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.

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