Oleg Mordanov

Background/Objectives: Guided endodontics transfers a virtually planned drilling path into the tooth through printed templates, dynamic navigation and, more recently, robotic and augmented reality systems. This scoping review mapped the reported indications and appraised how mature the evidence is for each one. Methods: The review followed PRISMA-ScR. PubMed/MEDLINE was searched from January 2016 to September 2026, with supplementary hand-searching undertaken, and all records were screened in duplicate. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2, ROBINS-I, the JBI checklist for case series and criteria adapted from QUIN and PRILE 2021. Results: From 341 records and eight studies identified by other means, 234 studies were included across eight indications: six randomised trials, three non-randomised comparative studies, 24 case series, 93 case reports, 11 cadaveric and 97 laboratory studies, so that 108 of the 234 were laboratory or cadaveric and only nine were controlled clinical studies. Controlled clinical evidence exists only for access to obliterated anterior and single-rooted canals and for endodontic microsurgery. In the laboratory, static guides deviated by 1.1 to 2.8 degrees against 9.5 to 21.2 degrees for freehand access; in a randomised trial, static guidance lowered technical failure from 19 to 1.7 per cent. Guided retrieval of separated instruments performed worse than freehand. None of the six trials was at low risk of bias, and none reported how its randomisation sequence was generated. Conclusions: Guided endodontics is accurate and conserves tooth structure in laboratory and early clinical work, but the strength of evidence differs sharply between indications. Access to calcified single-rooted canals and guided microsurgery are supported by small trials, none at low risk of bias; the remaining indications rest on laboratory data or case reports, and instrument retrieval is not supported.

Background/Objectives: Automatic three-dimensional (3D) cephalometry on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is increasingly used in orthodontic and orthognathic practice, but whether fully automatic systems reproduce bilateral measurements with equal fidelity on both sides, and whether the right–left difference they report can be trusted as a clinical measure of asymmetry, has not been studied systematically. This study aimed to quantify side-specific agreement and asymmetry quantification fidelity of two commercial AI cephalometry systems against calibrated manual 3D tracing. Methods: Thirty-one CBCT scans were analysed by calibrated manual tracing (InVivo software), an integrated AI module (AI InVivo), and a cloud-based system (Diagnocat). Side-specific agreement was quantified using the two-way random effects intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC(2,1)], Bland–Altman analysis, and two one-sided equivalence tests (±2°/±2 mm). Asymmetry fidelity was assessed by ICC of the automatic right–left difference (Δ = R − L) against the manual Δ, Pearson correlation, and sensitivity/specificity for detecting clinically relevant asymmetry. Results: Per-side agreement closely mirrored overall accuracy; any systematic error was applied almost equally to both sides (bias difference ≤0.3° or ≤0.9 mm between sides). The mandibular plane angle achieved excellent ICC (0.95–0.97) and equivalence on both sides for both systems. The gonial angle was equivalent for AI InVivo (ICC 0.92–0.93) but not for Diagnocat (ICC 0.40; bias −6.95° and −6.97° on the right and left, respectively). Asymmetry agreement was generally weaker than per-side accuracy. Diagnocat showed no correlation with manual gonial asymmetry (ICC −0.12), while AI InVivo demonstrated poor agreement for body length asymmetry (ICC 0.18). Both systems under-detected clinically relevant gonial asymmetry (sensitivity 0.00–0.17), with errors predominantly in the false-negative direction. Conclusions: Fully automatic AI-powered 3D cephalometry applies systematic errors symmetrically to both sides, so per-side accuracy holds equally for right and left measurements. However, asymmetry fidelity is a separate, more demanding property that does not follow from absolute accuracy and remains unreliable for landmark-sensitive parameters such as the gonial angle. Clinician verification is required before automatic analysis is used for asymmetry assessment.

AIM. The aim of the study was to validate a patented three-dimensional method for assessing craniovertebromandibular symmetry using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD). MATERIALS AND METHODS. Ninety patients (54 females and 36 males), aged 19–60 years, diagnosed with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) and exhibiting extraocclusal disorders, were included in the study. A standardized CBCT protocol (FOV ≥ 13 × 15 cm) including the cranial base and cervical vertebrae C ₀ –C ₂ was applied. Three-dimensional cephalometric analysis was performed in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes, measuring angular and linear parameters between cranial, mandibular, and cervical landmarks. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine reproducibility. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS. Asymmetry was observed in 100% of subjects, regardless of clinically symmetrical occlusion. The largest deviations were found in the Zy–Go angular measurement, reflecting predominant cranial-mandibular imbalance. Significant right–left differences were recorded across all reference lines (Zy–Go, Po–U6, C ₀ –C ₁ , C ₁ –C ₂ ) ( p < 0.01–0.001). Mean ICC values exceeded 0.90, confirming high methodological reliability. CONCLUSIONS. It was established that craniovertebromandibular asymmetry occurs in all patients with TMJD and identified extraocclusal disturbances. The developed CBCT-based protocol allows precise quantification of cranio-cervico-mandibular relationships, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting individualized interdisciplinary management of occlusal and postural disturbances.

This study aimed to evaluate the comparability of three approaches to 3D cephalometric analysis: manual tracing in Invivo (Human Invivo), automated tracing using Diagnocat AI, and AI-assisted cephalometry in Invivo (AI Invivo). Materials and methods. A total of 30 CBCT scans were analyzed retrospectively, and measurements included overjet, overbite, incisor inclination, and interincisal angles. Statistical analysis comprised descriptive statistics, normality testing, ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests with post-hoc comparisons, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) evaluation. Pairwise differences were interpreted relative to pooled standard deviation (SD): <1 SD indicated comparability, 1–2 SD a moderate deviation, and ≥2 SD a large deviation.Results demonstrated that for the majority of parameters, differences across all three methods were below one SD, confirming high comparability and reproducibility. No parameters exceeded the 2 SD threshold. Diagnocat AI provided clinically acceptable outcomes while offering practical advantages such as reduced operator variability, faster processing time, and lower cost compared to manual tracing and AI Invivo. Conclusion. These findings suggest that both Diagnocat AI and AI Invivo may serve as reliable alternatives or adjuncts to manual cephalometry in orthodontic practice.

Background/Objectives: Gingival recession poses significant challenges in periodontal therapy, particularly in procedures aimed at achieving predictable root coverage and long-term stability of grafts. Conditioning of the root surface plays a crucial role in improving biomaterial adhesion and facilitating periodontal regeneration. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the morphological and microroughness alterations of root cementum following different mechanical and chemical conditioning protocols commonly used in mucogingival surgery. Methods: Forty extracted human single-rooted teeth were randomly allocated into eight groups: untreated control, mechanical scaling alone, and scaling combined with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, phosphoric acid, tetracycline, doxycycline, or saline. Surface roughness was measured using contact profilometry, while structural modifications were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. Results: Statistically significant intergroup differences (p < 0.05) were observed. Baneocin treatment produced the most conservative changes, with limited surface roughness and minimal structural alteration, whereas phosphoric acid, tetracycline, and EDTA caused pronounced demineralization and surface porosity. Citric acid and doxycycline induced moderate alterations, with partial preservation of cementum integrity. The null hypothesis assuming no surface or morphological changes was rejected. Conclusions: These findings indicate that low-aggressiveness agents may achieve an optimal balance between surface decontamination and cementum preservation, which is critical for enhancing graft integration and improving clinical outcomes in root coverage surgery.

This study aimed to assess the influence of preheating, glycerin barrier application, and polishing protocols on the surface roughness of microhybrid and submicron-filled composite resins. Eighty extracted human third molars were prepared with standardized Class I cavities and restored using Enamel Plus HRi (microhybrid) or Estelite Sigma Quick (submicron-filled). Specimens were divided into preheated (55 °C) and non-preheated groups, and further allocated to four subgroups: (1) polishing only, (2) polishing + glycerin, (3) glycerin only, and (4) control. All restorations were light-cured with an LED unit. Surface morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Ra values were determined. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (p<0.05). SEM showed that glycerin-shielded specimens were cleaner, with reduced OIL-related debris. Preheating consistently yielded smoother, less porous surfaces across protocols. Polishing significantly reduced Ra in all groups, with the lowest values for “polishing + glycerin” (0.83±0.01 µm in preheated Enamel Plus HRi; 1.09±0.02 µm in non-preheated Estelite Sigma Quick). Glycerin without polishing improved polymerization but did not significantly reduce Ra. Controls exhibited the highest roughness (up to 5.20±0.61 µm). Overall, the combination of preheating, glycerin barrier application, and polishing produced the smoothest composite surfaces. Glycerin improved surface chemistry by reducing OIL, while polishing was essential for levelling filler protrusions and irregularities.

The effect of root canal irrigants on the mechanical properties of dentin is crucial in endodontic treatment planning. While antiseptics such as sodium hypochlorite and EDTA are widely used, their potential to weaken dentin structure remains a concern. Polyhexanide-based formulations may offer a safer alternative. To assess the impact of a polyhexanide-based antiseptic composition, compared to standard irrigants, on the microhardness, Young’s modulus, and elastic deformation energy of dentin. Sixty extracted human teeth were sectioned and polished to prepare dentin samples. Baseline measurements of Vickers microhardness, Young’s modulus, and elastic deformation work were performed using a Microhardness Tester (CSM Instruments, Switzerland) with a Berkovich indenter. Samples were then divided into six groups (n = 10 per group) and exposed to different irrigants (NaCl 0.9%, NaOCl 3%, chlorhexidine 2%, EDTA 17%, and polyhexanide-based solutions—0.1% and 0.2% Lavasept). Post-treatment measurements were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using non-parametric tests with Bonferroni correction. Sodium hypochlorite (3%) caused the most pronounced reduction in dentin microhardness and mechanical strength, though not always statistically significant. Polyhexanide-based solutions (0.1% and 0.2% Lavasept) showed a milder effect, with statistically significant changes observed only in elastic deformation energy for 0.2% polyhexanide. EDTA treatment led to severe surface destruction, precluding reliable post-treatment measurements. Polyhexanide-based irrigants demonstrated a more favorable impact on dentin mechanical properties compared to traditional irrigants, supporting their potential use in endodontic protocols aimed at preserving dentin integrity.

Objectives: To compare 3D cephalometric analysis performed using AI with that conducted manually by a specialist orthodontist. Methods: The CBCT scans (a field of view of 15 × 15 cm) used in the study were obtained from 30 consecutive patients, aged 18 to 50. The 3D cephalometric analysis was conducted using two methods. The first method involved manual tracing performed with the Invivo 6 software (Anatomage Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA). The second method involved using AI for cephalometric measurements as part of an orthodontic report generated by the Diagnocat system (Diagnocat Ltd., San Francisco, CA, USA). Results: A statistically significant difference within one standard deviation of the parameter was found in the following measurements: SNA, SNB, and the left interincisal angle. Statistically significant differences within two standard deviations were noted in the following measurements: the right and left gonial angles, the left upper incisor, and the right lower incisor. No statistically significant differences were observed beyond two standard deviations. Conclusions: AI in the form of Diagnocat proved to be effective in assessing the mandibular growth direction, defining the skeletal class, and estimating the overbite, overjet, and Wits parameter.

The aim of this review is to determine the positive and negative qualities and properties of zirconium dioxide blocks of different generations, namely 3Y-TZP, 5Y-TZP, 4Y-TZP. Materials and methods. A systematic literature review in the electronic databases Google Scholar and Pubmed was conducted. The articles whose content was based on mechano-optical and physicochemical properties of zirconium dioxide blocks of 1, 3 and 4 generations and their application in practice were considered. Results: 57 articles were reviewed during the analysis, of which 47 from Pubmed and 10 from Google Scholar were selected. After selecting the articles according to the criteria, the total number of studies was 27. The studies evaluated the mechanical and optical properties of different generations of zirconia blocks. Conclusion: The use of yttrium-stabilized zirconium dioxide ceramics of different generations in dental practice provides opportunities to obtain quality results in the fabrication and placement of crowns, dentures, veneers and other prosthetic structures. Speaking about physical, mechanical and optical properties, it should be noted that each generation has different indicators. Specialists should be careful when choosing zirconium dioxide ceramics, as optical properties are not always a decisive factor when selecting a material for fabrication of fixed structures.