Relevance. Despite sustained research interest, the prevention of regressive changes associated with the absence of mechanical stimuli for bone remodeling and inflammatory alveolar ridge resorption continues to present a clinical challenge. Current alveolar ridge preservation protocols rely predominantly on xenogeneic and alloplastic biomaterials to support new mineralized tissue formation. However, the quality of the regenerated tissue remains suboptimal. High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid has therefore been proposed as a bioactive adjunct because of its role in cell signaling, extracellular matrix formation, and the regulation of bone growth and mineralization. Objective: To evaluate the additional beneficial effect of exogenous hyaluronic acid combined with osteoconductive biomaterials on alveolar ridge defect repair.

Materials and methods. A targeted literature search based on predefined keywords and eligibility criteria was conducted for studies published between 2014 and 2025 in the PubMed/MEDLINE, CyberLeninka, and eLIBRARY databases. Study identification, screening, and selection were performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The risk of bias in the four randomized controlled trials included in the review was assessed using the RoB 2.0 tool. Statistical analysis and data visualization were performed using the DeepSeek large language model (LLM), which generated Python code for the meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (Cohen’s d) were calculated, pooled effect estimates were derived using a DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model, heterogeneity was assessed using I2, and forest and funnel plots were generated. All LLM-assisted outputs were verified at each stage of the analysis.

Results. The meta-analysis showed that exogenous hyaluronic acid had a statistically significant positive effect on new bone formation and significantly reduced the proportion of residual nonresorbed osteoconductive particles compared with the control group (p = 0.0035, 95% CI [0.275, 1.404] and p = 0.0001, 95% CI [−1.615, −0.547], respectively). In contrast, the percentage area of connective tissue structures/bone marrow spaces within alveolar ridge repair sites showed no significant effect of the bioactive polymer on new tissue modeling (p = 0.1881, 95% CI [−0.248, 1.263]). All assessed bone substitution outcome parameters showed a high degree of heterogeneity (I2 = 94.9%, 92.6%, and 96.7%, respectively). The main limitations of this meta-analysis include the small number of relevant studies, differences in study design, materials, and treatment protocols, wide variation in follow-up periods, and, more importantly, heterogeneity in the methods used to assess and interpret morphological outcomes, including histological and histomorphometric parameters.

Conclusion. High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid exerts an additional beneficial effect on reparative remodeling of the alveolar ridge. The findings of this meta-analysis emphasize the importance of standardized outcome assessment protocols and the need for further studies to better define the outcomes of reconstructive procedures using more robust and objective evaluation measures.

Relevance. This review examines current evidence on COVID-19–related changes in the oral microbiota. SARS-CoV-2 may affect the composition of the oral microbial community, contributing to dysbiosis and the development of inflammatory changes. Accordingly, alterations in the oral microbiome may serve as potential biomarkers of susceptibility to infection and disease severity. Previous studies have shown that patients who have recovered from COVID-19 exhibit a significant reduction in salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels compared with individuals without a history of the disease. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the impact of coronavirus infection on oral microecology and for the development of appropriate clinical recommendations.

Materials and methods. A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, eLIBRARY.ru, and Google Scholar databases using Russianand English-language keywords, including “microflora”, “oral cavity”, “COVID”, “coronavirus”, “oral microbiota”, and “COVID-19”. The review covered publications from 2002 to 2024, with particular emphasis on studies published since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that focused on xerostomia and oral diseases. Additional manual searches were conducted in relevant journals and reference lists. Study selection and data analysis were carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Original research articles, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses with full-text availability and clearly described methodologies were included, provided they examined the role of the oral microbiota in COVID-19 and its clinical manifestations. Studies without data on oral microbiota, unrelated to COVID-19, lacking full-text access, or containing duplicate data were excluded.

Results. Recent studies indicate that COVID-19 is is associated with oral pathological changes and disruption of the oral microbiota. An increase in opportunistic microorganisms, including Streptococcus, Prevotella, and Aggregatibacter, has been reported, alongside a reduction in beneficial microbial species. Alterations have also been observed in the fungal component of the microbiome, with decreased abundance of Candida and Saccharomyces spp. ertain microorganisms, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, may exacerbate disease severity by increasing ACE2 expression and promoting inflammatory responses. COVID-19–related changes in the oral microbiota and oral mucosal tissues not only compromise oral health but may also contribute to greater disease severity. In this context, oral microorganisms are increasingly regarded as potential biomarkers for infection diagnosis and monitoring.

Conclusion. Alterations in the oral microbiota are not considered primary manifestations of COVID-19 and are largely attributable to medication-related effects. Nevertheless, COVID-19 can modify salivary composition and disrupt the oral microbiome, potentially contributing to the development of oral diseases and influencing disease progression. Certain bacterial species may enhance infection (e.g., Fusobacterium nucleatum), whereas others may exhibit inhibitory effects (e.g., Porphyromonas gingivalis). Overall, the oral microbiome may serve both as an indicator of COVID-19 severity and as an active participant in its pathogenesis. 

Relevance. This study aimed to compare different dental implant systems in light of previously reported spontaneous and load-induced release of nanoand microparticles from implant surfaces. Despite the use of various surface treatment methods and titanium-based alloys in the manufacture of certified medical devices, inflammatory complications such as peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis may still occur. In addition, delayed degradation of the implant surface may occur even after successful osseointegration. These findings underscore the need to develop improved alloys and surface coatings and to further investigate the causes of inflammatory complications associated with dental implants.

Materials and methods. The stability of the surface oxide layer was evaluated in six dental implant systems: Astra Tech (Austria), Neobiotech (Korea), Nobel Replace (Switzerland), Alpha Bio (Israel), Straumann (Switzerland), and Dental Synthesis (Russia). The analysis was performed using advanced techniques, including X-ray microtomography, X-ray fluorescence analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering.

Results. The carbon coating applied to domestically manufactured Dental Synthesis implants to reduce metallic nanoparticle release remained effective under mechanical loading.

Conclusion. This laboratory study provided a basis for further investigation of the long-term clinical performance of these dental implant systems.

Relevance. Oral mucositis is one of the earliest and most common complications of chemotherapy. It adversely affects patients’ quality of life and may limit the delivery of anticancer treatment. The reported incidence of oral mucositis is 30-40%. Any cytotoxic agent may potentially induce mucositis. Patients with oral mucositis may experience severe pain, dysphagia, altered taste perception, weight loss, and secondary infections. In severe cases, oral mucositis may lead to poor adherence to treatment or become a dose-limiting toxicity requiring modification or interruption of therapy. Objective. To review current approaches to the treatment and prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis based on published evidence.

Materials and methods. To achieve this objective, a targeted literature review was conducted using the following search terms: oral mucositis, chemotherapy side effects, oral mucositis treatment, and oral mucositis prevention. A total of 2,999 records were identified through searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, NCBI, eLIBRARY.RU, CyberLeninka, Google Scholar, and Crossref. Based on the eligibility criteria, 60 publications reporting on the treatment and prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis were included in the analysis. The review methodology was consistent with PRISMA standards for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Results. In 2020, MASCC/ISOO published clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis, grouping interventions into the following categories: basic oral care, anti-inflammatory agents, photobiomodulation, cryotherapy, antimicrobial and analgesic agents, growth factors and cytokines, and natural agents. However, despite the broad range of available interventions, existing treatment protocols do not consistently demonstrate sufficient clinical effectiveness.

Conclusion. Further research is needed to improve the effectiveness of oral mucositis treatment, develop innovative therapeutic approaches, and improve interdisciplinary collaboration.

Relevance. The DMFT index remains the principal epidemiological measure of caries experience. However, as a summary measure, it does not capture the spatial distribution of lesions within the dentition, including their location, symmetry, or complex patterns across individual teeth and tooth groups. Although numerous meta-analyses based on large cohorts have demonstrated links between oral and systemic health, few studies have used detailed dental variables derived from individual teeth and tooth groups to identify such associations. Conventional statistical methods based on pairwise linear associations may therefore be insufficient to detect nonlinear and contextdependent patterns. Objective: To systematically evaluate the ability of conventional statistical methods to detect clinically meaningful associations between detailed dental variables and systemic health indicators, in comparison with large language models (LLMs).

Materials and methods. An original digital medical questionnaire was developed, comprising 133 fields across 9 modules, and implemented on the Amvera Cloud (Yandex) platform. A total of 127 consecutive patients were examined at Vident Company LLC (St. Petersburg). Based on the dental chart (32 teeth × 4 statuses) and medical history data, 121 derived variables were generated across 11 categories. More than 2,420 pairwise tests were performed using Bonferroni correction and Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate control (q = 0.05). De-identified data were then uploaded to a large language model to explore nonlinear patterns.

Results. Neither the Mann-Whitney U test (1,815 tests) nor point-biserial correlation identified any significant associations. Logistic regression based on 12 dental variables yielded an AUC of 0.43-0.61. Adding dental variables to age did not improve predictive performance (ΔAUC = -0.15 to +0.02). Of 25 prespecified clinical hypotheses, only 2 were confirmed (8%), a proportion comparable to the expected false-positive rate. In contrast, the large language model identified four nonlinear patterns in the same dataset: a threshold effect of smoking (ρpart = 0.228, p = 0.010, despite the absence of a significant linear association, p = 0.653), a context-dependent association between asymmetry in missing teeth, cardiovascular disease, and anticoagulant use, a nonlinear comorbidity threshold at an M/F ratio > 1.0, and clinically interpretable clusters.

Conclusion. Conventional linear statistical methods appear insufficient for detecting clinically meaningful associations between specific dental patterns and systemic health indicators. These findings support the development of specialized neural network models capable of processing the dental chart as a spatial structure and identifying multifactorial nonlinear patterns.

Relevance. Selecting appropriate methods for analyzing masticatory muscle electromyograms remains an important issue in functional dentistry, as these methods enable objective assessment of electromyographic activity during therapeutic and preventive interventions and can serve as indicators of treatment effectiveness. Objective. To conduct a comparative analysis of methods for identifying chewing patterns during different chewing tests in patients with normal occlusion of the permanent dentition.

Materials and methods. Electromyographic recordings from 12 patients aged 16–20 years were analyzed using the Synapsis system. Chewing patterns were assessed using standard functional tests, including habitual chewing, clenching on cotton rolls, and graded clenching. Parameters were evaluated separately for the right and left sides. The EMG software enabled real-time assessment of maximum and mean amplitude values, automatic calculation of the torsional index and the masseteric index (an intermuscular balance index), and evaluation of the bilateral symmetry of temporalis and masseter muscle activity.

Results. During the habitual chewing test, the mean summed amplitude of the temporalis muscles was 449.86 ± 18.35 μV, whereas that of the masseter muscles was 424.19 ± 17.56 μV. The masseteric index was 94.42 ± 2.87%, which was within the normal range. The study showed that individuals with a mesocephalic pattern, an average facial growth pattern, and normal occlusion typically exhibited a balanced chewing pattern, with the masseteric index ranging from 80% to 100% during habitual chewing, clenching on cotton rolls, and graded clenching. In contrast, during unilateral chewing tests, EMG activity was not a decisive indicator of chewing pattern. However, these parameters may be useful in the evaluation of patients with unilateral dental arch defects during prosthetic treatment or in those with transverse malocclusion.

Conclusion. In patients with normal occlusion of the permanent dentition, habitual chewing, clenching on cotton rolls, and graded clenching appear to be the most informative tests for identifying chewing patterns, whereas unilateral chewing tests produce inconsistent results.

Relevance. Xerostomia is a pathological condition that accelerates biofilm formation, promotes the growth of pathogenic microflora, and slows periodontal tissue regeneration. Various oral hygiene products have been proposed for the prevention and management of xerostomia, including toothpaste formulated with Mucosa Protection Pro System (MPPS) technology, which helps maintain mucosal hydration, gently stimulate salivary flow, and reduce pathogenic bacterial adhesion. Objective: To comparatively evaluate the clinical efficacy of incorporating MPPS-based oral hygiene products into an individualized oral hygiene protocol for patients with xerostomia associated with periodontitis.

Materials and methods. A total of 143 patients aged 35–72 years with periodontitis were evaluated using questionnaires, clinical and anamnestic assessment, and salivary flow measurement according to the method of M. Pozharitskaya. Oral hygiene status was assessed using the OHI-S and PHP indices at baseline and at 1 and 3 months. In the second stage, the efficacy of comprehensive therapy was evaluated in patients with periodontitis and xerostomia who were randomly assigned either to the main group, whose oral hygiene regimen included MPPS-based toothpaste, or to the control group. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Quantitative variables are presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (M ± m). The significance of betweengroup differences was assessed according to data distribution: Student’s t test was used for normally distributed variables, whereas the Mann–Whitney U test was applied otherwise. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Results. Signs of xerostomia were identified by sialometry in 61 of the 143 patients examined. The mean unstimulated whole salivary flow rate was 0.170 ± 0.011 mL/min. In patients with chronic generalized periodontitis and xerostomia, follow-up assessment showed that inclusion of MPPS-based oral hygiene products in the individualized oral hygiene regimen was associated with improved oral hygiene status and increased salivary flow. In the main group, by month 3 the mean whole salivary flow rate had reached normal values, increasing from 0.210 ± 0.008 mL/min at baseline to 0.360 ± 0.009 mL/min, whereas in the control group it remained unchanged at 0.210 ± 0.008 mL/min.

Conclusion. Xerostomia in patients with periodontitis is a clinically significant condition requiring targeted management. Comprehensive periodontal therapy combined with measures aimed at correcting xerostomia and individualized selection of oral hygiene products contributes to stabilization of the periodontal condition and improvement in patients’ quality of life.

Relevance. Orthodontic treatment is in high demand in contemporary clinical practice, particularly during periods of active growth in children. However, it is often complicated by inadequate oral hygiene and inflammation of the periodontal tissues. Excessive plaque accumulation on orthodontic appliances promotes colonization by periodontal pathogens, thereby sustaining the inflammatory response.

Materials and methods. Thirty children undergoing orthodontic treatment were examined and stratified into the following age groups: 6–12, 12–14, and 17–18 years. Oral hygiene indices and periodontal tissue status were assessed, and the microbiological composition of oral fluid was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results. Children aged 6–12 years showed a significantly higher prevalence of red complex periodontal pathogens and a significantly greater degree of periodontal the older age groups (p < 0.05). In adolescents aged 12–14 years, microbial pathogenicity was lower; however, indexbased assessment indicated a moderate degree of periodontal inflammation and a need for professional oral hygiene measures. Patients aged 17–18 years demonstrated significantly more favorable periodontal tissue parameters than the younger age groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion. Orthodontic treatment in children is associated with periodontal inflammation, excessive plaque accumulation, and elevated levels of periodontal pathogens and Candida spp. in oral fluid. Periodontal tissue status improves with age, and the signs of gingival inflammation become less pronounced.

Relevance. Oral diseases are the most common noncommunicable conditions worldwide, affecting more than 3.7 billion people. Dental training remains largely treatment-centered, with less emphasis on prevention, which may limit future clinicians’ ability to promote disease prevention in routine practice. This highlights the need to strengthen preventionoriented components in dental education. In the present study, artificial intelligence (AI) was integrated into the educational process as a tool for monitoring oral hygiene status over time. AI-assisted assessment can improve diagnostic consistency, reduce subjectivity, and support a more standardized evaluation of oral hygiene, thereby enhancing both assessment quality and clinical training. Objective: To use an AI-based oral hygiene assessment system to evaluate the relationship between dental education and personal oral hygiene among dental and pediatric students, and to develop preventive recommendations to be integrated into educational programs.

Materials and methods. Oral hygiene status was assessed using a standardized photographic protocol and AI-assisted dental plaque analysis. The AI system was used to determine the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), the Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) index, the Approximal Plaque Index (API), and the percentage of plaque-covered tooth surfaces. AI improves diagnostic objectivity and standardizes the assessment of oral hygiene status, thereby increasing diagnostic accuracy and enhancing specialist training. Students also completed a questionnaire designed to evaluate their knowledge and oral hygiene practices.

Results. In fifth-year dental students (n = 37), the mean plaque level was 13.45 ± 6.16%, the mean OHI-S score was 0.66 ± 0.42, the mean PHP score was 1.37 ± 0.59, and the mean API was 53.34 ± 18.99%. In first-year dental students (n = 49), the corresponding values were 17.46 ± 7.55%, 1.33 ± 0.54, 1.74 ± 0.81, and 72.01 ± 1.00%, respectively. In pediatric students (n = 54), the mean plaque level was 14.4 ± 1.46%, the mean OHI-S score was 0.77 ± 0.25, the mean PHP score was 1.45 ± 0.42, and the mean API was 56.35 ± 13.27%. According to the questionnaire data, 80% of students brushed their teeth twice daily. Fifth-year students were more likely than first-year students to use additional oral hygiene aids such as dental floss and oral irrigators.

Conclusion. None of the groups achieved optimal oral hygiene index values. Fifth-year dental students demonstrated oral hygiene levels broadly comparable to those observed in first-year dental students and students of the pediatric faculty. This may indicate insufficient commitment to disease prevention among future dentists, as they do not consistently model high standards of personal oral hygiene. The results point to the need to reconsider current educational approaches and to place greater emphasis on motivating students to adopt preventive behaviors in their own daily practice.

Relevance. The diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms remains one of the most challenging problems in oral and maxillofacial surgery because of the marked histological diversity of these tumors and the lack of pathognomonic clinical features at early stages. This issue is further aggravated by the increasing incidence of salivary gland tumors. Among benign salivary gland neoplasms, Warthin tumor (adenolymphoma) consistently ranks second in frequency. The present clinical case highlights long-term tobacco smoking as an important modifiable risk factor for the development of this tumor.

Description of a clinical case. A 57-year-old man presented with a slowly enlarging mass on the right lateral aspect of the neck, which he had first noticed approximately three years earlier. His medical history was notable for long-term tobacco smoking for more than 20 years, with a consumption of one pack of cigarettes per day. Physical examination revealed a painless, firm-elastic mass measuring approximately 4 × 3 × 6 cm and mobile relative to the surrounding tissues. Comprehensive evaluation, including neck ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, identified a well-circumscribed lesion closely adjacent to the inferior pole of the parotid gland. The diagnosis was established by core needle biopsy. Histological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed cystadenoma with characteristic lymphoid stroma. The patient underwent radical surgical excision of the tumor. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the wound healed by primary intention. Gross examination demonstrated a cystic tumor enclosed by a fibrous capsule. Microscopic examination showed that the cystic cavity was lined by bilayered oncocytic epithelium forming branching papillary projections into the cyst lumen. Dense lymphoid infiltrates with well-formed germinal centers were identified within the fibrous wall of the tumor. Final histopathological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of Warthin tumor. The histological findings were consistent with the classic microscopic features of Warthin tumor.

Conclusion. This clinical case illustrates the classic presentation and clinical course of Warthin tumor. It underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach integrating modern imaging modalities with mandatory morphologic verification, which remains the gold standard for confirming such lesions. The case also highlights the well-established association between long-term tobacco smoking and the development of this tumor, emphasizing the need for thorough history taking and active patient counseling on smoking cessation for both primary prevention and reduction of recurrence risk.

Relevance. Cemento-osseous dysplasia is a benign fibro-osseous lesion of the jaws that is often asymptomatic and may be mistaken for apical periodontitis. Misdiagnosis may lead to unnecessary treatment. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) plays an important role in the diagnosis of this condition and in its differential diagnosis from other periapical lesions.

Description of the clinical case. This report describes a clinical case of a localized cemento-osseous lesion in the anterior mandible, with imaging findings consistent with cemento-osseous dysplasia. The diagnostic workup was based on CBCT and digital intraoral radiography. Radiographic features of the lesion were evaluated, and the differential diagnosis included other fibro-osseous lesions and apical periodontitis, taking into account previous iatrogenic intervention associated with dental implant placement. The case highlights the importance of careful interpretation of CBCT and intraoral radiographs in identifying both typical and atypical features of cemento-osseous dysplasia.

Conclusion. CBCT plays a key role in the diagnosis of cemento-osseous dysplasia and in treatment planning, helping to avoid unnecessary endodontic or surgical intervention. This case illustrates a practical imaging-based approach to the differential diagnosis of cemento-osseous dysplasia.