Abstract

Natural dentin repair is a biologically mediated process that preserves tooth vitality through odontoblast activity and intracellular signaling pathways. This study employed a mixed methods design, combining laboratory experiments with descriptive analytical surveys of dentists in Egypt, to investigate the mechanisms of odontoblast differentiation and assess clinical knowledge and practices related to regenerative dentistry. Laboratory analyses included microscopic and molecular techniques to evaluate cellular signaling during dentin repair, while questionnaires were distributed to 100 dentists across public and private sectors. Data were analyzed using quantitative statistics, qualitative assessments, and integrative interpretation of laboratory and clinical findings. Results revealed significant positive correlations between dentists’ knowledge of intracellular signaling and their clinical practices, with Spearman correlation coefficients ranging from 0.52 to 0.65 (p = 0.01). A majority of respondents (80%) reported experience with mesenchymal stem cell therapy for craniofacial bone remodeling or dental tissue regeneration, and 70% observed improvements in bone density, while 65% reported enhanced dental tissue regeneration. Imaging studies were widely used, with 85% of participants undergoing radiographic or CT evaluations to monitor progress. Despite these encouraging outcomes, only 35% of dentists were familiar with molecular techniques targeting signaling pathways, and just 40% reported applying clinical strategies to enhance odontoblast differentiation. Notably, 75% expressed interest in specialized training to improve their knowledge and practices in regenerative dentistry. The study concludes that while theoretical awareness of dentin repair mechanisms is relatively strong, clinical application remains limited. Bridging this gap through structured training and evidence-based protocols will be essential for integrating molecular insights into routine dental practice, thereby improving dentin repair outcomes and long-term tooth vitality.

Abstract

Periodontal disease is a multifactorial condition characterized by chronic inflammation and progressive destruction of supporting tissues, with significant implications for oral health and systemic well-being. This study investigated the correlation between inflammatory responses and regenerative outcomes in periodontal supporting tissues, emphasizing the role of epigenetic regulation. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining clinical assessments, patient-reported outcomes, and molecular analyses. Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong associations between clinical indicators of inflammation and perceived regenerative improvements, underscoring the interplay between destructive and reparative processes. Demographic and lifestyle factors, including smoking and systemic health conditions, were found to influence variability in responses. Regenerative therapies demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of clinical attachment gain, alveolar bone support, and patient satisfaction. These findings highlight the importance of integrating epigenetic insights with clinical practice to develop personalized strategies for managing periodontal disease and enhancing tissue regeneration

Abstract

Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising approach for craniofacial bone remodeling and dental tissue regeneration. In this study, a mixed-methods design was employed, combining laboratory analyses with clinical data from 100 participants. Results demonstrated that 80% of respondents had received mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, with 70% reporting improvements in bone density and 65% noting enhanced dental tissue regeneration. Imaging tests confirmed progress in 85% of cases, while overall satisfaction with therapy outcomes was reported by 80–85% of participants. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between stem cell treatment and improvements in bone and dental tissues, with coefficients ranging from 0.60 to 0.70 (p < 0.01). Side effects were minimal, with only 20% reporting complications such as swelling or pain. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of stem cell-based interventions, highlighting both their efficacy and safety. The study concludes that stem cell therapy represents a viable and effective strategy for regenerative dentistry and craniofacial surgery, though larger multicenter trials are needed to standardize protocols and validate long-term outcomes.

While most pregnant women in Gharyan city demonstrated adequate oral health knowledge, gaps persist in

preventive practices, particularly regarding fluoride use and dental visits. Education level and dental visits

during pregnancy were significant determinants of knowledge. These findings highlight the need for targeted

oral health education programs and increased access to dental services for pregnant women to improve oral

health outcomes for both mothers and their infants.

Abstract

Complete dentures remain an essential treatment option for edentulous patients, especially in regions where implant-supported prostheses are limited. Successful prosthodontic outcomes require systematic execution of clinical steps, including patient examination, impression taking, custom tray fabrication, jaw relation recording, try-in, and post-insertion management. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of complete denture fabrication among fourth-year dental students. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among 37 students (94.9% response rate) enrolled in 2024 at the Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Gharyan University. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire covering patient assessment, primary and final impressions, custom tray design, jaw relation records, occlusal plane orientation, articulator use, try-in procedures, and post-insertion care, and analyzed descriptively.

All students (100%) reported performing histories, oral examinations, primary impressions with alginate, and centric relation registration. Knowledge gaps were observed in advanced procedures: 75.7% selected light-cure acrylic for custom trays, awareness of spacers, stops, and relief holes was limited, polyvinylsiloxane was the most frequently used final impression material (62.2%), yet 59.5% disinfected impressions improperly with water alone. None used a face bow or semi-adjustable articulators, relying solely on non-adjustable types. Students demonstrated solid foundational knowledge of basic procedures; however, deficiencies in custom tray design, post-palatal seal determination, impression disinfection, and articulator use indicate a need for enhanced clinical teaching and practical training to meet current prosthodontic standards.

Keywords. Complete Denture, Dental Students, Prosthodontics, Impression Technique.

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الملخص العربي الملف الوبائي والنسيجي المرضي ألورام الفم والرأس والرقبة في المعهد الوطني للسرطان: تحليل استعادي لمدة خمس سنوات )2020-2024) المقدمة ًرا في العالم، وتتمتع بمعدالت بقاء منخفضة تُعّد سرطانات الشفة وتجويف الفم من أكثر األورام الخبيثة انتشا على قيد الحياة رغم التقدم العالجي. في ليبيا، ال تزال البيانات الوبائية حول أورام الفم والرأس والرقبة محدودة. هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى توصيف الوضع الوبائي والنسيجي المرضي لهذه األورام على مدى خمس سنوات في المعهد الوطني للسرطان في صبراتة، من عام 2020 إلى عام 2024. ا جريت مراجعة بأثر رجعي لجميع حاالت السرطان والساركوما ال ُمثبتة نسيجيًا في تجويف الفم ُ لطريقة: أ والرأس والرقبة، والمسجلة في أرشيفات المعهد الوطني للسرطان. استُخلصت البيانات الديموغرافية للمرضى )اإلصدار 2.0.4 )Rالعمر والجنس(، وموقع الورم، والتشخيص النسيجي المرضي. ُحللت البيانات باستخدام لحساب متوسط العمر، وتوزيع الجنس، والتكرارات الخاصة بالموقع، والنسب السنوية ألورام الفم مقارنةً بإجمالي حاالت السرطان حالة سرطان ُمبل 48 حالة )59.0 )%منها ّ النتائج: من بين 152,8 غ عنها على مدار خمس سنوات، كانت أورا ًما فموية. تراوحت نسب األورام الفموية السنوية بين 34.0 %عام 2020 و83.0 %عام 2023 .تألفت ذكًر 58 )%و20 أنثى )42 ،)%بنسبة ذكور إلى إناث بلغت 1:4.1 .كان متوسط عمر المجموعة من 28 ا ) عا ًما(. كان اللسان أكثر المناطق تأث ًر )5.42 ،)%يليه الفك العلوي المرضى 2.54 عا ًما )النطاق: 12-89 ا )15 )%والبلعوم األنفي )5.12 .)%شكّل سرطان الخاليا الحرشفية )%69) SCC من الحاالت، وسرطان الغدد 19 ،%والساركوما 12 .%ومن بين حاالت سرطان الخاليا الحرشفية، بلغت نسبة الذكور 55 .% االستنتاج: شكلت أورام الفم والرأس والرقبة أقل من 1 %من جميع حاالت السرطان في المعهد الوطني للسرطان خالل الفترة 2020-2024 ،حيث أصابت بشكل رئيسي كبار السن من الذكور، وغالبًا ما شملت سرطان الخاليا الحرشفية اللسان. تؤكد هذه النتائج على ضرورة إجراء فحص ُمستهدف في المواقع التشريحية والفئات الديموغرافية عالية الخطورة. ينبغي أن تُدمج الدراسات المستقبلية عوامل الخطر السلوكية والبيئية لتوجيه استراتيجيات الوقاية والكشف المبكر. الكلمات المفتاحية: أورام الفم - سرطان الرأس والرقبة - سرطان الخاليا الحرشفية - التحليل بأثر رجعي - علم الاوبئة

Abstract Background: Cancers of the lip and oral cavity rank among the world’s most prevalent malignancies and carry poor survival rates despite therapeutic advances. In Libya, epidemiological data on oral and head‐and‐neck tumors remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the five‐year epidemiological and histopathological profile of these tumors at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Sabratha, from 2020 to 2024. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all histologically confirmed carcinomas and sarcomas of the oral cavity, head, and neck recorded in the NCI archives. Patient demographics (age, sex), tumor site, and histopathologic diagnosis were extracted. Data were analyzed using R (v4.0.2) to calculate mean age, gender distribution, site‐specific frequencies, and annual proportions of oral tumors relative to total cancer cases. Results: Among 8,152 cancer cases reported over five years, 48 (0.59%) were oral tumors. Annual oral tumor proportions ranged from 0.34% in 2020 to 0.83% in 2023. The cohort comprised 28 males (58%) and 20 females (42%), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. The mean patient age was 54.2 years (range: 12–89). The tongue was the most affected site (42.5%), followed by maxilla (15%) and nasopharynx (12.5%). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) constituted 69% of cases, adenocarcinoma 19%, and sarcoma 12%. Among SCCs, 55% occurred in males. Conclusion: Oral and head‐and‐neck tumors comprised less than 1% of all cancers at NCI during 2020–2024, predominantly affecting older males and most frequently involving the tongue as SCC. These findings underscore the need for targeted screening in high‐risk anatomical sites and demographic groups. Future studies should integrate behavioral and environmental risk factors to inform prevention and early‐detection strategies. Keywords:)Oral Tumors-Head-and-neck cancer-Squamous cell carcinomaRetrospective analysis-Epidemiology(

Abstract 

Dental caries is a widespread infectious disease influenced by bacterial activity, dietary factors, and host 

susceptibility. Community water fluoridation has been a key public health measure for caries prevention, 

particularly in children. The optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water (0.7 mg/L) balances caries 

reduction with minimal fluorosis risk. This study assessed fluoride levels in drinking water and their 

correlation with dental caries in primary school children in Gharyan, Libya. A cross-sectional study was 

conducted on 350 children (aged 7–10 years) from urban and rural schools in Gharyan. Water samples from 

five stores and one groundwater source were analyzed for fluoride concentration using an ion-selective 

electrode. Dental caries was assessed using the dmft/DMFT index. Fluoride levels in water stores were 

negligible (0.0–0.1 mg/L), while unfiltered groundwater exhibited high concentrations (6.0–7.0 mg/L), 

exceeding WHO guidelines (1.5 mg/L). The low fluoride availability in most drinking sources suggests 

limited caries-preventive effects from water fluoridation in this region. The study highlights insufficient 

fluoride exposure in Gharyan’s public water supply, potentially contributing to higher caries prevalence. 

Further research is needed to evaluate alternative fluoride delivery methods and assess groundwater safety 

to optimize oral health outcomes.

Keywords. Fluoride Concentration, Drinking Water, Dental Caries, Primary School.

Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate the levels of TNF-α in serum and gingival crevicular fluid, in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), before and after phase I therapy with subgingival delivery of Hyaluronic acid (Gengigel Gel). A total of thirty subjects were included in this study; 20 CP patients as a study group (group I) and 10 systemically healthy subjects with clinically healthy gingiva as a control group (group II). The nonsurgical periodontal therapy (SRP) + HA gel were done in group I. Periodontal parameters, including PI, GI, BOP, PD and the CAL, were recorded. GCF and serum were collected from all individuals included in the study; the first sample was collected from all groups (study and control) before treatment. The second sample was collected 4 weeks after subgingival delivery of Hyaluronic acid & phase I therapy from group I. Levels of TNF-α in GCF and serum were quantified using ELISA. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in total levels of TNF-α in serum and TNF-α in GCF in study group after application of Hyaluronic acid with phase I therapy. Results also showed all clinical parameters were significantly improved after application of Hyaluronic acid with phase I therapy in groups I (p<0.001). Scaling and root planing (SRP) is the mainstay of treatment of periodontal diseases, furthermore subgingival application of Hyaluronic acid gel with SRP were effective in improving clinical parameters in CP patients. TNF-α level in serum and GCF are reduced after phase I therapy with application of Hyaluronic acid.