

Results: MMO increased from 28.7 ± 4.1 mm to 34.2 ± 3.9 mm (P < 0.001), with a mean improvement of +5.5 mm (95% CI: +4.2 to +6.8). VAS decreased from 3.81 ± 2.93 to 0.18 ± 0.89 (P < 0.001). A dose–response relationship was observed: patients with MMO 20–24 mm gained +11.0 mm, those with 25–29 mm gained +7.5 mm, and those with 30–34 mm gained +2.7 mm. Preoperative MMO remained the only significant predictor after adjusting for confounders (B = −0.812, P < 0.001). Disc repositioning was achieved in 75.9% of joints; 55.2% achieved postoperative MMO ≥ 35 mm.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic discopexy produces significant clinically improvements in mouth opening and pain in patients with restricted mandibular mobility, with the greatest benefit in …

Effects Of 850-Nm Light-Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation On Pain Intensity And Dentin Sialoprotein Levels During Canine Distalization: A Randomized Controlled Trial., Thanh Thuy-Nhat Cao, Anh Ho-Quynh Nguyen, Hung Trong Hoang, Tham Dong Khac, Phuc Hoai Le, Tu Trinh Hk, Kieu-Minh Le, Diem Truong

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose

Light-emitting diode-based photobiomodulation (LED PBM) potentially reduces pain and root resorption risk in orthodontics. This study evaluated 850-nm LED PBM effects on pain and dentin sialoprotein (DSP) levels during canine distalization.

Materials and methods

This single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial included 16 orthodontic patients (8 per group). Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an active LED group or a sham control group. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 0, 24, and 48 hours following canine distalization at four consecutive monthly visits (T₁-T₄) and expressed as the …

Significantly Higher Frequencies Of Anemia, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, And Hyperhomocysteinemia In Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Patients With Macrocytosis, Yu-Hsueh Wu, Yi-Ping Wang, Yi-Pang Lee, Julia Yu-Fong Chang, Andy Sun, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Macrocytosis is defined as having the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) ≥ 100 fL. This study evaluated whether 14 recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients with macrocytosis (macrocytosis/RAS patients) had significantly higher frequencies of anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity than 430 healthy control subjects or 430 RAS patients.

Materials and methods: Complete blood count, serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 14 macrocytosis/RAS patients, 430 RAS patients, and 430 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

Results: We found that 92.9%, 14.3%, 85.7%, 0.0%, 85.7%, and 35.7% of 14 macrocytosis/RAS …

The Association Between Dental Prophylaxis And Diabetes Outcomes: A 15-Year Cohort Study, Hsueh-Fen Chen, Shih-Feng Weng, Ju-Hui Wu, Mei-Yueh Lee, Hui-Min Hsieh, Yu-Ting Huang, Yi-Cai Liu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Periodontal disease and diabetes share inflammatory pathways. Dental prophylaxis (DP) is effective in preventing periodontal inflammation; however, its association with diabetes outcomes remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the association between DP intensity and mortality and diabetes-related complications among adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (2005–2022). Adults aged 18–70 years with incident type 2 diabetes in 2007 were identified, with 2005-2006 as the washout period. Participants were followed from 2008 until death or December 31, 2022. Annual DP intensity …

Changes Of Rna Expression In Aging Periodontal Ligament Cells, Su Kang Kim, Ju Ri Ye, Gyutae Kim, Ju Yeon Ban, Sang Wook Kang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Aging is a major risk factor for periodontal disease and is associated with impaired tissue homeostasis and regenerative capacity. The periodontal ligament (PDL) plays a central role in periodontal integrity; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying PDL cell aging remain incompletely understood.

Materials and methods: In this study, we established an in vitro passage-dependent cellular aging model using human periodontal ligament fibroblasts serially passaged from early to late stages. Transcriptomic changes associated with aging were analyzed using RNA sequencing, followed by principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering, pathway enrichment, and protein–protein interaction network analyses.

Results: Global transcriptomic profiling revealed that PDL …

Formulation Modification Of Silver Diamine Fluoride To Improve Clinical Handling And Dentin Tubule Occlusion, Liangyu Chang, Yutzu Wu, Powen Lu, Iwen Chen, Weifang Lee, Chunche Lin, Renjei Chung, Poonam Negi, Naichia Teng, Jenchang Yang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is clinically effective for treating dentinal hypersensitivity and arresting caries, but its poor clinical handling due to low viscosity remain concerns. This study aimed to enhance the rheological properties of SDF by incorporating sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to improve its clinical manageability. Materials and methods: A 39.34 wt% SDF solution (TMU-SDF) was prepared via wet processing. Its matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition was evaluated using a fluorogenic MMP-1 assay, and antibacterial activity was tested via an inhibition zone assay. Biocompatibility was assessed using a modified cytotoxicity-agar diffusion test and a skin sensitization test. Rheological properties, including flow …

An Artificial Intelligence Assisted Framework For Automated Quantified Root Canal Curvature Measurement On Periapical Radiographs, Ming-Yi Chen, Shih-Lun Chen, Yu-Jen Chang, Yuan-Jin Lin, Chiung-An Chen, Tsung-Yi Chen, Kuo-Chen Li, Wei-Chen Tu, Patricia Angela R. Abu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Root canal curvature is a complex anatomical variation that complicates endodontic treatments. Traditionally, dentists rely on two-dimensional periapical radiographs (PA) and manual methods to estimate curvature angles. However, this conventional approach is highly time-consuming and subjective, often leading to inconsistent measurements.

Materials and methods: This study aims to develop a fully automated, objective framework for precise angular measurement and severity grading of root canal curvature. The YOLO26n-seg model was employed to segment roots and classify single- or multi-rooted teeth from PA. Furthermore, we proposed an image processing algorithm that standardized orientation, extracted centerlines, and applied three-point circle fitting …