Juvenile idiopathic condylar resorption (JICR) is a rare temporomandibular joint problem characterized by the progressive resorption of condylar tissues, leading to mandibular ramus height reduction, mandibular retrognathia, and anterior open bite. Emerging evidence from recent animal studies in the laboratory indicated that different from conventional pathological resorption observed in developed condyles, JICR could be condylar cartilage degradation associated with pathological remodeling at growth and developmental stage initiated by aberrant occlusion. At present, however, there is an argument which is evidenced with publications in the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment of JICR. The etiology and pathogenesis of JICR remain obscure. Traumatic loading, including that from aberrant occlusion, plays a role in JICR. The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of JICR are challenging. They mostly rely on imaging signs of the condyle deformity, which are not significant at early stages. Making a definite diagnosis of JICR at the early stage is difficult. Retrognathia related maxillofacial deformity is often taken as an early sign of JICR. Many researchers opposed the application of orthodontic and orthognathic treatment during the active phase of JICR because of risks of exacerbating condylar resorption. However, given that traumatic occlusion is etiological to JICR, delayed intervention may compromise conservative management efficacy and progression of the condylar and orofacial deformities. Here, the author advocates for the prompt diagnosis and correction of underlying traumatic occlusion to prevent deformity progression. Effective diagnosis and management of malocclusion constitute the cornerstone for addressing this clinical conundrum.

With the rapid increase in global aging population, oral health challenges among older adults require attention. As an emerging geriatric syndrome, oral frailty (OF) exhibits significant bidirectional associations with systemic health, severely influencing the functional status and quality of life among the elderly. This article presents a comprehensive review of the concept of OF, its epidemiological status, standardized assessment tools, and multidisciplinary intervention strategies. It outlines future research directions to offer comprehensive insights for clinical practice and scientific studies.

Natural tooth-related maxillary sinus floor elevation has emerged as an effective approach for maintaining natural teeth after the adequate control of endodontic infection and resolution of periapical disease. The procedure is performed within the anatomical context of the maxillary tooth-bone-sinus complex, and its success is largely determined by careful consideration of multiple local anatomical and biological factors. This article addresses tooth-related factors (such as root length and spatial position), alveolar bone conditions (including residual bone height and proximity to the greater palatine neurovascular bundle), and maxillary sinus ana-tomy (including sinus floor configuration and Schneiderian membrane thickness), in addition to the positional relationship between tooth roots and the maxillary sinus. By systematically evaluating these site-specific risk factors, this article aims to inform preoperative assessment and treatment planning and enhance surgical safety, cli-nical predictability, and long-term treatment outcomes.

Objective　Hyperglycemia-associated inflammatory senescence in macrophages is a key factor in inducing macrophage dysfunction and periodontal tissue damage. This study aims to explore the regulatory effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on this process. Methods　Bone marrow-derived macrophages (iBMDMs) cultured in a glucose-shift medium were subjected to laser treatments for evaluation in terms of phagocytosis, migration, and inflammatory senescence levels. Meanwhile, a diabetic mouse model was constructed to compare the effects of insulin monotherapy, LLLT monotherapy, and insulin-combined LLLT on the morphology and inflammatory senescence phenotype of periodontal tissues. Results　LLLT enhanced cell migration and phagocytosis in iBMDMs, as well as reduced the expression of inflammatory senescence markers. In the in vivo experiments, LLLT combined with insulin treatment alleviated diabetes-induced gingival mucosal epithelial thickening, disordered stratification, shortened epithelial rete pegs, and alveolar bone resorption. Meanwhile, it reduced the inflammatory senescence burden. Conclusion　LLLT effectively reverses hyperglycemia-associated sustained damage to macrophages and periodontal tissues. Thus, it shows strong potential as an effective adjuvant therapy for maintaining oral health in diabetic patients.

Objective　To screen differentially expressed genes in metastatic and non-metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues using bioinformatics technology analysis, and to predict potential key genes. Methods　Related data from 19 cases of metastatic HNSCC and 48 cases of non-metastatic HNSCC with clear information were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. The upregulated and downregulated differentially expressed genes in metastatic and non-metastatic HNSCC tissues were screened using bioinformatics technology analysis. Subsequent analysis included cluster analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, and gene onto-logy analysis. Results indicate that β-1,4-N-acetyl-galactosaminyltransferase (B4GALNT4) was selected as a key gene due to its smallest “adjusted P value.” This gene was verified at the cellular level using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot. Results　Compared with non-metastatic HNSCC tissues, 76 genes were significantly downregulated and 99 genes were significantly upregulated in the metastatic HNSCC tissues. Among which, the B4GALNT4 gene expression was found to be the most significantly upregulated. Cellular-level experiments revealed that, compared to UM-2 cells with weak metastasis capability, the mRNA and protein expression levels of B4GALNT4 in UM-1 cells with strong metastasis capability were significantly higher (P<0.05). In addition, the level of protein O-glycosylation in UM-1 cells was also significantly increased in UM-1 cells compared to UM-2 cells (P<0.05). Conclusion　B4GALNT4 is upregulated in metastatic HNSCC tissues and cells, and its expression is positively correlated with the level of protein glycosylation. Therefore, B4GALNT4 is a potentially new target for the prevention and treatment of tumor metastasis.

Objective　This study aims to investigate the effect of yttria doping content on the microstructural changes and optical properties of zirconia. Methods　Zirconia materials from the same brand, with yttria additions of 3 mol% (3Y), 4 mol% (4Y), and 5 mol% (5Y), were employed. Presintered discs were prepared, and sample specifications were designed, cut, and densified accordingly. For microstructural characterization, ceramic samples were sintered into circular discs with a diameter of 9 mm and a thickness of 2 mm. For optical performance characterization, ceramic samples were sintered into square plates measuring 6 mm× 8 mm, with thicknesses ranging from 0.5-1.0 mm in equal intervals. A total of 6 groups (n=5) were prepared. Surface morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy, and the crystal phase proportion was refined via X-ray diffraction. The refractive index was measured with an ellipsometer, and transmittance and the contrast ratio (CR) were evaluated using a spectrophotometer. Results　Increasing the yttria doping level resulted in enlarged crystal diameters. Among the groups, 4Y exhibited the largest tetragonal phase proportion (59.49%), and 5Y had the smallest (19.46%). The refractive index decreased with increased yttria doping. Transmittance was substantially influenced by wavelength and material thickness, with long wavelengths (705 nm) achieving the highest transmittance and short wavelengths (435 nm) having the lowest for all materials. The transmittance values of the 3Y and 4Y groups were below 1%. The transmittance of the 5Y group exceeded 10% at long wavelengths (705 nm) and was below 1% at short wavelengths (435 nm). The CR values were minimally affected by thickness. The 3Y and 4Y groups had average CR values of 0.8±0.1, and statistical differences were observed only between select groups. The 5Y group had an average CR value of 0.4±0.2, which was statistically significantly different from those of the other groups. Conclusion　Low yttria doping levels promoted the growth of tetragonal-phase crystals, and high yttria levels significantly enhanced the formation of cubic-phase crystals. A doping level of 5 mol% yttria is necessary to effectively improve the translucency of zirconia.

Objective　This study aimed to investigate the potential causal relationship between specific mitochondrial functions and oral lichen planus (OLP) via Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. To explore the effect of mitochondrial dysfunction on OLP, provi-ding new insights into its pathogenesis and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Methods　Genetic variants related to mitochondrial function were obtained from the integrative epidemiology unit open GWAS project （IEU） database, and OLP summary-level data (587 cases and 411 594 controls) were retrieved from the FINNGEN database. A total of 69 mitochondrial-related genetic variants were selected for analysis. MR analysis was performed using R software (version 4.3.2), applying the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, MR Egger regression, and the weighted median approach to estimate the causal effects of mitochondrial variants on OLP. Instrumental variables were selected with a significance threshold of P<5e-5. To eliminate linkage disequilibrium, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 1 000 kb and with r²>0.001 were excluded. Heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were also assessed. Results　MR analysis identified significant associations between specific mitochondrial functions and OLP. Odds ratios (OR) less than 1 suggested a protective effect on OLP. Glutaredoxin-2 (Grx2) (IVW, OR: 0.768, P=0.036) and mitochondrial peptide methionine sulfo-xide reductase (MPMSR) (IVW, OR: 0.680, P=0.044) had ORs less than 1. Conversely, malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MCD) (IVW, OR: 1.591, P=0.022), 39S ribosomal protein L34 (MRPL34) (IVW, OR: 1.826, P=0.034), and ribosome-recycling factor (RRF) (IVW, OR: 1.498, P=0.004 9) exhibited OR greater than 1, indicating that they were risk factors for OLP. Further reverse validation showed that MCD was significantly associated with OLP (IVW, OR: 1.134, P=0.045), suggesting that OLP was a risk factor for this mitochondrial function. Conclusion　This MR study identified a causal relationship between specific mitochondrial functions and OLP. Mitochondrial proteins involved in redox homeostasis, such as Grx2 and MPMSR, appear to have a protective effect, whereas dysregulation of mitochondrial metabolic and translational functions, including MCD, MRPL34, and RRF, may contribute to increased disease risk. The bidirectional association between MCD and OLP further highlights the complexity of mitochondrial involvement in OLP pathogenesis. These findings provide novel insights into potential causal pathways and therapeutic targets for OLP.

Objective　This study aimed to investigate adult tooth loss and its influencing factors in Huishui County, Qiannan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, where Buyi and Miao ethnic groups gather, identify risk factors, and carry out early prevention and treatment of tooth loss to reduce the risk of disease. Methods　A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to select 4 216 adults in the Huishui area where the Buyi and Miao ethnic groups gather. Their oral missing teeth were examined, and a questionnaire survey was conducted. Statistical analysis was conducted on the survey results using single-factor, multi-factor Tamhane’s T2, and multi-factor Logistic regression analysis. Results　A total of 4 216 people were surveyed, including 1 594 males and 2 622 females, with an age range of 18-93 years and an average age of 50.5 years. A total of 7 214 teeth were missing, with a missing tooth ratio of 31.45% and an average of 1.7 missing teeth per person. The denture restoration rate for missing teeth is 32%. Single-factor analysis showed that age, ethnic group, educational background, occupation, family monthly income, smoking, length and frequency of tooth brushing, drinking, length and frequency of exercise, watching electronic products, acid, numbness, spicy and light diet, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease had an impact on tooth loss. Multi-factor analysis showed that residents of the Miao ethnic group, those with high school or university education, and those with a monthly income of over 8 000 yuan are negatively correlated with tooth loss; being over 80 years old, farming, smoking for more than 40 cigarettes per day, smoking for more than 20 years, ne-ver brushing teeth, brushing for less than 1 min each time, drinking every day, watching electronic products for less than 2 h per day, never participating in exercise, doing outdoor exercise for more than 4 h per day, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are factors for having more serious tooth loss. Multi-factor Logistic regression analysis showed that age, occupation, highest educational level, monthly family income, brushing time, alcohol consumption, exercise time, weekly exercise frequency, daily viewing time for electronic products acidity, lightness, and hypertension are important influen-cing factors for tooth loss. Conclusion　Residents in Huishui County, Guizhou Province, have a high incidence of tooth loss and a generally low rate of denture restoration. Efforts should be made to address the important influencing factors of tooth loss and increase the control of tooth loss diseases in this area.

Objective　To summarize postoperative morbidity in children with severe early childhood caries following dental treatment under general anesthesia and to provide a reference for doctor–patient communication and postoperative care. Methods　This study retrospectively collected data from patients diagnosed with severe early childhood caries, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA) Ⅰ, who underwent dental treatment under general anesthesia due to lack of cooperation. Patients were followed up by telephone 24 hours after the procedure and received clinical examination one week later. Results　A total of 40 children aged three to five years were included, with an ave-rage number of 12.5 treated teeth and an average surgical time of 186 minutes. In the 24-hour follow-up by telephone, 23 children (57.5%) reported postoperative morbidity, with 12 children (30%) experiencing fever symptoms and 17 children (42.5%) reporting dental pain. At the one-week follow-up, 95% of the children had no symptoms, whereas only two children experienced gum ulcers and discomfort on occlusion. Conclusion　Postoperative morbidity follo-wing dental procedures under general anesthesia typically resolves within a few days and has minimal effect on the child’s postoperative quality of life. Moreover, postoperative follow-up remains essential.

Enamel pearls (EPs) are the most common ectopic enamel. The etiology of EPs remains obscure. Clinically, EPs are mainly detected through radiographic examinations or when they elicit associated clinical symptoms. A hemidesmosomal junction exists between EP and periodontal tissue, which weakens the ability of periodontium to defend against infection. Furthermore, the presence of EPs facilitates plaque retention by shielding plaque from salivary enzymes and routine oral hygiene measures, which leads to endodontic and periodontal diseases. Therefore, early diagnosis, assessment, and management of EPs are of clinical importance. This article reviews the literature on EPs; it encompasses their nomenclature, prevalence, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, classification, morphological and distribution characteristics, physicochemical properties, histological features, histogenesis and pathogenesis, clinical implications, and management strategies, to provide a reference for their clinical diagnosis and management and further investigation.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by plaque microbial infection. Initial therapy can remove dental plaque and calculus in periodontal pocket, and antibiotics can be used as adjuvant therapy to remove deep microorganisms. Simvastatin is a commonly used hypolipidemic drug with the effects of anti-inflammation, antibacterial, and bone formation promotion, providing a new possibility for periodontitis treatment. However, simvastatin has low water solubility, fast metabolism, and poor bone affinity, making it difficult to achieve effective concentration in periodontal tissue. Prodrug delivery has emerged as an effective strategy to improve its physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Simvastatin-based prodrugs have demonstrated remarkably enhanced therapeutic efficacy against periodontitis. This study reviews the literature related to simvastatin prodrug local drug delivery system at home and abroad. We analyzed the reasons for the low bioavailability of simvastatin and expound its possible mechanism in periodontitis treatment, focusing on innovative strategies in prodrug design to enhance periodontal tissue targeting and improve drug release behavior. This work aimed to provide a reference for the construction and application of simvastatin prodrug delivery systems.

Lactic acid, a product of anaerobic glycolysis, has long been considered a metabolic waste product. How-ever, recent advancements in lactic acid research have established its crucial roles in signal transduction, metabolic regulation, immune modulation, and energy metabolism. Protein lactylation, a novel post-translational modification mediated by lactic acid, can directly modify protein chemical structure and function, enhance gene transcription, mo-dulate cell phenotypes, and contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases. Oral squamous cell carcinoma, a highly prevalent malignant tumor in the head and neck region, generates substantial amounts of lactic acid via the glycolytic pathway to fuel tumor cells and supply biosynthetic precursors. Furthermore, lactic acid affects tumorigenesis and progression by mediating epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. This review summarizes recent research progress on the roles of lactic acid and protein lactylation in the development and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. It not only reveals how lactate and lactylation influence tumorigenesis but also highlights that targeting lactate metabolism and its modification processes may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Thus, this work offers a novel perspective and theoretical basis for metabolic interventions combined with epigenetic therapy.

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels are prominent biomaterials extensively studied for their applications in bone tissue engineering and skin defect repair. Their 3D architecture facilitates cell growth and differentiation, and they feature excellent biocompatibility. In recent years, the utilization of GelMA hydrogels and their composites in neural tissue repair has attracted increasing attention. However, a comprehensive review that synthesizes the current research landscape in this area is notably absent. Therefore, this paper aimed to elucidate recent advancements in GelMA composite hydrogels for neural tissue repair, providing novel insights and perspectives on neural tissue regeneration.

Despite the global decline in the incidence of viral hepatitis due to improved public health conditions, over one-fifth of the population in China continues to suffer from chronic liver diseases (CLDs), including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In selecting appropriate oral implant treatments for these patients, the effects of the primary disease and its complications on implant osseointegration and the influence of relevant therapeutic medications on bone metabolism must be considered. This work aims to explore these factors and review the implant treatment process, success and survival rates, and perioperative preparations for patients with CLDs to provide valuable clinical insights for oral implant practitioners.

Implantation of titanium implants into the organism induces an immune-inflammatory response from the host. The course of this procedure affects the repair and regeneration of bone tissues. Macrophage-centered bone immunomodulation has received considerable attention in recent years. The surface morphology of bionic porous titanium implants can modulate the biological behavior of macrophages in their surrounding immune microenvironment, which promotes angiogenesis and accelerates bone remodeling. This study describes the role of macrophages in the immune response after implantation of porous titanium bionic implants and the capability of macrophages to modulate bone immunity after surface treatment. Specifically, the effect of the design of porous bionic surface structures on the biological beha-vior of macrophages is investigated. In-depth understanding of titanium implant-organism interface interactions provides new ideas for clinical bionic design and preparation of porous titanium implants with immunomodulatory functions.

Maxillary protraction facial mask (PFM) is a commonly employed technique for the early treatment of ma-xillary deficiency. Alternate rapid maxillary expansion and contraction (Alt-RAMEC) can effectively open and activate maxillary sutures. The potential synergistic effects of Alt-RAMEC on enhancing maxillary protraction have attracted considerable attention among clinicians. This study reviews the biological and biomechanical bases, device application, clinical effects, and potential risks of maxillary PFM combined with Alt-RAMEC for the treatment of skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion. This study offers valuable insights for the clinical implementation of this integrated technique.

Objective　Oral and maxillofacial surgery demands extensive knowledge and high professional requirements, presenting challenges to dental students in their learning process. Hence, teaching methods that enhance lear-ning outcomes should be continuously optimized. This study aims to explore the application value of integrating the Superstar Learning Pass platform and the flipped classroom model into training programs for oral and maxillofacial surgery. Methods　By integrating the teaching resource management function of the Superstar Learning Pass platform into inquiry-based learning in flipped classrooms, a teaching model combining online and offline strategies was formulated. In this model, students use platform resources for self-study before class, and class time is focused on discussions, case ana-lyses, and practical operations. Results　This teaching model helps to integrate and manage teaching resources, impro-ving teaching efficiency, effectively stimulating the interest and initiative of dental students, and fostering their self-study and clinical thinking abilities. Conclusion　The teaching model combining the Superstar Learning Pass and flipped classroom models is suitable to training programs for oral and maxillofacial surgery. It can alleviate challenges posed by the complexity and large volume of information, offering a feasible avenue for optimizing dental professional courses.