INTRODUCTION: Radon gas, a significant natural source of ionizing radiation, is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. This highlights the need for radon protection measures and awareness among healthcare professionals. This study aimed to compare the awareness and knowledge levels of dental students at different stages of their undergraduate education regarding radon's health hazards.
METHODS: 2nd- and 3rd-year dental students participated in the study. A 21-question survey assessed demographic data, general knowledge of radon, its health effects, and awareness and attitudes toward radon exposure. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and chi-square tests (p<0.05).
RESULTS: The two groups were homogeneously distributed. A significant difference in correct response rates was observed between the groups (p<0.05). 3rd-year students, who had received radon education, had a 55% correct response rate, compared to 11% among 2nd-year students, who had not yet received education (p<0.05). No significant gender-based difference was found in correct response rates (p>0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Third-year students demonstrated higher radon knowledge and awareness levels than second-year students. Expanding radon education across all levels of dental programs through curriculum enhancements could improve awareness among future healthcare professionals.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the amount of displacement of endodontically treated molar teeth after tooth preparation for crown restoration in short term.
METHODS: Eighteen endodontically treated molar teeth were scanned using digital intra-oral scanner on the day of tooth preparation and a week later. The data of the first and last scans were compared to evaluate the possible tooth displacement with color maps. For each tooth, measurements from 5 different reference points were performed to qualitatively determine the amount of displacement. Statistical analysis was done with the Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: No difference was determined in the bucco-lingual and cervico-incisal directions, but there was a difference in the mesio-distal direction according to color maps. But the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05)
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study the amount of mesio-distal displacement that observed in root canal-treated molars in adults found to be neither statistically nor clinically significant.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to identify differences in third molar (M3) agenesis between genders and jaws and its association with other congenital tooth deficiencies.
METHODS: The study included patients aged 11–13 years who visited the Dokuz Eylull University Pediatric Dentistry Clinic between December 1, 2022, and January 30, 2024, had no systemic diseases, and possessed panoramic radiographs of diagnostic quality. Congenital absence of M3 and other teeth were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0, and statistical evaluation was performed with the chi-square test. Significance was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: A total of 630 patients, 325 (51.6%) females, were evaluated. Agenesis was observed in one or more M3 teeth in 136 (21.5%) patients, and 4.6% had agenesis in all M3 teeth. M3 agenesis prevalence was higher in the maxilla (11.0%) than in mandible (7.5%) (p<0.001). More females (11.9%) than males (9.6%) had one or more M3 teeth absent, but the difference was not statistically significant (p< 0.348). Hypodontia in other permanent teeth was detected in 31.3% of patients with four M3 agenesis (p<0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Early detection of M3 and other tooth agenesis in children is crucial for planning future treatments for both dentists and patients.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory process whose primary etiological factor is microbial dental plaque. MFG-E8 is known to play a role in the regulation of apoptotic pathways, angiogenesis, and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Gas-6 protein is reported to have effects on cell proliferation and adhesion, as well as the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and platelet aggregation. The aim of this study is to elucidate the role of Gas6 and MFG-E8 molecules in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.
METHODS: The study included 20 healthy individuals and 20 patients with stage 3 grade B periodontitis who applied to clinic for dental treatment. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded, and the levels of Gas6 and MFG-E8 in saliva samples were evaluated using ELISA kits.
RESULTS: Salivary MFG-E8 level in the periodontitis group was significantly lower than healthy participants (p: 0.021). Salivary MFG-E8 level showed a negative correlation with SCD among the clinical parameters (r: -0.082, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in salivary Gas-6 levels between the control and periodontitis groups (p: 0.282).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The lower amount of salivary MFG-E8 in individuals with periodontal disease compared to healthy individuals suggests that MFG-E8 is an effective molecule for tissue homeostasis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim is to investigate the relationship between Google Trends (GT) data of search terms related to pediatric dentistry and the Gross National Product (GNP) of cities, as well as the current caries index values (dmft/DMFT) in Turkey for the year 2023.
METHODS: As publicly available data was utilized in the study, ethical approval was not necessary. Search terms related to pedodontics ("pedodontics", "pedodontist", "primary tooth", "pediatric dentist", “toothpaste", "toothbrush", "fluoride varnish", and "teething") were examined for 36 provinces in Turkey through GT. The correlation between internet search habits with GNP from the Turkish Statistical Institute and dmft/DMFT data for the 5-12 age group obtained from the Turkey Oral Health Profile Research Report were statistically examined using the Spearman correlation test.
RESULTS: Search terms "pedodontics", and "teething" were found to be associated with GNP; and “pedodontist", and "primary tooth" were found to be related to dmft values (p<0.05). Furthermore, statistical differences were also found in dmft values between regions.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Google Trends is an effective tool for determining individuals' interest in pediatric dentistry, and these data can be associated with the oral health status of the population.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal diseases are characterized by the progressive inflammation of periodontal tissues, leading to functional impairment and substantial economic burdens. The utilization of biomarkers in early diagnosis and prognosis is a promising approach for predicting disease progression and optimizing treatment strategies. This study aims to evaluate the potential use of miRNA-155 as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of periodontitis and gingivitis.
METHODS: This study involved seventytwo systemically healthy non-smoker individuals. Based on periodontal characteristics participants were categorized into three equal study groups: periodontal health, gingivitis, and Stage III periodontitis (n = 24). Saliva samples collected from all participants and miRNA expression analysis was performed utilizing the miRCURY LNA SYBR Green PCR Kit. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software.
RESULTS: miRNA-155 expression levels demonstrated statistically significant differences between the periodontal healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis groups. A decrease in miRNA-155 expression was observed in the gingivitis group compared to healthy individuals, while a marked increase in miRNA-155 expression levels was detected in the periodontitis group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that miRNA-155 is actively involved in the inflammatory modulation responsible for the development of periodontitis and may potentially serve as a diagnostic biomarker for the disease.

The aim of this study is to identify strategies for protecting the environment in dental practices, including the materials used in these treatments, and to determine how simple measures can contribute to green dentistry. Articles published between 1996 and 2024 in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were reviewed. A total of 36 non-duplicate English-language articles containing the keywords 'green dentistry,' 'eco-friendly dentistry,' and 'sustainable dentistry' were included, and studies conducted in this field were analyzed. Green dentistry promotes the use of eco-friendly materials and technologies, such as digital impressions, lasers, restorative materials and irrigation solutions to minimise waste generation and energy consumption. It is easy to transform current dentistry into green dentistry by adopting simple measures and small changes. Dental practices can contribute to sustainability by implementing waste segregation, recycling and using renewable energy sources. Embracing green dentistry principles reduces environmental pollution, enhances patient health and ensures long-term sustainability. More incentives should be introduced for the adoption of green dentistry principles. Furthermore, access to these principles should be made easier and inexpensive.

Today advances in CAD/CAM technology have enabled the production of indirect monolithic restoration materials and increased their use in prosthodontics. CAD/CAM-formed materials that can be used monolithically include composites, feldspathic glass ceramics, leucite crystals glass ceramics, glass ceramics reinforced with lithium disilicate crystals, lithium disilicate ceramics doped with zirconia, hybrid ceramics, and zirconia. The mechanical and physical properties of restorative materials must be biocompatible with the oral environment and free of toxic substances that may cause harmful local effects or systemic reactions. Some of the expected properties of dental materials include aesthetics, ease of use, long clinical lifespan, durability, and biocompatibility. Cytotoxic substances can cause harmful tissue reactions ranging from postoperative sensitivity to irreversible pulp damage in both the short and long term. These materials should be tested in vivo or in vitro before use. This article aims to present the results of the mechanical and biological studies of monolithic hybrid and zirconia-doped ceramic materials and the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity values obtained in the materials.

Periodontal diseases are chronic, non-communicable inflammatory diseases that occur due to interactions between microbial dental plaque and host response. In the field of periodontology, efforts have been made for many years to classify periodontal diseases and determine treatment approaches for these conditions. In particular, in the management of Stage IV periodontitis, where confounding factors prevail, data obtained from treatment guidelines are of great importance in determining the sequencing and timing of treatments that clinicians will apply. The aim of this review is to present scientific evidence and findings through clinical guidelines prepared for the treatment of periodontitis, especially for the treatment approach of Stage IV periodontitis patients, in the light of current literature.

Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions that begin and progress as a result of the interactions between bacteria in the microbial dental plaque and the host's immune system, with the course being influenced by factors such as environmental risk factors, genetics, and systemic conditions. Chronic infection caused by plaque bacteria leads to tissue destruction via immune response, and the severity of destruction increases if left untreated. Patients diagnosed with Stage IV periodontitis characterized by periodontal pocket formation and clinical attachment loss, and classified as Grade C, which exhibits a high rate of progression not proportional to the amount of biofilm, leads aesthetic concerns, masticatory dysfunction, secondary occlusal trauma, and severe bone defects. Rehabilitation of these cases is challenging for clinicians and requires complex treatment procedures. The present report presents the clinical periodontal findings before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment of three patients diagnosed with Stage IV Grade C periodontitis.

Myofibroma, a rare benign tumor, frequently occurs in the head and neck regions, particularly the tongue, gingivae, maxillary, and mandible, often involving the bone. This tumor comprises highly proliferative spindle cells, including fibroblasts and myoblasts, and often presents with lytic radiographic areas and painless masses. Treatment varies from conservative management to radical resection, depending on patient age, tumor location, and severity. This report details a rare case of mandibular myofibroma with bony involvement in a 6-year-old girl, highlighting its diagnosis and treatment. The patient presented with a painless, smooth red mass in the right lower jaw, impairing chewing and causing bleeding. Clinical and radiological evaluations revealed a fixed mass between the right primary canine and permanent first molar, with radiolucent features on panoramic radiography. An excisional biopsy under general anesthesia was performed, leading to the removal of the lesion and the first molar. Histopathological examination identified spindle cells with myofibroblastic differentiation, and immunohistochemical staining showed a high proliferative rate of Ki67. Follow-up over two years showed no recurrence, and soft tissue healing was satisfactory. This case emphasizes the importance of conservative management and thorough follow-up in treating pediatric myofibroma with bony involvement, avoiding radical procedures where possible.