Journal of Dentistry and Oral Health

Subcrestal vs. Equicrestal Implant Placement in Augmented Posterior Mandibular Sites: A Biomechanical and Histomorphometric Comparative Evaluation of Crestal Bone Stability and Osseointegration Kinetics

Kai Hill — 2026-04-06

Crestal bone preservation around dental implants placed in augmented posterior mandibular sites remains a clinically contested objective, with implant positioning depth representing a critical yet insufficiently standardized variable. This prospective comparative study evaluated subcrestal (1.5 mm) versus equicrestal implant placement protocols in 84 patients (168 implants) across a 24-month follow-up period. Primary outcomes included marginal bone level changes assessed by standardized periapical radiography and cone-beam computed tomography, while secondary outcomes encompassed implant stability quotient evolution, histomorphometric bone-to-implant contact ratios, and peri-implant soft tissue health indices. Subcrestal placement demonstrated statistically significant superiority in crestal bone maintenance (mean bone loss: 0.41 ± 0.12 mm vs. 0.89 ± 0.21 mm; p < 0.001) without compromising osseointegration kinetics or increasing peri-implant mucositis incidence. These findings advocate for protocol-specific implant depth selection contingent upon bone graft maturation staging and prosthetic emergence profile requirements.

Cementum-Derived Wnt/β-Catenin Crosstalk in Periodontal Ligament Mechanotransduction: Challenging the Tensional Homeostasis Doctrine in Alveolar Bone Remodeling

Dana Evans — 2026-04-06

The tensional homeostasis doctrine has long governed mechanobiological interpretations of periodontal ligament (PDL) adaptation; however, emerging evidence implicates cementum-derived Wnt/β-catenin signaling as an independent regulatory axis that fundamentally uncouples strain-mediated osteoblastogenesis from classical mechanotransduction cascades. This study investigated Wnt ligand secretion profiles in primary human cementoblasts under cyclic compressive loading (0.5–2.5 Hz), integrating RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence co-localization, and finite element modeling of alveolar socket stress distribution. Our findings demonstrate that cementoblast-specific Wnt3a upregulation suppresses RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis independently of integrin-focal adhesion kinase pathways, challenging prevailing dogma. These results reframe cementum not merely as an anchorage substrate but as an active mechano-endocrine interface governing periodontal osseous equilibrium, with significant implications for orthodontic force protocols and regenerative periodontal therapy.

Endodontic Microbiome Dysbiosis: An Empirical Analysis of Pathogenic Profiles in Apical Periodontitis Cases

Riley Young — 2026-04-06

This study investigates the microbial profiles present in apical periodontitis, a common endodontic condition. Utilizing advanced sequencing techniques, we analyzed root canal samples from 100 patients undergoing endodontic treatment. The results reveal a distinct dysbiosis in microbial communities associated with clinical symptoms and periapical radiolucency. We identified several key pathogenic species contributing to the inflammatory response, including Enterococcus faecalis and Prevotella intermedia. These findings underscore the importance of microbiological assessment in guiding endodontic therapies and highlight potential targets for future therapeutic interventions.

A Case Study on the Efficacy of Bioceramic Sealers in the Retreatment of Non-Healing Endodontic Cases

Jamie Brown — 2026-04-06

This article investigates the performance of bioceramic sealers in the retreatment of persistent endodontic infections. With the global increase in endodontic failures, bioceramic materials have emerged as potential candidates due to their favorable biological properties. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 150 patients who underwent endodontic retreatment using bioceramic sealers over a period of two years. The outcomes were evaluated based on clinical success and radiographic assessments. Our findings indicate a success rate of 85%, suggesting that bioceramic sealers provide a viable alternative for managing non-healing endodontic cases. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of bioceramic materials in dentistry, particularly in challenging clinical scenarios.

Finite Element-Optimized Biomechanical Framework for Angulated Implant Placement in Severely Resorbed Posterior Mandibular Ridges Using Platform-Switched Zirconia Abutments

Jordan Moore — 2026-04-06

Severely resorbed posterior mandibular ridges present significant biomechanical challenges for osseointegrated implant systems, particularly regarding crestal bone stress distribution and long-term marginal bone stability. This study developed and validated a finite element analysis (FEA)-optimized placement protocol for angulated titanium implants (15°–25° off-axis) coupled with platform-switched zirconia abutments in class V–VI Cawood–Howell defect configurations. Forty-eight three-dimensional mandibular models were reconstructed from cone-beam computed tomography datasets and subjected to oblique and axial occlusal load simulations (150–400 N). Results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in von Mises stress concentrations at the implant–abutment interface (p < 0.001) and a 31.4% decrease in periimplant cortical bone microdeformation compared to conventional non-angulated protocols. The proposed framework provides clinicians with quantitative angulation thresholds and abutment geometry parameters to optimize load distribution and minimize marginal bone resorption risk.

A Novel Framework for Multi-parameter Optimization in Dental Implant Surface Characterization

Alex Lee — 2026-04-06

The increasing demand for successful dental implants necessitates advanced methodologies for assessing and optimizing surface characteristics. This study introduces a novel framework that integrates multi-parameter optimization techniques to evaluate implant surface modifications, focusing on enhancing osseointegration and biomechanical stability. Utilizing a combination of experimental and computational approaches, we analyzed surface roughness, topography, and hydrophilicity, revealing significant correlations with cellular response in vitro. Our findings demonstrate that tailored surface characteristics can substantially improve clinical outcomes. This framework serves as a critical tool for future research and development in dental implant technology, offering a pathway towards personalized implant design. The implications of this research extend to enhancing patient-specific treatment plans and advancing the field of restorative dentistry.