ABSTRACT
Masticatory dysfunction caused by missing teeth impacts not only general health but also oral quality of life. Prevention and the rise of minimally invasive restorative dentistry have improved the oral health of the general population. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of dentists in the Bamako District regarding the production of fixed prostheses. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a two-month period, from August 4, 2023 to October 4, 2023. We included dentists in the Bamako District registered on the official list of the National Council of Dental Surgeons of Mali (ONCD) for the year 2023. The questionnaire was anonymous, and the data collected was confidential and stored in a secure location. The collected data were processed and entered using Word 2010 on Windows 7. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Males were the most common gender, with 78% of cases compared to 22% of cases, with a sex ratio of 3.5%. The 25-35 age group was the most common, with 71.7% of cases. During our study, 100% claimed to have knowledge of FP. Among our sample, 76.1% performed single-unit and multiple-unit fixed prostheses. This was followed by those who performed only single-unit fixed prostheses, with 15.2%. Among the crowns and prosthetic parts performed, CCC/CCM/CIV were the most common, with 45.7%. For 26.1% of participants, the choice of anchors was based on tooth anatomy, morphology, tooth group, and vitality. Alginate was the most used impression material for 67.4% of practitioners. This study shows that dentists need continuing education, especially in fixed prosthetics. It turned out that they were not at the same level of information, and that the majority presented insufficient knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the latter. As a result, prosthetic patient care is difficult and varies from one practitioner to another.

ABSTRACT
Tobacco smoking remains one of the most significant risk factors influencing the susceptibility to and progression of periodontal disease, as it adversely affects host immune response and compromises treatment outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) may exert biological effects on oral tissues comparable to those associated with conventional tobacco smoking. The use of ENDS has risen markedly in recent years, particularly among adolescents and current or former tobacco users. This growing prevalence underscores the urgent need to increase awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population regarding the risks associated with nicotine exposure and its potential impact on oral health. Tobacco use continues to represent a substantial global public health burden. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, highlighting their role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and discussing their implications for clinical management.

ABSTRACT
Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide, is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and osteogenic. When formulated as a hydrogel, chitosan can be used as a scaffold for the release of growth factors, drugs, and stem cells, promoting periodontal tissue regeneration. This article examines the mechanisms by which chitosan hydrogel facilitates periodontal regeneration and explores its potential in clinical applications.