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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of feldspathic ceramic laminate veneers over a 7-year period using minimally invasive techniques, such as vertical preparation (without prosthetic finish line), or no preparation (no-prep). A total of 170 feldspathic ceramic veneers were cemented in the anterior region, including 70 maxillary and 100 mandibular veneers, after special conditioning of the teeth and restorations. The veneers were evaluated using the FDI World Dental Federation criteria evaluation kit after recalling all the patients between February and June 2021. In total, 14 feldspathic veneers failed and were replaced with lithium disilicate because of core fracture, and 10 cases of chipping occurred on the ceramic surface and were polished. The overall survival rate was 91.77% for up to 7 years of function, with a failure rate of 8.23%. In this retrospective survival analysis, the failures, including the fracture of veneers and dental hard tissue, occurred both in prep and no-prep teeth. No failures were observed in veneers with a maximum thickness of 0.5 mm compared to those with a maximum thickness of 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 2.5 mm.

Background and Objectives: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) was first recognized as a disease entity and reported in the literature in 2003. Within a few years, the incidence of MRONJ has increased significantly, to the point where now it can be seen in every dental clinic around the world. Its prevention and management still remain major challenges for dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Materials and Materials and Methods: This prospective clinical study was conducted at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic in Timisoara for a 6-month period and included a total of 85 patients under chronic antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medication. There were two groups of patients: G1 received PRF growth factors, while the other group, G2, was treated with classical surgical methods. Post-operative wound healing was assessed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks by monitoring the absence of local gingival dehiscence, suprainfection, or loco-regional fistulas, both in cases of dental extractions and sequestrectomies in MRONJ cases. Results: The use of PRF in post-extraction sockets in patients predisposed to developing MRONJ aids in local healing in 96% of cases, compared to cases where it was not used, in which normal healing occurred in only 64.29% of patients; there was a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.016). In MRONJ confirmed cases, application of PRF after excisional debridement of necrotic bone does not appear to have the same therapeutic value as in post-extractional sockets, with a p-value of 0.299 indicating no statistical significance. Conclusions: PRF use can be considered an effective approach in preventing osteonecrotic complications following dental extractions in patients with antiresorptive treatment. Additional studies are needed to establish its role in MRONJ confirmed cases.

Background and Objectives: This five-year retrospective study evaluated the survival and clinical performance of 1143 zirconium oxide restorations, including both monolithic (144) and layered (999) restorations. Materials and Methods: The analysis included clinical records and follow-up data of patients treated with zirconium oxide restorations. Failures in layered restorations were examined, particularly focusing on chipping caused by unsupported feldspathic ceramic exceeding 1.5 mm. Monolithic restorations were used as a benchmark for durability. Results: The results demonstrated a high overall survival rate of 96.3%, with monolithic restorations achieving a perfect survival rate of 100%, while layered restorations had a survival rate of 95.8%. Failures in the layered restorations were primarily associated with chipping, especially when the unsupported feldspathic ceramic exceeded 1.5 mm. Conclusions: This finding highlights the importance of maintaining adequate support for the ceramic layer to prevent such complications. Monolithic restorations, in contrast, showed superior durability, with no failures reported, making them a more reliable option for long-term success. These findings emphasize the need for the careful selection of zirconium oxide restoration types based on the clinical context, particularly in cases where durability is critical.

Background and Objectives: Accurate anterior segment measurements are central to intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation and toric planning, yet different optical platforms may yield non-interchangeable values. This study compared keratometry, astigmatism metrics, and ocular biometry obtained with a swept-source OCT biometer (Argos), an optical low-coherence interferometry biometer (Aladdin), and a combined Scheimpflug–Placido topographer (Schwind Sirius). Methods: This is a retrospective observational study (January 2022–June 2024) including eyes undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery. All eyes were measured in a single session by one examiner. Outcomes included K1, K2, cylinder, astigmatism axis (degrees; device-reported corneal cylinder axis, labeled “Powerful Angle” in the Sirius export), vector components (J0 and J45), and—where available—lens thickness (LT), axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), white-to-white (WTW) distance, and central corneal thickness (CCT). Friedman tests assessed 3-device differences, and pairwise comparisons were evaluated using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (paired data). Results: A total of 170 eyes (102 patients) were analyzed (mean age: 69.12 ± 10.26 years). Significant inter-device differences were detected for K1 (Argos: 43.45 ± 1.64 D; Aladdin: 43.41 ± 1.70 D; overall: p < 0.001; Argos vs. Aladdin: p = 0.019), K2 (Argos: 44.45 ± 1.67 D; Aladdin: 44.34 ± 1.71 D; overall and pairwise: p < 0.001), and cylinder (Argos: −0.83 ± 0.74 D, Aladdin: −0.77 ± 0.76 D; Sirius: −0.68 ± 0.75 D; overall: p < 0.001). “Powerful Angle” differed across devices (p = 0.003) but not between Argos and Aladdin (p = 0.512). J0 (p = 0.277) and J45 (p = 0.084) did not differ significantly. Argos reported higher ACD (3.19 ± 0.42 vs. 3.13 ± 0.41 mm, p < 0.001) and WTW (11.95 ± 0.42 vs. 11.65 ± 0.39 mm, p < 0.001) values than Aladdin. CCT was similar between Aladdin and Sirius (540.27 ± 33.44 vs. 540.47 ± 33.78 µm, p = 0.169). Conclusions: Several keratometric and biometric parameters differed significantly by device, indicating limited interchangeability—particularly relevant for toric and premium IOL planning—while vector astigmatism components and CCT showed better agreement.

Background/Objectives: Bisphosphonates, a class of drugs that are widely used in the treatment of neoplastic diseases, can lead to the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This condition is challenging to manage due to the high incidence of postoperative complications: superinfections, local wound dehiscence, or fractures in pathological bone. The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic role of bovine-derived xenografts in the management of MRONJ. Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluates the clinical outcomes of patients with confirmed stage II or III MRONJ, after surgical treatment with Bio-Oss application. All patients had received zoledronic acid therapy, which was discontinued for a minimum of four months prior to surgical intervention. The surgical protocol included local debridement, sequestrectomy, and grafting of the residual defect with a bone substitute, followed by periodic clinical evaluations and monitoring of local healing with a follow-up period of up to one year. Results: Of the total number of patients treated according to this surgical protocol, 85.71% achieved favorable healing without complications at 8 weeks. Cases with poor local healing results were more likely to have prolonged zoledronic acid administration. Conclusions: Within the limits of this retrospective observational study, the use of bovine-derived xenografts following sequestrectomy in stage II–III MRONJ was associated with satisfactory local healing in several cases. However, considering the limited sample size and lack of a comparator group, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. To better understand the connection between the length of antiresorptive therapy, surgical management techniques, and postoperative outcomes, more prospective, multicenter trials with bigger patient cohorts are needed.

Background and Objectives: The main objectives of our study were to assess sexual dimorphism and to compare the facial height, as well as the anteroposterior width of the upper airway, within adult Caucasians diagnosed with skeletal Class I and skeletal Class III malocclusion, based on a number of angular and linear cephalometric parameters. Materials and Methods: One hundred lateral cephalograms were selected from orthodontic adult Caucasian patients from western Romania. Several angular parameters (SNA, SNB, ANB, FMA, Y–FH, Ba–S–PNS and NL–ML angles) and linear parameters (total, upper and lower anterior facial height—TAFH, UAFH, LAFH; total posterior facial height—TPFH) were analysed for each case. The upper airway width parameters included the width of the nasopharynx, as well as the upper, middle and lower pharyngeal airway width (UPAW, MPAW and LPAW). Results: Distinct sexual dimorphism was observed regarding the vertical cephalometric parameters within both Class I and Class III groups, with males exhibiting significantly larger facial height parameters, while females demonstrated larger nasopharyngeal depth angles (Ba–S–PNS). The Y–FH angle had significantly higher values in Class I than in Class III subjects, regardless of sex. Upper airway dimensions showed sexual dimorphism specifically in Class III subjects, with females exhibiting larger UPAW values than males. The inter-class comparisons showed larger values for LPAW, especially in females. Correlation analyses revealed no statistically significant relationships between the vertical and the upper airway parameters in Class I subjects. UPAW showed a tendency to decrease in Class III subjects as TAFH and LAFH increased. Ba–S–PNS showed consistent negative correlations with the vertical dimensions in both groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that skeletal Class I and Class III malocclusions exhibit not only different sagittal relationships, but also distinctive, sex-related vertical skeletal patterns within each group, and therefore it would be advised that male and female patients should be diagnosed and treated according to separate protocols. In our population, Class III males are more likely to require orthognathic surgery, in addition to orthodontic treatment, with a more reserved prognosis and they might have a higher risk of OSA or other respiratory disorders in comparison with Class III females.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) in advanced stages becomes, over time, a significant challenge, as oral medication becomes ineffective, and it may become necessary to switch to device-assisted therapy (DAT). This should be personalized according to the stage of the disease, the cognitive status of the patients, the association of frailty syndrome or other comorbidities, the support in care from the family, etc. Levodopa–carbidopa–entacapone intestinal gel can significantly improve the status of patients, provided that they are correctly selected for this type of treatment. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-center prospective study including 20 advanced PD patients, who received a levodopa–carbidopa–entacapone gel through an intestinal pump, within the Parkinson’s Disease Multimodal Treatment Center of the Neurology Clinic of the “St. Ap. Andrew” County Emergency Clinical Hospital in Galați, Romania. The evaluations were performed at baseline (T0), after intestinal pump insertion (T1), and 6 months after the procedure (T2). Results: In the study group, the administration of the levodopa–carbidopa–entacapone intestinal gel, using the device for intestinal administration, had significant benefits, especially for motor symptoms. The periods of off, no-on, freezing, sudden-off, as well as dyskinesia and morning akinesia, were significantly reduced. Among the non-motor symptoms, depression and sleep disorders improved, with no changes in cognitive status and psychotic disorders. Conclusions: Adding new data for the use of device-assisted therapy in advanced PD, our study also highlights the need to further research this challenging patient profile.

Background and objectives: The purpose of the study is to correlate vascular calcification biomarkers osteoprotegerin (OPG) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3), indicators of arterial stiffness carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-f PWV) and renal resistive index (RRI), with parameters of left ventricular function in heart failure patients versus control. Materials and methods: Our case-control study compared 60 patients with ischemic heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (<40%) with a control group of 60 healthy age-matched subjects (CON). Serum levels of OPG and 25-OH-D3 were determined by ELISA. Left ventricular volumes (LVESV, LVEDV) and LVEF were measured by echocardiography. C-f PWV was determined using the arteriograph device. RRI was measured by duplex Doppler. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and minimum end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were determined using angle correction. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the MDRD equation. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used for interpretation of results. Results: OPG values were significantly higher in heart failure (HF) patients vs. CON (4.7 ± 0.25 vs. 1.3 ± 0.67 ng/mL, p < 0.001). 25-OH vitamin D3 levels were significantly lower in HF patients vs. CON (20.49 ± 7.31 vs. 37.09 ± 4.59 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis considering 25-OH D3 as a dependent variable demonstrated indicators of vascular stiffness RRI, c-f PWV and vascular calcification biomarker OPG as predictors. OPG values were significantly correlated with cardiac parameters LVEDV (r = 0.862, p < 0.001), LVEF (r = −0.832, p < 0.001), and c-f PWV(r = 0.833, p < 0.001), and also with 25-OH-D3 (r = −0.636, p < 0.001). RRI values were significantly correlated with cardiac parameters LVEDV (r = 0.586, p < 0.001) and LVEF (r = −0.587, p < 0.001), and with eGFR (r = −0.488, p < 0.001), c-f PWV(r = 0.640, p < 0.001), and 25-OH-D3 (r = −0.732, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study showed significant correlations between vitamin D deficit and vascular stiffness indicators in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, demonstrating the importance of these examinations for a better evaluation of these patients. Together with the evaluation of renal function, the measurement of vascular stiffness indicators and biomarkers might play a key role in identifying patients at greater risk for worsening disease prognosis and for shorter life expectancy, who could benefit from vitamin D supplementation. The abstract was accepted for presentation at the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology, Munich, 2018.

Background and Objectives: Ceramic veneers represent the most appropriate treatment option for minimally invasive aesthetic rehabilitation. For long-term clinical success, the accurate marginal and internal adaptation of dental restorations are of paramount importance. The aim of this in vitro study is to assess the effect of a novel (patented) design of veneers compared to conventional ones on their marginal and internal gap to the prepared tooth surface. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four lithium disilicate ceramic veneers are obtained using Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) and then milled using Computer-Aided-Manufacturing (CAM). The samples are divided into two groups: 12 conventional (CO) veneers (i.e., with a linear marginal contour) and 12 crenelated (CR) veneers, the latter with the novel sinusoidal marginal design. All samples are bonded to frontal teeth, and the adhesive interfaces are analyzed using two methods, optical microscopy and micro-Computed Tomography (CT): the former for the accuracy of the marginal gap and the latter for the internal gap (as well as for the homogeneity of the luting cement) of ceramic veneers. Results: STATA and one-way ANOVA tests reveal significant differences between CO and CR veneers: (i) the marginal gap is smaller for CR (64 μm) than for CO veneers (236 μm); (ii) the internal adaptation is better for CR veneers: for a cement width of up to 120 μm, the covered surface for the CR group is 81.5%, while for the CO group it is 64.5%; (iii) the mean of the porosities within the cement is not significantly different (3.4·106 μm3 for CO and 3.9·106 μm3 for CR veneers), with a higher standard deviation for the CO group. Analytical modeling is achieved for internal gaps using the micro-CT results. The characteristic functions obtained allow us to compare the volume of luting cement for the two types of veneers. Conclusion: The novel veneers design produces an improvement in the marginal and internal adaptation of the restorations to the prepared tooth surface. Thus, it provides favorable premises for better clinical performances.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate patients’ satisfaction with the esthetic outcomes of combined endodontic and prosthetic treatments for devitalized or dyschromic teeth, a condition influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that present a growing concern in modern dentistry. Methods: A total of 104 patients, including 43 men and 61 women, underwent treatment using lithium disilicate restorations for esthetic zones and zirconium oxide restorations for regions with higher occlusal demands. Patient satisfaction was evaluated through a post-treatment questionnaire, classifying responses as either “satisfied” or “dissatisfied”. Dissatisfied participants were further asked to specify their concerns. Results: The study revealed a high satisfaction rate of 93%. Dissatisfaction was slightly more prevalent among women than men, but this difference was statistically insignificant. The primary reasons for dissatisfaction included darker restoration color, chipping, and gingival recessions. Conclusions: Combined endodontic and prosthetic treatments, utilizing lithium disilicate and zirconium oxide restorations, achieved high levels of patient satisfaction. Nevertheless, addressing specific issues, such as color matching and gingival health, could enhance outcomes further.