ABSTRACT
Management of anterior tooth fractures has progressively shifted toward minimally invasive strategies that preserve sound dental tissues while achieving optimal esthetic outcomes. When traumatic injuries are associated with enamel defects and gingival pigmentation, successful rehabilitation requires a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach addressing both dental and soft-tissue esthetics. A 22-year-old woman presented with esthetic concerns following trauma to the maxillary anterior region. Clinical examination revealed an uncomplicated enamel–dentin fracture of the maxillary right central incisor (tooth 11), enamel hypomineralization affecting both central incisors, and physiological gingival hyperpigmentation. A staged multidisciplinary treatment protocol was implemented. The fractured tooth was initially restored with a direct composite resin as a provisional restoration. Enamel microabrasion was subsequently performed to eliminate superficial hypomineralization defects and improve color uniformity. Gingival depigmentation using a rotary diamond bur was then carried out to optimize the appearance of the gingival tissues before definitive restoration. Finally, a lithium disilicate partial ceramic veneer was fabricated using a digital workflow and adhesively bonded following conventional hydrofluoric acid etching, silanization, and adhesive cementation protocols. The sequential therapeutic approach resulted in excellent integration of the restoration with the adjacent dentition and surrounding gingival tissues while preserving maximum sound enamel. The patient expressed high satisfaction with the esthetic outcome, which included improved tooth morphology, color harmony, and gingival appearance. This case illustrates that combining enamel microabrasion, gingival depigmentation, and adhesive rehabilitation with a lithium disilicate partial ceramic veneer provides a conservative and predictable treatment option for complex anterior esthetic rehabilitation. Careful t

ABSTRACT
Background: Oral cancer (OC) is a major global health concern, with squamous cell carcinoma accounting for more than 90% of cases. Major risk factors include tobacco and alcohol consumption, while other factors such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and prolonged sun exposure may also contribute. This study aimed to assess oral cancer awareness among the general population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 474 participants. A structured questionnaire collected demographic information and assessed awareness using 14 knowledge-based items covering risk factors, warning signs, disease progression and early detection, and prevention. Awareness was categorized as low (0–6), moderate (7–10), or high (11–14). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Chi-square and independent-samples t-tests were used, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Ministry of Health in the Tabuk Region (TU-077/026/400). Results: Overall oral cancer awareness was generally high, with nearly three-quarters of participants classified as having high awareness. Knowledge was particularly strong regarding tobacco-related risks, early detection, and preventive measures. However, lower awareness was observed for alcohol consumption (72.9%), HPV infection (53.5%), and prolonged sun exposure as a risk factor for lip cancer (42.9%). Knowledge gaps were also identified regarding red or white oral lesions. Previous familiarity with oral cancer was significantly associated with greater knowledge, whereas age and gender were not significantly associated with overall awareness. Conclusion: Participants demonstrated generally high oral cancer awareness. Continued community education should emphasize less-recognized risk factors, warning signs, prevention, and the importance of early detection.

ABSTRACT
Periodontal surgery is widely used in dentistry to treat periodontal conditions and restore oral health. Biomolecules have been incorporated into periodontal procedures to promote healing and tissue regeneration. The EPX® Biomolecule is a nanostructure composed of chitosan, graphene, thymol, and metals, including colloidal silver nanoparticles, with potential regenerative, healing, and antiseptic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of soft tissue healing following periodontal surgery assisted by EPX® Biomolecule in its pharmaceutical form as a surgical gel. An experimental Phase I clinical trial was conducted in 45 patients undergoing periodontal surgery at the University Polyclinic of the Mexicali School of Dentistry, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexico, from February 2024 to May 2025. Following informed consent, EPX® Biomolecule surgical gel was applied intraoperatively. Healing was assessed using the Early Wound Healing Score (EHS) at 7, 14, and 28 days and compared with a control group of 45 patients treated with 0.12% chlorhexidine and selected based on procedural similarity. All patients demonstrated favorable postoperative soft tissue healing. At 7 days, the EPX® Biomolecule group showed significantly better re-epithelialization, inflammation, and overall EHS outcomes than the control group; at 14 days, a significant difference remained only for re-epithelialization, while no significant differences were observed at 28 days. No adverse reactions associated with the topical intraoperative application of EPX® Biomolecule were observed.