Background: Myths are used to convey beliefs and establish patterns of behavior. People have misconceptions about dentistry due to a lack of knowledge about oral health. Although dentistry has developed a lot today, myths and misconceptions about dentistry still exist, making it difficult to receive advanced and preventive treatment. Medical students are the backbone of the medical profession and can play an important role in combating misinformation by disseminating accurate information and awareness to the people of society. Therefore, it is important to assess their knowledge and understanding of dental myths. Aim: The study aims to determine the prevalence of dentistry-related myths among medical students in Nellore city. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical undergraduates consisting of a self-designed and prevalidated questionnaire regarding the myths related to dental decay, teething, pregnancy, dental treatment, and miscellaneous topics. The collected data were statistically analyzed using the Chi-squared test. Results: Almost half of the students in the 3rd year (49.70%) disagree that applying clove to a decayed tooth always relieves pain compared with other year students. The majority (48.31%) of 2nd-year students did not agree with the idea that extraction of teeth in the upper jaw causes loss of vision compared to other year students. Conclusion: Most of the participants in our study were found to have misconceptions and myths related to oral health.

Introduction: Esthetic demands can frequently bring significant challenges to practitioners. It necessitates a thorough clinical examination and documentation as well as clear communication between the patient and clinician, which is crucial for understanding treatment outcomes and expectations. Complete smile analysis is a vital component of diagnosis and treatment for effective esthetic outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess the layman's perceptions of the gingival component of smile esthetics utilizing the existence of a black triangle between the maxillary anterior teeth and the presence of gingival pigmentation. Objectives: To assess the layman's perception on the gingival component of smile esthetics based on gingival pigmentation and interdental papillae. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among laypersons using a self-explanatory questionnaire. Results: About 76.1% of the respondents chose the smile without the pigmentation as more attractive. In the pictures involving the black triangles, as the dimensions of the black triangle increased, the scores decreased correspondingly. Conclusion: This study showed that most of the subjects felt dark gums were unattractive and the visual display of the interdental papillae is an important smile feature that is preferred in the overwhelming majority of patients receiving treatment.

Aim: This study was an attempt to evaluate the mechanical and chemical degradation properties of the fibrin architecture and to compare leukocyte–platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and advanced PRF (A-PRF) based on these properties. Materials and methods: A total of 30 subjects, with 10 subjects for each test, were taken to evaluate the properties of the PRF membranes. The blood samples were immediately centrifuged using a tabletop centrifuge at 1,500 RPM for 14 minutes for A-PRF and 2,700 RPM for 12 minutes for L-PRF. A tensile test was performed using a universal testing machine. The in vitro degradation test of the prepared PRF clots was conducted by placing the PRF clots in 0.01% trypsin solution containing 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution for 24–48 hours. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation of the PRF clots was done under both low and high magnification. Results: The results showed a statistically significant increase in the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and toughness of L-PRF when compared with A-PRF. The degree of degradation was statistically decreased in L-PRF when compared with A-PRF. On SEM analysis, L-PRF showed leukocytes and platelets were clumped with dense matrix formation with increased interfibrous space, while in A-PRF, leukocytes and platelets were well distributed along the entire surface of the membrane with decreased interfibrous space. Conclusion: Results from the present study indicate that L-PRF through high-speed centrifugation has enhanced mechanical and structural properties, which yields a membrane with characteristics that are desirable for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) procedures.

Aim: The aim of this report is to present an additional case of mandibular central odontogenic fibroma (COF) of complex type in a pediatric patient as well as to compare its clinical, radiological, and histological features with the cases reported to date in the review and to understand the need of long-time postoperative follow-up and to develop a better understanding of COF. Background: Odontogenic fibromas can be divided into central (intraosseous) odontogenic fibroma and peripheral (extraosseous) odontogenic fibroma according to the anatomical sites involved. COF is a rare, benign, slow-growing intraosseous mesenchymal odontogenic tumor of the jaws. It presents a diagnostic dilemma to the clinician and the pathologist because its clinical and radiological features resemble other odontogenic and/or nonodontogenic tumors, and the differential diagnosis is based on histological examination. Case description: Here, a case of COF of the posterior mandible in a 13-year-old boy is described. The lesion was an asymptomatic swelling with well-defined borders covered by normal mucosa. It presented as a well-defined unilocular radiolucency along with thinning of buccal and lingual cortices. The lesion was surgically enucleated and analyzed histopathologically. There were no postoperative complications. The aim of this case report is to present a case of COF in the posterior mandible and to compare its clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features with the present literature. Conclusion: Highlighting a subtype that was dropped from the last World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumors is important to accumulate more information about this lesion and to show its different features. Despite its rarity, COF should be included in the differential diagnosis of intrabony tumors of the jaws. Clinical significance: The findings of this case report can better educate oral and maxillofacial surgeons about the unusual nature of this lesion, help establish a correct diagnosis and give the appropriate therapeutic management.

Devitalized teeth pose a particular challenge in esthetic dentistry. While still functional, these teeth may exhibit esthetic alterations, such as variations in color, changes in shape, or structural fragilities. Faced with these challenges, dental veneers emerge as a promising solution to restore both the esthetics and functionality of devitalized teeth. Dental discolorations are a common esthetic concern. Chemical teeth whitening represents the primary treatment approach. However, some discolorations prove resistant to these techniques, occasionally necessitating prosthetic interventions. This article aims to examine the application of ceramic veneers as an esthetic and conservative solution to overcome the challenges associated with devitalized teeth. We will explore the procedural steps, technological advancements, and clinical considerations that guide this contemporary practice in esthetic dentistry.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has already revolutionized the fundamental operations of various sectors today, yet its integration into the healthcare sector remains in its infancy. This integration holds tremendous potential to bring about transformative effects, particularly in the advancement of patient-centered care. In a critical sector like health care, where even the smallest decision can shape treatment outcomes significantly, the integration of AI reveals its complexity. While on the one hand, AI holds promise in aiding doctors to reach accurate diagnoses faster, on the contrary, it presents its own set of challenges. This review aims to outline the current issues in the healthcare sector, explore the role of AI in addressing these challenges, summarize recent advances in AI within dentistry, and examine the key challenges in this integration.