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.

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
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
This article explores the convergence between orthodontics and bioengineering, highlighting key advances in the use of biomaterials and technologies that are transforming orthodontic treatment. This review focuses on the innovative use of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in invisible aligners highlighting its exceptional mechanical properties and addresses current challenges by proposing solutions focused on patient comfort, oral hygiene and preventing microbial proliferation. Regarding the latter, the contribution of nanotechnology is mentioned through the use of functionalized nanoparticles on the surface of the aligners, which could reduce the probability of oral bacterial infections. It also mentions how orthodontic archwires could be improved in anticipation of a future where orthodontics becomes more personalized and efficient. Undoubtedly, bioengineering and odontology are driving innovations together that will improve patients' quality of life.

ABSTRACT
In elderly patients who have worn complete dentures for many years, preservation of favourable denture characteristics using the copy denture technique can facilitate neuromuscular adaptation. Combining a maxillary copy denture with a conventionally fabricated mandibular complete denture technique may restore occlusal vertical dimension, facial support, function, and patient satisfaction in patients with advanced mandibular ridge resorption. Long-term use of complete dentures frequently results in occlusal wear, reduction of the occlusal vertical dimension, loss of facial support, and progressive residual ridge resorption. Replacing these dentures using conventional techniques alone may require substantial patient adaptation, particularly in elderly individuals who have developed neuromuscular accommodation to their existing prostheses. This case report describes the rehabilitation of a 76-year-old completely edentulous man who had worn complete dentures for over 30 years. Clinical examination revealed severe occlusal wear, decreased occlusal vertical dimension, and a Cawood and Howell Class V mandibular residual ridge. A maxillary copy denture technique was selected to preserve acceptable tooth arrangement and polished surface contours, while a new mandibular denture was fabricated conventionally to optimize tissue adaptation and support. Following insertion, the patient demonstrated improved facial appearance, lip support, retention, mastication, speech, and overall satisfaction. This case illustrates that combining copy denture and conventional techniques is an effective patient-centered approach for managing elderly edentulous patients with severe mandibular ridge resorption.

ABSTRACT
Access to oral healthcare remains a significant challenge for vulnerable populations due to social, economic, geographic, and cultural barriers that limit the availability and utilization of dental services. In response to these challenges, the Faculty of Dentistry Mexicali of the Autonomous University of Baja California developed the Friendly Dental Services Program, a university-based community oral health model designed to promote equitable access to oral healthcare through a people-centered, inclusive, and community-oriented approach. The program integrates oral health promotion, disease prevention, clinical care, referral systems, community participation, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a framework grounded in human rights, social inclusion, interculturality, and health equity. Through the operation of a Mobile Dental Unit and the establishment of collaborative partnerships with governmental institutions, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders, the program seeks to extend oral healthcare services beyond traditional clinical settings and reach populations facing barriers to care. The operational framework consists of six phases: health promotion and education, community and clinical assessment, primary dental intervention, referral and secondary care, clinical and community follow-up, and program evaluation. In addition to improving access to oral healthcare, the program contributes to professional training, community engagement, and the development of sustainable strategies aimed at reducing oral health disparities. This article describes the development, implementation, and operational structure of the Friendly Dental Services Program as a university-based model for community oral healthcare. The experience highlights the potential role of higher education institutions in promoting oral health equity, social inclusion, and community well-being through accessible and culturally sensitive dental services.

ABSTRACT
Background: Dental wear is a multifactorial condition characterized by the progressive and irreversible loss of dental hard tissues due to attrition, abrasion, erosion, or a combination of these processes. Although commonly associated with aging, increasing evidence suggests that dental wear may have important consequences beyond structural tooth loss, affecting oral function, aesthetics, and overall well-being. Objective: To review the available scientific evidence regarding the relationship between dental wear and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adult populations and to discuss its clinical implications for patient-centered dental care. Review Findings: Current evidence indicates that dental wear may negatively influence multiple dimensions of oral health-related quality of life. Functional limitations, dentin hypersensitivity, masticatory difficulties, aesthetic concerns, and psychological discomfort have been identified as factors that may affect patients' perceptions of oral health and well-being. Patient-reported outcome measures, particularly the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), have become valuable tools for assessing the broader impact of dental wear beyond traditional clinical indicators. Conclusion: Dental wear should be recognized not only as a clinical condition involving the loss of dental tissues but also as a factor that may influence quality of life. The incorporation of patient-centered assessments into routine dental practice may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of dental wear and support preventive and therapeutic strategies aimed at improving oral health outcomes and overall well-being.