Relevance. Preterm birth is a serious pregnancy complication and remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Fusobacterium nucleatum, a member of the normal oral microbiota, has been implicated during pregnancy in the development of gingivitis and periodontitis, which may, in turn, contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth.

Materials and methods. The primary electronic databases searched were PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and eLIBRARY. ru. Additional sources were identified through reference lists of relevant reviews and consensus reports. No restriction on the start date of the search was applied. Search strategies included terms related to periodontal diseases (“periodontitis,” “gingivitis,” “periodontal infection”), pregnancy outcomes (“preterm birth,” “prematurity,” “low birth weight,” “stillbirth,” “chorioamnionitis”), oral and placental microbiology (“oral microbiome,” “intra-amniotic infection”), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (“Fusobacterium,” “F. nucleatum,” “FadA,” “Fap2,” “polymicrobial interactions”).

Results. During pregnancy, F. nucleatum acquires the ability to proliferate actively. As a result of immunological, endocrine, and other physiological changes in the maternal physiology, its levels in periodontal tissues may increase by up to 10,000-fold, contributing to the development of periodontal diseases. The bacterium possesses virulence factors—primarily adhesins—that facilitate hematogenous dissemination from the oral cavity and amplification of systemic inflammation. Experimental studies have demonstrated that F. nucleatum can induce chorioamnionitis and, through increased prostaglandin production, stimulate uterine contractions, ultimately leading to preterm birth. Early-stage non-surgical periodontal therapy (during pregnancy planning and the first trimester) has been shown to reduce the incidence of preterm birth.

Conclusion. Comprehensive examination of women at the pregnancy planning stage and timely management of periodontal and other oral diseases may contribute to the prevention of obstetric complications. A preventive approach to F. nucleatum–associated preterm birth warrants further attention and investigation by obstetricians, dentists, and microbiologists.

Relevance. In recent years, there has been a growing number of scientific studies addressing various oral changes observed in patients who have recovered from COVID-19. Research examining the consequences of coronavirus infection in dental practice demonstrates a wide spectrum of manifestations, including erosive lesions of the oral mucosa, aphthous ulcerations, and vesicular elements. In addition to inadequate oral hygiene and the presence of chronic dental diseases, xerostomia syndrome represents an aggravating factor that may exacerbate oral inflammatory conditions.

Objective. To analyze published studies assessing the occurrence of xerostomia in COVID-19 and its association with other oral diseases.

Materials and methods. A qualitative analysis of scientific sources focusing on xerostomia in COVID-19 and its relationship with other oral diseases was conducted. Literature searches were performed in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, eLibrary.ru, and Google Scholar databases using relevant Russian and English keywords, including “COVID-19,” “SARS-CoV-2,” “xerostomia,” “dry mouth,” “hyposalivation,” “salivary glands,” and “oral diseases.” The review included original research articles and narrative reviews published in Russian and English over the past seven years. Duplicate records, publications without full-text availability, and studies with low methodological quality were excluded. Study selection was carried out based on titles and abstracts, followed by full-text assessment.

Results. Based on studies conducted by Russian and international researchers, oral mucosal lesions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as with other oral diseases, have been shown to contribute to the development of xerostomia, dry mouth, and hyposalivation. These conditions may aggravate the course of oral diseases, promote oral dysbiosis, and increase the risk of secondary infections. The observed changes are presumed to result from both direct and indirect effects of the virus on oral cavity cells, as well as from concomitant infections, immune suppression, and adverse pharmacological effects. Particular attention should be paid to xerostomia, dry mouth, and hyposalivation in patients with COVID-19 and other oral diseases.

Conclusion. Oral mucosal lesions and the development of xerostomia in infections caused by SARS-CoV-2, as well as in other oral diseases, may be attributed to both the direct effects of the virus on oral cavity cells and indirect mechanisms associated with concomitant infections, immune suppression, and pharmacological factors.

Relevance. The identification of biocompatible wound dressings for the management of various skin injuries represents a relevant interdisciplinary challenge. Advances in wound-care materials are driven by the need to meet the following criteria: protection of the wound surface from mechanical damage, prevention of infection, sufficient permeability to prevent exudate accumulation, maintenance of a moist wound environment, flexibility, atraumatic removal, and reduced pain during healing. Since the introduction of biopolymeric polylactide-based dressings— most notably Suprathel (PolyMedics Innovations, Germany)—numerous studies have evaluated their clinical performance and compared them with established wound-care materials.

Objective. To conduct a systematic review of studies evaluating the treatment of skin injuries using polylactide-based wound dressings and to assess their applicability in the management of skin injuries in the maxillofacial region.

Materials and methods. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A literature search was conducted in international and national databases using search terms in both English and Russian, including wound dressing, biodegradable polymer materials, polylactide, burns, biopolymer wound dressings, burn treatment, donor site wounds, and skin regeneration. Methodological quality was assessed using the RoB 2 tool (Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials) for randomized controlled trials and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort and case–control studies. Eligible studies were subsequently included in the analysis.

Results. A total of 14 randomized controlled trials, 5 cohort studies, and 1 case–control study were included. The studies were categorized into two groups: those addressing the treatment of acute wounds (burns and donor site wounds) and those focused on chronic wounds (diabetic foot ulcers). The wound dressings used in each group were analyzed.

Conclusion. The review demonstrated that polylactide-based wound dressings offer several clinically relevant advantages, including the absence of a need for dressing changes until complete healing, reduced pain intensity, and a marked acceleration of epithelialization in chronic wounds. No evidence was identified to suggest reduced effectiveness of these materials when applied to wounds in the maxillofacial region. However, well-designed randomized controlled trials focusing exclusively on patients with skin injuries in this anatomical area are required to provide more robust evidence.

Relevance. During immediate prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with periodontitis, the early prosthodontic stage– specifically the placement of a provisional restoration—is frequently associated with mucosal ischemic blanching, pain, and unplanned adjustments. These complications largely result from the absence of quantitative criteria defining acceptable levels of soft tissue compression. A silicone-based fit-checking technique with a predefined film thickness range allows standardized seating of provisional restorations and enhances procedural reproducibility.

Objective. To improve the quality of immediate prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with periodontitis by using a silicone-based fit-checking technique with quantitative control of film thickness combined with site-specific FDM-based modification of the pontic.

Materials and methods. A single-center prospective controlled study was conducted. Two independent groups of 10 patients each were formed to assess patientand clinician-reported outcomes. In the study group, provisional restorations were seated with quantitative assessment of soft tissue compression using a thin-layer condensation silicone fit-checking material with a predefined film thickness range of 60–150 μm, followed by site-specific FDM-based modification of the pontic. In the control group, restorations were adjusted using standard chairside fitting procedures without quantitative reference values. An additional cohort of 48 patients was included for zonal assessment of silicone film thickness (five zones per patient; 240 measurements in total). Data normality was evaluated using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Intergroup differences in VAS scores were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Associations between silicone film thickness and VAS scores were examined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

Results. The study group demonstrated more favorable patientand clinician-reported outcomes. Median clinician VAS scores were 6.8 [6.6; 7.1] compared with 9.2 [8.9; 9.3] in the control group, while median patient VAS scores were 7.3 [5.3; 7.9] versus 8.8 [8.6; 9.0], respectively (n = 10 per group). Across all assessed zones (n = 240), the median silicone film thickness was 80 [60; 100] μm, with a mean value of 84.6 ± 50.3 μm and a range of 20–300 μm. The proportion of measurements within the predefined target range of 60–150 μm was 67.5%. Zonal analysis demonstrated the highest degree of controllability in the vestibular region (95.8% of measurements within the target range) and the lowest in the distal region (41.7%), indicating the need for targeted correction primarily in this area.

Conclusion. Quantitative control of provisional restoration seating using a thin-layer silicone-based fit-checking technique combined with targeted FDM-based modification is clinically feasible, reduces perceived soft tissue trauma, and improves the reproducibility of the early prosthodontic phase of immediate rehabilitation in patients with periodontitis. The proposed numerical thresholds and zonal reference values may serve as formalized quality endpoints and provide a foundation for protocol standardization in clinical practice. Multicenter randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate mediumand long-term outcomes.

Relevance. Long-term clinical experience with implant-supported prosthetic treatment has confirmed its effectiveness in the rehabilitation of patients with partial or complete tooth loss. One of the key factors contributing to late implant complications and reduced implant service life is microleakage at the implant–abutment interface. Sealing of the implant connection has therefore been proposed as a preventive measure aimed at eliminating the technical microgap at the interface.

Materials and methods. The sealing performance of two implant sealants was evaluated after cyclic compressive fatigue loading. The study compared a sealant commonly used in Russia, Sildent (sample 1), with its foreign analogue, Gapseal (sample 2). The mechanical stability of the implant–abutment assemblies under cyclic loading was tested using a servohydraulic testing machine. Each assembly was loaded once at a frequency of 25 Hz with forces ranging from 130 to 380 N for 240,000 cycles, simulating approximately one year of mastication. Sealing ability was assessed using a fluorescent dye penetration assay with a 10% sodium fluorescein (Uranin A) solution. Fluorescein concentration was measured spectrophotometrically.

Results. Marked differences in fluorescein release kinetics were observed between the tested samples. In sample 1, dye concentration was 6.5-fold higher after 1 h of exposure, 3.4-fold higher after 12 h, 6-fold higher after 24 h, 4-fold higher after 48 h, and approximately fivefold higher after 312 h compared with sample 2.

Conclusion. The results suggest different mechanisms controlling dye release in the evaluated sealants and support the need for further studies with an increased number of repetitions to confirm the findings statistically.

Relevance. Accurate diagnosis of benign parotid gland tumors is a critical clinical task that requires an individualized approach to exclude potential malignant transformation. From this perspective, obtaining morphological results appears more reliable with core needle biopsy than with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology. The accuracy of the preoperative diagnosis directly determines the extent of surgical intervention and, in turn, significantly influences treatment outcomes and patient prognosis.

Materials and methods. The study analyzed diagnostic and treatment outcomes in 127 patients with benign parotid gland neoplasms treated at the I. P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University and the N. N. Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital. The methodology of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of parotid gland tumors is described. Diagnostic concordance and discordance between fine-needle aspiration biopsy and core needle biopsy were evaluated against final postoperative histopathological findings in the cohort of 127 patients.

Results. In 88 cases, concordance between fine-needle aspiration biopsy and postoperative histopathological examination was observed in 73% of cases, discordance in 18%, and non-diagnostic results in 9%. Among 46 patients who underwent preoperative core needle biopsy, diagnostic concordance with postoperative histology was achieved in 83% of cases, discordance in 11%, and non-diagnostic results in 6%.

Conclusion. The study highlights key limitations of conventional diagnostic approaches to benign parotid gland neoplasms and presents multicenter clinical experience with ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy as an alternative method for diagnostic confirmation. In addition, practical recommendations for clinicians on the performance of this biopsy technique are provided.

Relevance. Profound physiological changes that begin during pregnancy and continue into the postpartum period may compromise oral health and increase susceptibility to the onset and progression of oral diseases, including dental and periodontal conditions. In this setting, individual oral hygiene is the most accessible—and potentially the most effective—preventive strategy for this patient group. Nevertheless, this area remains underexplored, and available preventive programs seldom address the specific needs of the postpartum period.

Materials and methods. A prospective study included 90 breastfeeding women examined one month postpartum. Participants were allocated to three groups: a control group and two intervention groups receiving structured oral hygiene programs tailored to conditions affecting the hard dental tissues and the periodontium. Oral health status was evaluated using a questionnaire and a comprehensive clinical examination, with assessment of the DMFT index, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), Plaque Index (PLI), Approximal Plaque Index (API), and Papillary–Marginal–Attached (PMA) index at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after program initiation.

Results. At baseline, a substantial proportion of participants reported halitosis (26%), intermittent gingival bleeding (60%), and increased tooth sensitivity (37%). Clinical examination confirmed a high caries experience in the postpartum period (DMFT = 11.44 ± 0.53) and poor oral hygiene. Against this background, implementation of structured oral hygiene programs resulted in a statistically significant improvement in oral hygiene and periodontal indices in the intervention groups compared with the control group.

Conclusion. The postpartum period may be accompanied by progression of oral diseases, including conditions affecting the hard dental tissues and the periodontium. Targeted optimization of oral hygiene practices, together with individualized selection of effective hygiene aids, can substantially reduce their clinical manifestations in postpartum women.

Relevance. Peri-implant soft tissue management remains a frequent clinical challenge in dental practice. Adequate thickness and width of keratinized peri-implant mucosa are essential for the long-term stability and functional performance of implant-supported prosthetic restorations. At present, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to conventional soft tissue grafting. The preparation of viable platelets with active growth factors requires the use of specialized collection tubes and a swing-bucket centrifuge.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of PRP therapy for peri-implant soft tissue remodeling.

Materials and methods. During the study period, 72 dental implants were placed in 56 patients, who were divided into two study groups. In Group 1, peri-implant soft tissue grafting was performed simultaneously with implant placement and healing abutment connection. In Group 2, platelet-rich plasma was administered via four intramucosal injections at peri-implant sites with soft tissue deficiency at weekly intervals. Intergroup comparisons of keratinized mucosa thickness and width were performed using the independent Student’s t-test. Changes in mucosal width were additionally analyzed using two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with group, measurement direction, and time as factors. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (M ± SD).

Results. Three months after implant placement, the thickness of keratinized peri-implant mucosa increased by 1.4 mm in Group 1 and by 1.1 mm in Group 2. The intergroup difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the vestibular direction, changes in keratinized mucosa width did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). In contrast, statistically significant differences were observed in the oral direction (p < 0.05). Although Group 1 demonstrated a greater increase in mucosal width, predominantly on the oral aspect, clinical examination revealed that peri-implant soft tissues in Group 2 appeared denser and more homogeneous.

Conclusion. PRP therapy represents an effective and minimally invasive alternative to surgical soft tissue augmentation, providing measurable increases in both the thickness and width of keratinized peri-implant mucosa. The observed improvement in soft tissue firmness suggests enhanced peri-implant mucosal integration; however, long-term clinical outcomes require further investigation. Despite a smaller increase in oral mucosal width compared with surgical grafting procedures, PRP therapy appears to promote the formation of a denser and potentially more stable peri-implant transmucosal seal.

Relevance. Dentofacial anomalies are among the most prevalent conditions in children and adolescents and may adversely affect quality of life, masticatory and speech function, as well as facial esthetics.

The aim of this study was to identify anthropometric characteristics of the dentofacial complex in children with hypodontia.

Materials and methods. The study included 60 children aged 6 to 12 years. All participants were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 30 patients with malocclusions. Group 2 included 30 patients with hypodontia combined with malocclusions. Considering differences in tooth morphology, functional relevance, and occlusal role, patients in Group 2 were further subdivided into two subgroups: the first subgroup comprised children with hypodontia of anterior teeth (incisors and canines), and the second subgroup included children with hypodontia of posterior teeth (premolars and molars). All patients underwent clinical examination and anthropometric analysis of diagnostic dental casts using the Nance, Pont, Korkhaus, and Bolton analyses. The prevalence of hypodontia among the examined patients, as well as the frequency of anthropometric characteristics of the dentofacial complex associated with hypodontia, were assessed.

Results. The prevalence of hypodontia was determined according to group distribution, localization of missing teeth, and the number of congenitally absent teeth.

Conclusion. The most frequently identified finding was hypodontia of the mandibular second premolars (33.3%). Hypodontia of maxillary and mandibular canines, mandibular first molars, and maxillary central incisors was not observed. In patients with hypodontia of incisors and canines, shortening of the anterior segments of the maxilla and mandible was most commonly detected (92%). In cases of premolar and molar hypodontia, tooth displacement and ectopic eruption were the predominant findings (75%). Thus, hypodontia is associated with a range of anthropometric characteristics of the dentofacial complex that affect the shape and dimensions of the dental arches.

Relevance. One of the promising approaches to the prevention of oral diseases involves the use of preventive toothpastes enriched with bioavailable essential minerals. However, the effectiveness of such formulations and their impact on salivary mineral balance in patients with concomitant systemic diseases remain insufficiently investigated.

Materials and methods. The effect of a preventive toothpaste enriched with macroand trace elements on changes in salivary concentrations of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) was evaluated in three groups of patients (25 individuals per group): (1) chronic kidney disease, (2) cardiovascular disease, and (3) gastrointestinal disorders. Saliva samples were analyzed using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace (KVANT.Z.1 spectrometer, Kortek, Russia). Measurements were performed at the following time points: before tooth brushing, immediately after brushing, and 5, 30, and 60 minutes postbrushing.

Results. Single use of the tested toothpaste resulted in statistically significant short-term alterations in the elemental composition of saliva, with patterns varying depending on the underlying systemic condition. The most pronounced statistically significant changes were observed for calcium and magnesium, as well as for the trace elements copper and zinc.

Conclusion. The findings indicate the importance of considering the patient’s systemic health status when selecting individual oral hygiene products.

Relevance. Oral rehabilitation of edentulous patients with dental implants is a well-established treatment modality. However, in the absence of adequate bone volume and favorable anatomical conditions, implant placement is not feasible, necessitating reconstructive bone augmentation procedures. Such procedures, although effective, are associated with a risk of iatrogenic complications. Therefore, the use of patient-specific reconstructive techniques based on fundamental anatomical principles and supported by advances in three-dimensional (3D) virtual planning technologies in dental surgery is of particular clinical relevance.

Clinical case description. This report illustrates the use of preoperative virtual planning and the technical aspects of three-dimensional reconstruction of the mandibular alveolar ridge using a patient-specific, anatomically contoured titanium mesh. The patient presented with partial edentulism in the region of teeth 35, 36, and 37 due to trauma, extraction, or localized periodontitis. Treatment comprised three stages: preoperative virtual planning with fabrication of a custom-made titanium mesh, the reconstructive surgical procedure, and removal of the mesh eight months postoperatively. Both the early and late postoperative periods were uneventful, with no signs of inflammation or exposure of the titanium mesh. Follow-up cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), together with clinical examination and probing, confirmed the formation of a stable, homogeneous augmented bone volume that improved the conditions for subsequent dental implant placement.

Conclusion. Patient-specific titanium meshes for mandibular oral reconstructive surgery should be designed with careful consideration of mandibular anatomy to minimize the risk of iatrogenic injury to neurovascular structures. The technique described in this case is characterized by technical simplicity, high clinical efficacy, anatomical precision, and applicability across a wide range of clinical situations.