Indian Journal of Dental Education

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the landscape of modern dentistry, particularly in prosthodontics, by introducing nanoparticles (NPs) with multifunctional applications. This article explores the various types of nanoparticles used in prosthosdontics, their functional mechanisms, and their applications in dental materials such as acrylic resins, denture liners, adhesives, composites, dental cements, and implants. The benefits of using nanoparticles, including improved mechanical properties, antimicrobial action, and targeted drug delivery, are highlighted, along with a discussion on cytotoxicity and safety considerations. The article concludes by presenting the future prospects of nanotechnology in prosthodontics.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various fields, including dentistry, by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning and patient care. However, the authors try to reason that as AI technology becomes more integrated into dental practices, it becomes extremely important to examine its ethical implications through the lens of the four core tenets of ethics: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence and justice. Thus, this paper attempts to study the relationship between scientific advancements, particularly AI and ethical principles in the context of dental patient care. The authors discuss that striking a balance between technological advancements and maintaining empathetic, patient-centred care is crucial to preserving the human element in dentistry. In other words, AI can drive meaningful progress in dentistry only when its deployment is governed by ethical safeguards. Finally, the paper calls for a thoughtful, ethical approach to integrating AI into dental practices to maximize its benefits while mitigating potential harms.

Background: Dental stem cells (DSCs), residing within various oral tissues, have surged to the forefront of regenerative medicine due to their unique accessibility, multipotency, and immunomodulatory properties, offering promising alternatives to traditional grafting techniques in dentistry and potential for systemic applications. Aim: This comprehensive review critically analyses the current global advancements and clinical translation of DSC therapies, with a specific focus on evaluating the evolving research landscape, contributions, challenges, and future potential within India. Objectives: To systematically categorize DSC types, their specific niches, molecular signatures, and differentiation capabilities. • To compare the volume, focus, and impact of global versus Indian DSC research outputs and clinical trials. • To synthesize evidence on clinical outcomes, efficacy, and safety of DSC-based therapies across various applications. • To identify key translational barriers (scientific, infrastructural, regulatory, economic) globally and specifically within India. • To propose concrete strategies and future directions for accelerating DSC research and clinical adoption, particularly in the Indian context. Material: A detailed narrative review synthesizing findings from recent (2000- 2025) global and Indian literature. Comprehensive searches were conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and regional databases (e.g., IndMed) Inclusion criteria encompassed original research articles (in vitro, in vivo, clinical), systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trial registries, conference proceedings, and reports from key institutions. Both human and preclinical studies were considered. Result: DPSCs and SHED demonstrate significant efficacy in preclinical models and emerging clinical trials for pulp-dentin complex regeneration, periodontal tissue engineering, bone augmentation, and neural repair. Global research is characterized by robust funding, advanced infrastructure, and progression into Phase II/III trials for specific indications. Indian research output is increasing quantitatively, focusing on cost-effective scaffolds, neural differentiation, and preclinical validation, but faces significant hurdles in translation due to infrastructural gaps, funding limitations, regulatory complexities, and lack of standardized protocols. Emerging technologies like exosome therapy, gene editing, and 3D bioprinting integrated with DSCs show immense future potential. Conclusion: DSCs represent a paradigm shift towards biological solutions in regenerative dentistry and medicine, with substantial global progress validating their therapeutic potential. India is emerging as a notable contributor in foundational research but lags in clinical translation. Realizing the full potential of DSCs in India necessitates urgent and concerted efforts in establishing standardized GMP facilities, enhancing funding mechanisms, streamlining ethicalregulatory pathways, fostering Interdisciplinary and international collaborations, and investing in clinician-scientist training and public awareness.

Desmoplastic ameloblastoma (DA) is a rare histological variant of ameloblastoma characterized by unique radiographic and histologic features. It is distinguished by unique clinical, radiological, and histopathological features. This article reports a case of Desmoplastic Ameloblastoma in a 35-year old male patient with a slow growing painless swelling in the right anterior maxillary region. Computed tomography scans shows a well defined, possibly multilocular, expansile, non corticated, isodense, non odontogenic space occupying the lesion of the right anterior maxilla. That does not cross the midline. The present case is special because of the unfamiliar appearance, potentially aggressive nature and high chances of misdiagnosis of the tumor. A surgical enucleation and curettage with peripheral ostectomy was performed. Although this variant occurs rarely a differential diagnosis of the same must be taken into consideration. While previously considered less aggressive, recent evidence suggests DA can exhibit locally destructive behavior and recurrence rates comparable to other ameloblastoma types, necessitating careful surgical management and long-term follow-up

The rehabilitation of a completely edentulous arch opposing a dentate or implantsupported dentition presents significant biomechanical and prosthetic challenges. The rehabilitation of edentulous and partially edentulous patients requires a strategic approach to restore both function and esthetics. In cases where the maxillary arch is fully edentulous and the mandibular arch retains natural posterior teeth, a combination of a maxillary complete denture and a mandibular implantsupported prosthesis provides a balanced occlusal scheme. The presence of natural posterior teeth in the mandible influences occlusal load distribution, requiring careful prosthetic planning. This article presents a prosthodontic rehabilitation case involving a maxillary complete denture opposing a mandibular FP1 and FP2 implant-supported fixed prosthesis with five remaining natural posterior teeth. In cases of a single denture opposing an implant-supported fixed prosthesis, special attention must be given to occlusal harmony, implant-protected occlusion principles, and balanced denture stability to avoid rapid ridge resorption and prosthetic complications. This case emphasizes the importance of precise prosthetic planning, occlusal scheme customization, and regular follow-up to ensure longterm success and patient satisfaction. The report highlights the interplay between fixed and removable prosthodontics in a partially edentulous patient, providing a functional and aesthetic solution tailored to the patient’s needs.

A midline diastema, or gap between the maxillary central incisors, is often a normal developmental feature in children but may persist into adulthood, becoming an esthetic concern. This case report presents a 37-year-old female with proclined, discolored maxillary anterior teeth and a long-standing 3 mm midline diastema. The patient was dissatisfied with her smile and exhibited lip incompetency. Radiographic and clinical examinations revealed mild horizontal bone loss and signs of healed anterior infection. Due to the patient’s esthetic concerns, time constraints, and reluctance toward orthodontic treatment, a restorative solution was chosen. The treatment plan involved restoring four maxillary anterior teeth (11, 12, 21, and 22) with multilayer zirconia crowns. Tooth preparation emphasized minimal reduction on the mesial surfaces of 11 and 21 to close the diastema, with more reduction labially to address proclination. A digital workflow using intraoral scanning and CAD/CAM technology facilitated precise design and milling of zirconia crowns, which were then veneered, shade-matched, and cemented with glass ionomer cement.

The mandibular second premolar is typically described as having a single root and canal, with anatomical variations being relatively rare. The presence of three distinct canals in this tooth is an uncommon clinical finding that can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This report presents the successful endodontic management of a mandibular second premolar with three separate root canals. Emphasis is placed on the role of advanced diagnostic techniques, such as angled radiography and careful exploration under magnification, in identifying aberrant canal configurations. A concise review of the prevalence, classification, and clinical implications of such variations is also presented.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, idiopathic neurological disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. The resulting decline in motor function and cognitive abilities significantly affects a patient’s ability to maintain adequate nutrition and oral hygiene. Consequently, individuals with Parkinson’s often face increased risks of dental caries and edentulism. In many cases, non-motor symptoms such as ap depression, constipation, sleep disturbances, anosmia, and cognitive decline can have a greater impact on the patient’s quality of life than motor symptoms. Prosthodontic management of these patients requires special consideration and a sensitive approach, particularly when socioeconomic constraints limit access to multiple clinical appointments. This clinical report presents the complete oral rehabilitation of a patient with Parkinson’s disease using conventional denture fabrication techniques tailored to minimize visits and accommodate the patient’s unique needs.