Journal of Oral Research

The Paradox of Speed in Contemporary Endodontics: Techological Advances and the Overlooked Role of Irrigation time

Pablo Betancourt — 2026-05-07

Effect of Periodontal Treatment plus omega-3 in subjects with Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Mariely Navarrete — 2026-05-07

Aim: To evaluate the effect of systemic omega-3 fatty acid (Ω-3) supplementation as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on the clinical and microbiological parameters of patients with periodontitis.
Material and Methods: Eighteen volunteers received NSPT combined with placebo or Ω-3 (2 g/day) for 90 days (n=10 control, n=8 intervention). Clinical parameters, including probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), O’Leary index (OI), Bleeding on Probing (BoP) and suppuration, were recorded at baseline, and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-therapy. Microbiological evaluation at baseline, 3, and 6 months assessed the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Fusobacterium nucleatum using conventional polymerase chain reaction.
Results: Fifteen patients completed the study (n=9 control, n=6 intervention). No significant differences were found in demographic, clinical, or microbiological variables between groups at baseline (p>0.05). Both groups showed clinical improvements over time; however, no significant intergroup differences were detected in PPD, CAL, PPD reduction, CAL gain, or the percentage of sites with BoP and biofilm (p>0.05). Similarly, no differences were observed in the mean or changes (Δ) of shallow (PPD 1–3 mm), intermediate (PPD 4–6 mm), or deep sites (PPD ≥7 mm) between groups at any post-NSPT evaluation. No significant intra- or intergroup differences in periodontal pathogens were observed at any post-therapy evaluation.
Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, adjunctive systemic Ω-3 did not provide additional clinical or microbiological benefits compared to NSPT alone. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are required to clarify its role in periodontal therapy.

Assessment on oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice and its association with sociodemographic factors in Jakarta population

Maria Amanda — 2026-05-07

Introduction: Oral health (OH) is vital to overall well-being, influencing essential functions such as chewing, speaking, and expressing emotions without discomfort. Despite its importance, OH problems remain a public health concern globally and in Indonesia, especially among youth. Jakarta, as the capital, reflects disparities in OH knowledge, attitude, and practices, shaped by demographic and socioeconomic factors.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 using an online questionnaire targeting Jakarta residents aged 10 years and above. A total of 614 participants were recruited through random sampling. The questionnaire, adapted from a validated tool, assessed OH knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests and Spearman’s correlation, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The majority of participants demonstrated good knowledge (98.2%) and positive attitudes (95.3%), but only 75.9% practiced adequate oral hygiene. Significant associations were found between age group and both knowledge (p< 0.001) and practice (p = 0.018). Education level and location were also linked to knowledge (p= 0.030 and p= 0.021, respectively), while gender showed no significant associations.
Conclusions: While OH knowledge and attitudes are high among Jakarta residents, gaps in practice persist, particularly among younger age groups. Targeted interventions based on age, education, and regional disparities are essential to improve oral health behaviors. This study underscores the need for continuous, demographically tailored oral health promotion efforts to reduce preventable oral diseases in Jakarta.

Relationship between dental calcification stages and cervical vertebral maturation in Mexican individuals. A cross-sectional study

María Dolores Tatiana Orozco Alvarez — 2026-05-07

Introduction: This study used panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs to evaluate the relationship between dental calcification stages and cervical vertebral maturation in Mexican individuals.
Material and Methods: In this study, 201 patients aged 6 to 17 from Queretaro, Mexico, underwent lateral cephalometric radiographs and panoramic radiographs. Two trained and calibrated orthodontists and oral radiologists used Baccetti's method to assess cervical maturation stages and Demirjian's method to evaluate dental calcification stages. The correlation between the stages was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Additionally, the chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between the stages of both methods, using the teeth with the highest correlation values (p<0.05).
Results: The strongest correlation values were observed for the second molar (r=0.706), second premolar (r=0.661), and lower canine (r=0.653) (p<0.001). Among these teeth, the lower canine displayed the strongest association. There was a significant relationship between the CS3 vertebra stage and the G stage (42.9%), as well as between the CS4 stage and the H stage (48.2%) (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Based on the sample results, the stage of bone development can be identified by examining dental calcification using the lower canine on panoramic radiographs as a reference. This knowledge can help determine the stage of cervical calcification, which can help create an effective treatment plan.

Surgical removal of mesiodens, a case series

José Eduardo Orellana-Centeno — 2026-05-07

Introduction: Dental anomalies are congenital malformations of the tissues of the tooth that can range from alterations in number, eruption, location, size and shape to structural abnormalities. Among the alterations in number we find the supernumerary tooth, defined as a tooth formed in excessive number.
Case Report: Two paediatric patients presented for consultation between June and August 2022 at the dentistry clinic of the Universidad de la Sierra Sur (UNSIS). On clinical and radiographic examination, the presence of a supernumerary tooth located in the palate between the upper central incisors (dental organ 11 and 21) was observed.
Results: The mesiodens type supernumerary teeth were extracted with a surgical technique using a surgical motor and with a favourable operative and postoperative outcome for the patient.
Conclusions: Among the supernumerary teeth, the most common is the mesiodens. Early detection, diagnosis and management is important in order to avoid abnormal development of the patient's dental occlusion and aesthetics.

Radiographic Enigma: a case report of clear cell odontogenic neoplasm in the anterior mandible diagnosed by Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Prarthana Sudeep — 2026-05-07

Introduction: Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) is a rare and aggressive odontogenic tumour, seldom involving the anterior mandible.
Case Report: This report presents an atypical case in a 38-year-old female, emphasizing the diagnostic challenges, the role of CBCT in detecting aggressive features, and the importance of considering CCOC in the differential diagnosis of anterior mandibular lesions. The patient presented with gingival swelling, and cone-beam computed tomography revealed a diffuse, irregular, expansile lesion with labial cortical perforation, thinning of the lingual cortex, and hyperdense foci. Periosteal bone formation was also noted anteriorly.
Results: These atypical features initially suggested alternative diagnoses, but histopathological evaluation confirmed CCOC.
This case reinforces the diagnostic challenges of CCOC and demonstrates the utility of radiographic evaluation for identifying aggressive features of rare mandibular tumours.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of chemo-mechanical caries removal and atraumatic restorative treatment on pain reaction among children: A systematic review and quantitative synthesis

Subhashree Mohapatra — 2026-05-07

Aim: The aim of the systematic review and quantitative synthesis was to assess and compare the efficacy of chemo-mechanical caries removal (CMCR) and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) on pain reaction among children.
Material and Methods: Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, EBSCOhost, Lilacs, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from the earliest available year till July 15, 2024. PICO Strategy: P: Children; I: Chemo-mechanical caries removal; C: Atraumatic restorative treatment; O: Pain reaction. The review comprised only randomised controlled trials and clinical studies. The risk of bias assessment and quality of evidence were assessed using the RoB-2 Tool and GRADE Tool, respectively.
Results: Five full-text publications that met the requirements for eligibility underwent additional processing for data extraction. The overall results of the review suggest that there is no difference in the effect of CMCR and ART on pain reaction among children with a 95% CI of OR: 0.12 [0.01, 1.68]; p=0.12. However, the pooled data suggested high heterogeneity (p<0.0001; I2=89%) among the studies.
Conclusions: The current review concludes that the effect of CMCR and ART on pain reaction among children is comparable. However, the certainty is low due to high heterogeneity among the included studies. Further studies with a combination of subjective and objective scales may help determine the true pain reaction and provide more conclusive evidence for pain reaction to CMCR and ART.

Effects of masseter muscle dry needling on temporomandibular myofascial pain: A scoping review

Rosario Bäumle — 2026-05-03

Purpose: Myofascial pain is a common temporomandibular disorder that negatively affects quality of life. This study aims to assess the current evidence on the clinical response of dry needling (DN) applied to the masseter muscle as a therapeutic option for managing temporomandibular myofascial pain.
Material and Methods: A systematic electronic search of the literature was performed in PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases using tailored search strategies for each database. Articles published within the last five years were included if they evaluated DN of the masseter muscle in adults with myofascial pain, compared to placebo or other interventions. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Methodological quality was evaluated with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Spanish (CASPe) checklist for randomized controlled trials. Risk of bias assessment was not performed due to heterogeneity in study designs.
Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria (four randomized clinical trials, one prospective study, one with unspecified design) involving 243 patients aged 18-65 years. Myofascial pain diagnosis was based on RDC/TMD or DC/TMD criteria. DN produced clinically meaningful reductions in pan intensity, with improvements maintained up to six months in some studies. Functional outcomes such as mouth opening and lateral movements also improved. The comparative efficacy of DN versus other treatments (botulinum toxin- A, platelet-rich plana, anesthetic nerve blocks) remains inconclusive due to variability in protocols and follow-up.
Conclusions: Dry needling of the masseter muscle shows potential as a therapeutic option for temporomandibular myofascial pain, particularly in reduction and functional improvement. However, heterogeneity across studies and lack of standardized protocols limit definitive conclusions. Further high-quality, standardized research is warranted.

Pre-surgical nasoalveolar molding for complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Scoping review

Macarena Garrido — 2026-06-17

Introduction: Cleft lip and palate is a frequent congenital malformation with a significant impact on facial function and aesthetics. Pre-surgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) emerged as an early orthopedic technique to correct them. Objectives: To describe the state of the art of nasoalveolar molding in a pre-surgical treatment of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate and its benefits.
Material and Methods: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed and Scopus, using the PICO strategy and PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies published between 2020 and 2024 that evaluated PNAM in unilateral complete clefts, in English and Spanish, excluding single cases, incomplete, bilateral clefts, and syndromic patients. The mesh and boolean terms used were "cleft lip," "cleft palate," "molding" AND "nasoalveolar."
Results: Of a total of 695 studies, 8 articles were selected that met the inclusion criteria. Benefits of PNAM in correcting cleft lip and palate were observed, including: (1) improvements in nasal symmetry, (2) reduction of the alveolar cleft, and (3) alignment of the alveolar segments, based on the principle of neonatal plasticity. This treatment facilitates primary surgery and dental alignment, although with significant variability due to the lack of standardized protocols. Additionally, PNAM reduces the psychological and financial burden on families, improving the quality of life of the patients.
Conclusions: PNAM is a useful technique in the early orthopedic management of cleft lip and palate, offering aesthetic and functional benefits in the immediate, short, and long term. However, further clinical studies are needed to support its long-term effectiveness and to promote the standardization of protocols.

Mechanical, Physical And Optical Properties Comparison Between Direct Printed And Thermoformed Aligners - A Systematic Review

Najiya VP — 2026-05-07

Background: Clear aligners are a popular choice for orthodontic treatment due to their aesthetic appeal, comfort, and the ability to be easily taken on and off, unlike fixed appliances, which cannot be removed once treatment begins. Two common fabrication methods for aligners are direct 3D printing and thermoforming. This systematic review aims to compare the mechanical, physical, and optical properties of 3D-printed aligners (DPAs) and thermoformed aligners (TFAs) to provide evidence-based insights for clinicians and researchers.
Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in electronic data-bases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, to identify studies evaluating and comparing DPAs and TFAs. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on outcomes such as load-deflection behavior, dimensional accuracy, tensile strength, force decay, thickness, and transparency. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the RoBDEMAT tool for in vitro studies and the ROBINS-I tool for in vivo studies. Data synthesis involved narrative and qualitative approaches to summarize the findings.
Results: A total of ten studies were included, comprising eight in vitro studies and two in vivo studies. The included studies exhibited moderate risk of bias due to insufficient reporting of randomization and operator blinding. DPAs demonstrated superior dimensional accuracy, thickness uniformity, and optical properties compared toTFAs. However, TFAs exhibited better force retention and consistent load. While the mechanical strength of DPAs was higher, TFAs showed greater stability in long-term force delivery.
Conclusions: DPAs provide superior precision and aesthetics, while TFAs offer better durability and sustained force retention, highlighting the need for case-specific aligner selection.

Effectiveness of magic-based (thaumaturgic) techniques in reducing dental anxiety among children across cognitive developmental stages: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Gauri Shingi — 2026-05-07

Background: Pediatric dental anxiety had remained a major barrier to care, with the need for brief non-pharmacologic strategies, especially during local anesthesia. Thaumaturgic techniques had been hypothesized to reduce procedure-proximal anxiety through attentional capture, positive affect, and expectancy modulation aligned with the cognitive developmental stages.
Material and Methods: Six databases were searched (inception to final run), reference lists and grey literature were screened, and authors were contacted for missing data. Two re-viewers independently screened, extracted data and applied Cochrane RoB 2.0. Continuous outcomes were synthesised with random-effects models using mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% Cis.
Results: Four randomized trials (k = 4; N = 690) met inclusion. Trick-specific syntheses showed that the thumb-and-light routine produced a pooled MD = −3.40 (95% CI −6.18 to −0.61; I² = 95.9%; τ² = 7.76; prediction interval −13.35 to 6.55), the magic coloring book yielded SMD = −2.65 (95% CI −4.02 to −1.29; I² = 81.5%; τ² = 0.80), and the item-prediction routine yielded SMD = −4.73 (95% CI −5.74 to −3.72). Qualitative synthesis showed stage-contingent benefits (visual salience favoured younger children; rule-/prediction-based routines favoured older cohorts), larger effects versus minimal/standard comparators than versus active audio-visual distraction, and greater impact when timed to the injection moment.
Conclusions: Thaumaturgic techniques were associated with clinically meaningful, procedure-proximal reductions in pediatric dental anxiety, with magnitude conditioned by cognitive stage, trick family, and comparator stringency.