Marco Cicciù

• Full Professor - D.D.S., Ph.D, M.Sc.
• Professor (Full) at University of Catania

Objectives Due to its excellent biocompatibility, superior mechanical qualities, and exceptional corrosion resistance, titanium 6 aluminum 4 vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy is frequently used for medical and orthodontic purposes as a fixed retainer after active orthodontic treatment. Titanium lacks the antibacterial characteristics and is bioinert, this...

Aim: The present study explored the bone regeneration potential of chitosan-thiocolchicoside-lauric (CTL) nanogel using MG-63 cell lines. The cytocompatibility of CTL nanogel was also studied using osteoblast-like cells (MG-63 cell lines) and zebrafish embryos. Methods: The effect of CTL nanogel on the metabolic and wound-healing activity of MG-63...

A study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of anatomic variations of the mandibular canal (MC) and the presence of accessory neurovascular canals of extra-mandibular origin, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The study included 200 patients who had CBCT scans, and these scans were examined by one radiologist and an oral surgeon. T...

Background Issues pertaining to oral health have been recognised as a common concern among dementia patients. Past studies have indicated several mechanisms through which poor oral health could contribute to cognitive decline, such as systemic inflammation and direct effects on daily functioning and quality of life. Methods An umbrella review was...

Objectives This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of four aligning archwires: Superelastic Nickel-Titanium (Superelastic-NiTi), SmartArch, Copper-Nickel-Titanium (Cu-NiTi), and Speed Tubular coaxial-Nickel-Titanium (Tubular coaxial-NiTi), regarding the alignment efficiency, associated perception of pain, and possibility of inducing...

Background Digital technologies can enhance the success of permanent crowns. The present study aimed to evaluate marginal adaptation and internal fit of permanent crowns fabricated using stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technologies following scans using two different intraoral scanners (IOS) (Medit i700, shape...

Background: Bruxism, defined by the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, and epilepsy, a neurological ailment marked by recurring seizures, are both common conditions that can significantly affect persons’ quality of life. Although numerous studies have investigated the relationship between bruxism and epilepsy, the current evidence is ambig...

Objectives: The term ‘prosthesis’ in reference to breast implants is used to clarify its distinction from the general term ‘breast implant’, which is widely adopted by plastic surgeons. This terminology highlights the role of the implant as a functional tissue substitute, particularly in post-mastectomy reconstruction, rather than solely as a cosme...

Background: The relationship between chewing gum and the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and other jaw anomalies presents a contentious topic within dental and orthodontic research communities. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence regarding the association of gum chewing with the incidence of TMD and ja...

Objectives This study aimed to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) classification and the severity of periodontitis, recognizing that both obesity and periodontitis involve chronic inflammatory processes, which may exacerbate one another. Materials and Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 162 c...

Background: This paper describes pharmacoeconomic analysis of ethanol and benzalkonium chloride disinfectants used in dental institutions to prevent infections. Pathogens can be transmitted to patients via air, items, contact or vectors. The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of both disinfectants. Methods: For...

Objectives:Many attempts have been made to modify the surface of orthodontic micro-implants and prevent the development of microbes by coating them with antimicrobial nanoparticles (NPs). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of different NPs, namely, TiO2 and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs, that are used to coat titanium orthodon...

How to cite this article: Uzunçıbuk H, Fiorillo L, Ronsivalle V, et al. Unraveling the Complexities of Sleep Disturbances: A Scientific Perspective. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(12):1081–1083.

The aim of the work is to describe the technical procedures adopted to realize a custom-made clinical device, designed through a digital workflow, to improve the decompression of odontogenic cysts. After an incisional biopsy to confirm the histologic nature of the osteolytic jaw lesion, a digital impression of the dental arches, obtained by intraor...

Objectives This study aimed to assess the occurrence and morphological features of the mastoid emissary foramen (MEF) using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images. The analysis highlights the clinical significance of these structures and their implications for surgical procedures. Methods A total of 357 patients were evaluated using MDCT...

This editorial presents a comparative analysis of two widely used orthodontic treatment modalities: Clear Aligner Therapy (CAT) and Multi-Bracket Systems (MBS). Both approaches offer distinct advantages and disadvantages based on aesthetics, comfort, patient compliance, and treatment complexity. Clear aligners are favored for their discreet appeara...

Orthodontic treatment involves the use of bite turbos that are frequently utilized in orthodontic therapy to disocclude the lower and upper teeth to achieve adequate alignment and leveling. This occurs due to excessive intrusive forces which led to resorption of roots. This study aimed to quantify the amount of apical root resorption in molar regio...

The effectiveness of adhesive materials used for bracket bonding is an important factor of orthodontic treatment that directly affects patient satisfaction and treatment success. It is important to know the advantages of various orthodontic adhesives to improve treatment results and reduce issues like enamel demineralization. To thoroughly evaluate...

Objectives: This systematic review evaluates the biological activity and regenerative potential of hyaluronic acid (HA) in alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) following tooth extraction, assessing its efficacy in reducing bone resorption and promoting bone regeneration when combined with xenografts. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted acros...

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare operative time, effect on the gingiva, glove penetration rate and post-operative complications of the Hybrid arch bar (HAB) and Erich arch bar (EAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients reporting to our institution, diagnosed with maxillomandibular fractures indicated for IMF were included in the study...

Background: Close contact with the infected patient is one reason for the spread of infection. COVID-19 can easily infect orthodontists; it may be found in saliva droplets during the removal or insertion of the orthodontic fixed appliance components or even during the removal of the removable appliance. Aims: This study aims to assess the acceptanc...

How to cite this article: Russo D, Almeida LE, Ronsivalle V, et al. Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Masticatory Muscle Function. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(11):997–1000.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition characterised by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and associated morbidities. Orthognathic surgery (OGS) has been proposed as a treatment option for OSAS, aimed at anatomically repositioning th...

Background: Boswellic acid (BA) is a bioactive compound derived from Boswellia trees. This study aims to investigate the anti-cancer properties of BA against KB oral squamous cancer cells and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Escalating doses of BA were administered to KB cells, and various analyses were conducted using bioinformatic...

Chronic periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory condition that affects both the oral health and systemic well-being of individuals, particularly those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Accurate diagnosis and evaluation of periodontal status are crucial for effective management of the disease. This narrative review aimed to compare the diagnos...

Background: Oral cancer is a predominant and aggressive form of head and neck cancer with limited treatment options. Stevioside, a naturally occurring biocompatible compound, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties, although its molecular mechanistic role in OSCC merely understood. This study aims to elucidate the impact of s...

Literature evidenced an association of maternal sleep disturbances and maternal obstructive sleep apnea with significant obstetric complications. Moreover, the maternal sleep disturbances effect on feto-placental circulation had not been extensively examined. Our objective is to explore the possible maternal sleep disturbances impact on the feto-pl...

How to cite this article: Ronsivalle V, Russo D, Cicciù M, et al. Navigating the Interconnected World of Tooth Wear, Bruxism, and Temporomandibular Disorders. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(10): 911–913.

Objective Because of esthetic demand, awareness about orthodontic treatment has increased nowadays, especially among young people and adolescents, in addition to the fact that knowledge of orthodontics and various details of it is more significant among dental students according to what they learned in their curricula and their examination and obse...

Objective To analyze the remaining dentin thickness and crack formation after retreatment, comparing three file systems. Material and Methods Using a standard root length of 18 mm, forty-five single-rooted teeth were decoronated and obturated after being randomly divided into three groups. Solite RS3, Solite RS3 Black, and Solite RE Black retreatm...

Background: Root surface caries, commonly known as root decay, is a common dental disorder that affects tooth roots. Like enamel-based tooth decay, root caries attack exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession or periodontal disease. Older persons with gum recession, tooth loss, or poor oral hygiene may be more likely to develop this disorder....

Background: A lack of healthy red blood cells such as iron deficiency frequently consequences as anemia. In expectant women, iron deficiency increases the risk of developmental delays in the fetus. It is utilized to regenerate red blood cells (RBC), which determines the storage and transport of oxygen in the body. As for oral symptoms and indicati...

Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of aging on the repair bond strength between old composite resin and repaired composite resin and to evaluate which type of repair composite material provides better bond strength in different time durations. Methods: Eighty nano-hybrid composite specimens were randomly divided into four...

Background Dental implant success critically depends on the primary stability of the implant, which is significantly influenced by the bone density at the osteotomy site. Traditional drilling techniques for osteotomy preparation often compromise bone volume and quality. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of osseodensification, a novel osteotom...

After a tooth extraction, a dry socket is a common problem that can cause excruciating pain and prevent healing. Antiseptic dressings have historically been the mainstay of treatments for this illness in order to lower bacteria and accelerate healing. Alveogyl is a medicated dressing composed of butamben, iodoform, and eugenol is conventionally use...

Stainless-steel crowns (SSCs) are the most durable restorative option for deciduous teeth, although they are unsightly. However, prefabricated zirconia crowns (ZCs) look more pleasant but require substantial dental preparation. Recently, BioFlx crowns have been introduced as a white-colored alternative to SSCs, providing both flexibility and aesthe...

The complex interplay between the gut microbiota, cancer treatments and patient characteristics has emerged as a significant area of research. This study sought to examine these relationships in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC).A comprehensive search of relevant studies was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for System...

Background With the use of machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a viable diagnostic and treatment tool for oral cancer. AI can assess a variety of information, including histopathology slides and intraoral pictures. Aim The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of AI technology i...

Background: Treponema denticola, a well-studied oral spirochete, adheres, invades, and damages periodontal tissues - gram-negative, anaerobic Treponema denticola. In previous research, sub-gingival spirochetes have correlated positively with dental plaque score, pocket, and clinical attachment level measurements. Hence, the study aims to design an...

Background Bioactive surface modifications have been proposed to enhance osseointegration and longevity of dental implants. This study aimed to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of various bioactive coatings in promoting bone integration and improving implant longevity. Methods A systematic review was conducted...

This study investigates the efficacy of Kinesio taping (KT) in reducing postoperative discomfort, including edema, trismus, and pain, following mandibular third molar extraction. A prospective randomized split-mouth design was employed, involving 7 patients with impacted mandibular third molars. KT was applied immediately postsurgery, and outcomes...

Background: The study's objective was to develop an automated method for a histopathology recognition model for odontogenic keratocysts (OKC) and non-keratocyst (Non-KC) in jaw cyst sections stained with hematoxylin (H) and eosin (E) on a tiny bit of incisional biopsy prior to surgery. Methods: This hastens the speed and precision of diagnosis t...

Objectives An accurate analysis is considered a crucial factor that enables the clinician to select the appropriate treatment plan which may include serial extractions, guiding of eruption, maintenance of space or regaining it, or just intervallic patient observation during this period. This study aims to test the applicability of the Tanaka and Jo...

Maintaining a microbial-free environment in healthcare facilities is more widely recognized as an essential component of therapies to minimize transmission of viruses associated with healthcare sector. The global spread of COVID-19 and recent outbreaks have presented humanity with previously unheard-of challenges. The development of autonomous disi...

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a spectrum of orofacial conditions characterised by pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures. Tobacco smoking has been posited as a potential factor influencing the prevalence and intensity of TMD. However, the nature and extent of this relationship rema...

Background: It is well known that in bidimensional photography the orientation of the head is fundamental to obtain a correct reproduction of the subject. Even minimal errors in yaw, roll and pitch of the head can be cause of unreliability of the photography itself. This is not the case in three-dimensional photography in which head positioning ma...

Sleep bruxism is both masticatory muscle activities characterized by repeated or prolonged tooth contact as well as bracing or thrusting of the jaw. This meta-analysis evaluates the differences between sexes and which therapy is most effective in treating bruxism. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science and Scopus, and a...

Background: Dental implants are increasingly favored as a therapeutic replacement option for edentulism. Titanium (Ti), due to its excellent biocompatibility and unique osseointegration properties, is commonly used in dental implants. Various surface modifications have been explored to improve osseointegration outcomes. Graphene oxide (GO) is a pr...

Background The study aimed to retrospectively assess the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) in managing temporomandibular disorders (TMD) using the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD). There has been an ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of HA as a treatment option for TMD, which necessitated a thorough evaluation. M...

Background Advanced technologies have drastically impacted the practice of dentistry in order to treat patients more effectively and efficiently. Objective The goal of this systematic review was to give a thorough overview of the most widely applied advanced technology and its uses in dentistry. Materials and Methods This assessment adhered to th...

Introduction To systematically review existing scientific literature to determine, compare, and evaluate whether concentrated growth factors (CGF) or connective tissue grafts (CTG) is a better treatment alternative for patients with marginal tissue recession (MTR). Methods Electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were s...

Background: Dental implant rehabilitation has significantly advanced prosthodontics by providing a reliable, long-lasting solution for missing teeth. This systematic review compares the clinical, technical, and biological outcomes of cemented versus screw-retained single dental implant restorations based on randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Materi...

Background Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. Cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) has emerged as a potential intervention for TMDs, but its comparative effectiveness against standard treatments remains unclear. This systematic review ai...

Background Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a prevalent ailment with a global impact, affecting a substantial number of individuals. While some individuals are receiving treatment from orthodontists for TMD, a significant proportion of individuals obtain knowledge through websites. Objectives Our purpose had been to evaluate, from a patient‐o...

Background Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) pose diagnostic challenges, and selecting appropriate imaging modalities is crucial for accurate assessment. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy and efficacy of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying TMDs. Methods A comprehensive meta‐analysis was condu...

Background: This in-vitro study aimes to compare the microleakage of different restorative materials namely EQUIA Forte (GC, Japan), Tetric Evoceram (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein), and Activa BioACTIVE. Methods: A standardized class V cavity has been created on the buccal surface of 40 sound premolar teeth. The cavity had the following measur...

Background: According to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services HHS 2017, when a medical disease suddenly manifests itself with acute symptoms of sufficient intensity (including extreme pain) endangering the patient's health, seriously impairing body functions or bringing an organ or its portion to be seriously dysfunctional, a medical emergen...

Background: High prevalence of tooth wear (TW) worldwide makes it important to assess its level in different populations. In developing countries, a shift towards geriatric population makes the evaluation of this condition even more relevant. Most indices for tooth wear are full mouth indices, which make mass population screening challenging. The...

Background: This systematic review aims to critically assess the literature on the debonding process of orthodontic brackets from enamel surfaces. The review evaluates Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) to determine the effectiveness and implications of various debonding techniques and materials. Methods: The study followed PRISMA guidelines, sele...

Poor oral health during childhood can lead to various oral diseases and have long-term implications for dental health. Innovative and engaging oral health educational approaches such as game-based teaching have emerged as a promising modality for health education. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of game-based teaching methods on t...

Mandibular asymmetry refers to dimensional differences between the left and right sides of the mandible in terms of size, form and volume. This condition may result in problems with functionality as well as appearance. Early intervention is often deemed optimal for addressing mandibular asymmetry; however, there is a lack of consensus regarding the...

Background: Oral cancer is a serious health issue in both the developing and developed worlds, and it is one of the most common forms of cancer of the head and neck. In accordance with the 2017 World Health Organization classification, oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the buccal mucosa, the front two-thirds of the tongue, th...

BACKGROUND: Mobile phone applications (apps) can potentially enhance patient care as they are easy to use and offer multifunctions. In 2019, 305 orthodontic apps were documented, many of which were patient-focused; however, there was little information on how popular these applications are with orthodontic patients. The main aim of this study was t...

Introduction: The aim of this article is to summarize, compare, and assess possible association in individuals with or without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for periodontitis. Evidence acquisition: Three study repositories were searched for quantitative studies examining the relationship between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis between 2...

Background: This study aims to evaluate the differences in terms of Quality of life and the degree of satisfaction with the result obtained between the two groups of patients treated with the orthodontic first approach and surgery first approach, through administered questionnaires inserted in the post-operative phase. Methods: A total of 40 pat...

Background: Zirconia crowns, resembling crystals and with enamel-like aesthetics, are recent entrants in pediatric restorative dentistry. Despite growing use, their empirical efficacy remains under-explored. The aim of this study is to compare resin composite strip crowns and premanufactured zirconia crowns on primary maxillary incisors. Methods:...

Background Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) risk correlates with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, suggesting systemic inflammation is present well before AMI. Studying different types of periodontal disease (PD), extremely common in individuals at risk for AMI, has been one important research topic. According to recent research, AMI and PD interac...

Inter-appointment pain (IAP) is a subtype of postoperative pain which occurs between endodontic appointments. It may begin within a few hours after the first appointment and may continue for several days. Apart from mechanical instrumentation and thorough irrigation, intracanal medicaments play a central role in the disinfection of root canals and...

Objectives This study aimed to clinically evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing pain associated with orthodontic movement during the early stages of treatment. Material and Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 20 participants undergoing non-extraction orthodontic treatment. The laser group (LG, n =...

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sterile saline solution irrigation (lavage) performed after mandibular third molar extraction on postoperative complications, utilizing a split-mouth randomized clinical trial design. Methods Seventeen healthy participants requiring bilateral mandibular third molar extraction were enrolled in t...

Background Growing evidence suggests the type of periodontal treatment could differentially influence the reduction of key cardiovascular risk mediators in periodontitis patients. This randomized, controlled clinical trial compared the impact of minimally invasive non‐surgical therapy (MINST) with quadrant‐wise subgingival instrumentation (Q‐SI) on...

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of ultrasonography (US) in internal derangements of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and to compare its efficacy with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Fifty patients with MRI indications due to a TMJ disorder were enrolled. Findings of the clinical examination, US examina...

Background: Dental education is considered as a complex, challenging and often stressful educational procedure. Acquisition of psychomotor skills by undergraduate students is an important step in many health professions to become a successful professional. During under graduation, class II cavity preparation exercise is of utmost important in dent...

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of resveratrol on oral neoplastic parameters through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, has shown promising potential as a therapeutic agent in various cancer types, including oral neoplasms. Understanding the collective findings from existing studi...

Aim: This study aims to gauge the level of awareness among parents about the importance, timing, and benefits of early orthodontic assessments for their children. Materials: A questionnaire consisting of 12 questions was created through Google Forms to measure the knowledge about early orthodontic treatment and consultation with the parents of 1...

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is characterized by repeated airway collapse during sleep. It determines cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurocognitive consequences and is associated with several daytime and nighttime symptoms that influence the patient’s quality of life. The contribution of the dental specialist in the clinical management of...

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its potential association with cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of OSAS in cancer patients through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature. Methods: This systematic review and meta-a...

Introduction Over the years, implant therapy has been a commonly used treatment option for individuals who are partially or totally edentulous, with a long-term success rate of over 90%. With significant advancements in biomaterials and technology, implant dentistry can now conduct prosthetic rehabilitations in the majority of patients catering to...

Introduction This study focuses on temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), which affect the temporomandibular joint and related muscles and have multiple causes. Recent studies have examined the connection between menstrual cycles, estrogen levels, and TMDs, but results are inconsistent, highlighting the need for more research. The aim is to explore th...

Maxillary transverse deficiency is widely recognized as one of the most common skeletal issues in orthodontics, and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is commonly employed as a treatment method. This study aimed to investigate the impact of RME on the soft tissues of the orofacial region in pediatric patients. The study included two groups: an experim...

Background The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint that facilitates mandibular movements during speech, chewing, and swallowing activities. The Axis I evaluation of the DC/TMD focuses on assessing physical diagnoses related to TMDs. It includes an assessment of pain and functional limitations, such as jaw opening range, joint sounds, a...

Objective: The aim of this scoping review was to explore and synthesise the current evidence on the antimicrobial activity of antibacterial suture materials used in oral surgery. Methods: The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews. A bibliographic...

This study assessed the masticatory function of participants wearing clear aligners in order to determine whether these devices can be worn even when eating and therefore worn to extend treatment time and boost treatment effectiveness. An intercontrol test was conducted on 20 patients who received Invisalign® treatment. Each participant was instruc...

Background: Literature evidence describes various treatment protocols that have been employed for the effectiveness in improving survival and addressing associated symptoms of cracked teeth. Objective: This systematic review investigates the survivability of endodontically treated cracked teeth and associated assessments, focusing on various tre...

Introduction The prevalence of adults with partially dental arches is expected to be more than imagined and patients requiring replacement of missing teeth are slowly increasing in number too. Removable partial dentures are known to provide for substantial replacement for the missing teeth with also added advantages when compared to fixed or implan...