Vol 29, No 4 (2025)

BACKGROUND: Dental implantation is one of the most advanced techniques for restoring masticatory function in modern dentistry. However, the use of non-original abutments manufactured by third-party companies remains controversial, particularly regarding their effect on long-term prosthetic outcomes. This study assesses the influence of abutment type—original vs non-original—on peri-implant bone stability.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the type of dental prosthetic components—original or non-original—and long-term outcomes of implant-supported prostheses, based on clinical case analysis.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of panoramic radiographs was performed in patients who received Straumann Bone Level (BL) (Straumann, Switzerland), Nobel Biocare Conical Connection (CC) (Nobel Biocare, USA), or BioHorizons Tapered Internal (BioHorizons, USA) dental implants, with a follow-up period of up to 11 years. Radiographic evaluation included assessment of peri-implant bone levels and the incidence of peri-implantitis.

RESULTS: The χ² test revealed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the groups using original and non-original abutments. The analyzed clinical cases confirmed no direct correlation between abutment type and long-term prosthetic success.

CONCLUSION: The abutment type does not significantly influence the success of implant-supported prosthetic treatment. However, it may represent one of multiple factors that collectively contribute to long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Predicting complications such as root fractures or cracks necessitates investigation of stress distribution in tooth roots under various biomechanical conditions, particularly with alterations in dimensional and mechanical properties of the tooth.

AIM: This study aimed to model functional stress distribution in the root of a devitalized tooth using three-dimensional mathematical simulation based on varying dentin wall thickness.

METHODS: A mathematical modeling approach was used to analyze the magnitude and distribution of stresses in the root of a devitalized tooth under an oblique load of 150 N at a 30°. The study compared stress levels across three tooth models with root wall thicknesses of 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.0 mm.

RESULTS: A direct relationship was established between decreasing root wall thickness and increasing stress levels in dentin of devitalized teeth. This effect was most pronounced in the model with a 1.0-mm wall, where stresses approached the ultimate strength of dentin. Stress distribution patterns revealed the cervical region as the site of maximum concentration.

CONCLUSION: Reduced dentin wall thickness in devitalized teeth leads to increased functional stress, with peak values localized in the cervical region. Root dentin with a thickness of 1.0 mm may be subjected to stresses exceeding its structural integrity.

BACKGROUND: Limited understanding of direct bone formation during repair of alveolar ridge defects—compared with extensively studied endochondral ossification—leads to varied interpretations of treatment outcomes and efficacy assessments in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate early repair of critical-sized alveolar bone defects via intramembranous ossification using noninductive biomaterials.

METHODS: This segment of the study was conducted at the Central Research Laboratory of Kuban State Medical University utilizing three sexually mature healthy minipigs. Animal care adhered to bioethical standards. Critical-sized bone defects were filled with acellular dermal matrix and naturally derived osteoconductive granules. Animals were euthanized on day 120. Morphologic assessment of decalcified specimens was performed with hematoxylin and eosin, van Gieson’s picrofuchsin, and Masson’s trichrome (BioVitrum, Russia). Randomization was not applied.

RESULTS: Defect repair was mediated by de novo vascularization via initiation of local hematopoiesis. Sinusoidal capillaries formed in the venous network of the regional vascular bed, with emerging hematopoietic cells migrating through discontinuous endothelium. Immature precursor cells proliferated and differentiated predominantly into segmental granulocytes, which participated in dynamic intercellular and cell–matrix interactions, forming transient intermediate cell types. These processes led to the development of a reticular connective tissue—niche resembling bone marrow structures—with new osteoid and reticulofibrotic trabeculae. Noninductive matrix and granular biomaterials demonstrated an effect on vasculogenesis.

CONCLUSION: These results reveal a direct relationship between the induction of hematopoiesis in sinusoidal capillaries within alveolar defects and intramedullary osteogenesis. Granulocytes play a pivotal role in normal healing and reparative dysregulation in the presence of nonresorbed osteoconductive granules.

This review outlines scientific methods for examining the morphology of dental hard tissues to enhance the accuracy of forensic dental identification. It is well established that the initial data used in the identification of an individual or human remains are often obtained during postmortem examination or partial autopsy. Accordingly, an important forensic objective is to identify individual morphological, anatomical, osteological, and other traits that establish personal identity. To confirm identity, forensic experts analyze a range of anthropometric parameters and distinctive facial features. In this context, efforts continue to develop innovative tools and methods to optimize forensic identification within medicolegal examinations. Through the differentiation and integration of various investigative techniques, researchers have concluded that human dental hard tissues are exceptionally unique and exhibit remarkable structural resilience. The assignment of a uniquely identifying status to dental structures has become feasible because of advances in automation, biometrics, and extensive digitalization in healthcare. Investigations into the enamel microarchitecture have confirmed the remarkably informative and distinctive nature of its “morphological landscape”. Moreover, the complexity of enamel histological structure and its species-specific composition have been validated using various traditional and computerized techniques. These findings scientifically support the practical application of dental identification in forensic investigations.

Thus, a combination of innovative technical strategies and fundamental interdisciplinary research has facilitated the emergence of a specialized forensic dentistry branch within forensic identification.

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is an increasingly prevalent complaint among dental patients. It interferes with normal mastication, diminishes taste perception, and provokes constant concern about oral health. Notably, xerostomia affects not only physical health but also the psychological and emotional well-being of patients.

A search of publications conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and eLIBRARY.RU revealed that in peer-reviewed original studies, 30% to 50% of xerostomia cases occur in the presence of various pathologic conditions of the periodontal tissues and oral mucosa. These include gingivitis, periodontitis, potentially malignant disorders, allergic, autoimmune, infectious, and neurogenic diseases of the oral mucosa. Such conditions may present as primary diseases or comorbidities in patients with diverse systemic disorders, including those of neurogenic and psychodepressive origin.

Currently, no standardized diagnostic or treatment protocols exist for managing xerostomia in patients with depressive and other mental health disorders. Furthermore, detailed assessment and correction of the pro- and antioxidant balance in oral fluid are warranted, as disruptions in this system significantly impair quality of life, impacting patients’ social functioning and daily activity.

Today, few are aware of the contributions made by military physician Aleksandr Ilich Stepanov to dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, and military medicine.

This essay presents biographical and professional details about A.I. Stepanov, a military physician and prosthodontist whose work had a lasting impact on the field of maxillofacial surgery and dentistry. The article is based on Russian sources in dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, and military medicine. Major A.I. Stepanov is best known as a dentist of the Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry of the Kirov Military Medical Academy. He was a highly skilled prosthodontist, proficient not only in clinical prosthodontics but also in the laboratory fabrication of dental and maxillofacial prostheses and a range of prosthetic appliances used throughout the treatment and dental rehabilitation of patients with oral cancer, as well as in the management of maxillofacial trauma. Among his key contributions was the refinement of a splint for fixation of mandibular fracture fragments originally devised by M.M. Vankevich.

Stepanov’s legacy in military health care, as well as dentistry and maxillofacial surgery is substantial and deserves recognition.