Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Research 2345-5489 12 2 2025 09 23 70 78 Nima Dehghani Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mohadeseh Azarsina Private Practice, Tehran, Iran. Xaniar Mahmoudi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. 2025 05 04 2025 07 11 Introduction: This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotics, particularly those administered preoperatively and postoperatively, in enhancing the success rates of dental implants. Additionally, it seeks to compare current opinions toward antibiotic usage in implant dentistry with documented outcomes of implant success, both with and without antibiotic intervention.  Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search using the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, incorporating studies published between 2010 and January 2023. Search terms included “dental implant,” “antibiotic,” “prophylaxis,” and “survey.” Data analysis and graphical representations were generated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software.  Results: The findings indicate that 81.1% of surveyed dentists routinely prescribe antibiotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing dental implant procedures, irrespective of health status. An additional 5.8% of practitioners tailored their antibiotic prescriptions based on modifiable factors. The initial database search yielded 220 relevant articles from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, which were screened for alignment with the review objectives. Among antibiotics, penicillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin were identified as the preferred first-line medications.  Conclusion: Cross-sectional surveys across various countries reveal a tendency among dentists to prescribe systemic antibiotic prophylaxis for dental implant surgeries without adhering strictly to evidence-based guidelines, often resulting in overprescription. This highlights a critical need for collaboration among dental educators and practitioners to align clinical practices with scientific evidence regarding antibiotic prophylaxis in implant dentistry.  Keywords: Antibiotics; Dental implant; Systematic review; Meta-analysis. https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/view/542 https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/download/542/444

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Research 2345-5489 12 2 2025 09 23 79 85 EN Somayeh Hosseini Tabatabaei Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Atie Ghorbani Faculty of Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Amir Hossein Khazaei Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. 2025 06 04 2025 07 05 Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 15% carbamide peroxide, orange juice, and Cola on the microhardness of composite resin restoration material.  Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, forty disk-shaped composite samples were prepared and randomly classified into four groups (n=10); the artificial saliva (control), bleaching agent (15% carbamide peroxide), orange juice, and Cola. Vickers microhardness was measured on the surface of the samples before and after immersion for 6 and 48 hours.  Results: The microhardness values of the 15 % carbamide peroxide, Orange juice and Cola groups were significantly lower after 48 hours compared to the artificial saliva group (P=0.003, P=0.002, P=0.001, respectively). However, these differences were not statistically significant after 6 hours of immersion (P=0.068). When comparing the microhardness values of these groups over time, as expected, these measures significantly decreased, except for the 15 % carbamide peroxide group in which the mean microhardness value did not significantly decrease from baseline after 6 hours immersion (P=0.106). However, there was a significant difference after 48 hours compared to baseline and 6 hours immersion (P=0.001, P=0.004).  Conclusion: This suggests that 15 % carbamide peroxide gel can be employed as a bleaching agent in cases with composite restorations for a limited amount of time without significant deterioration of the microhardness.  https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/view/546 https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/download/546/445

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Research 2345-5489 12 2 2025 09 23 86 92 Maryam Keyfari Alamdari Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Abdolreza Mohamadnia Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, And Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mohammad Bayat Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Masoume Farhangiyan Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Naghmeh Bahrami Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2025 07 29 2025 08 12 Introduction: One of the most common types of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which puts a big burden on the healthcare system. Direct and dermoscopic examinations are used to diagnose basal cell carcinoma. GCG is a protein-coding gene expressed in various cells throughout the body, including the small intestine, brain, and skin. Fibrillin-1 is an extracellular protein found in many body tissues. In this study, we compare the expression of GCG and FBN1 genes in the blood of patients with BCC and a healthy control group. Materials and Methods: 1. Selection of patients and sampling. 2. Blood sampling of BCC patients and the control group. 3. Isolation of RNA from blood using an extraction kit. 4. Measurement of RNA concentration and purity. 5. cDNA synthesis and real-time PCR using a specific miRNA cDNA synthesis kit. 6. Statistical analysis Results: The GCG biomarker was positive in 9 out of 15 patients in the group of patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The rate of positivity for this biomarker in the group of healthy individuals was 4 out of 15, indicating a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P-value<0.001). The FBN1 biomarker was positive in 11 out of 15 patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The rate of positivity for this biomarker in the group of healthy individuals was 5 out of 15 people, indicating a statistically significant difference between the two studied groups. (P-value<0.001).  Conclusion: The expression of GCG and FBN1 is significantly higher in patients with BCC compared to healthy individuals. Further studies can be done to ensure the role of these genes in the diagnosis of skin cancers.  https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/view/553 https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/download/553/446

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Research 2345-5489 12 2 2025 09 23 93 99 Sara Sharifi DDS, Private Practice. Elaheh Hoseini Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Medicine, School of Dentistry, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. Habibollah Rahimi Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. Majid Lotfinia Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. 2025 06 07 2025 07 05 Introduction: Osteopontin (OPN) is recognized as a potent biomarker of Oral lichen planus (OLP) because of its vital role in inflammation and the repair process. The present study aims to assess OPN in OLP in comparison with healthy controls (HC).  Materials and Methods: To explore salivary levels of OPN, a group of 20 subjects with OLP was compared with 20 healthy controls. Salivary OPN levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay. Results: Results indicated elevated OPN levels in lesion size<1cm compared with 1-3cm lesion size of OLP (p=0.02). In contrast, we did not find a significant difference in OPN expression level in saliva from OLP patients and healthy controls (P=0.96).   Conclusion: Osteopontin plays a role in the process of repair and healing in oral lichen planus, providing tissue protection and enhancing the capacity for tissue wound healing in these lesions.  Keywords: Oral lichen planus; Osteopontin; Saliva.  https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/view/547 https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/download/547/447

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Research 2345-5489 12 2 2025 09 23 100 105 EN Pegah Babaei Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Amir Jalal Abbasi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Abdolreza Mohamadnia Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, And Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mahta Malek Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Masoume Farhangiyan Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Naghmeh Bahrami Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2025 08 05 2025 08 12 Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a widespread, aggressive disease with low survival rates due to late diagnosis and a lack of effective, noninvasive biomarkers. The nuclear cap-binding protein subunit 2 (NCBP2), involved in mRNA regulation, has been implicated in tumorigenesis. This study aimed to evaluate NCBP2 mRNA expression in plasma samples from patients with OSCC to assess its potential as a circulating diagnostic biomarker.  Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with histologically proven OSCC and fifteen age-matched healthy controls participated in a case-control study. Plasma was isolated from peripheral blood in an RNase-free environment. Total RNA was extracted and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. Gene-specific primers and SYBR Green chemistry were used in quantitative real-time PCR. Using GAPDH as the reference gene, relative expression was computed using the 2^–ΔΔCt technique. Independent t-tests were used to examine the data, with a significance level of p<0.05.  Results: There was a 1.89-fold increase in NCBP2 mRNA expression in the OSCC group when compared to controls (p<0.001). Ten out of fifteen OSCC patients had positive NCBP2 expression, compared to five out of fifteen healthy controls who had detectable levels. Age, sex, and smoking status did not show significant correlations with gene expression.  Conclusion: The observed overexpression of circulating NCBP2 mRNA in OSCC patients supports its potential as a non-invasive biomarker for early detection. Integration of NCBP2 testing into liquid biopsy protocols could enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes and functional validation are recommended.  Keywords: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); Nuclear cap-binding protein2 (NCBP2); liquid biopsy; RT-qPCR; Circulating mRNA; Non-invasive biomarker.  https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/view/555 https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/download/555/448

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Research 2345-5489 12 2 2025 09 23 106 114 Mansour Khorasani Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Homayon Sheikholeslami Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. Samaneh Rastegari Dental Faculty, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. Amir Javadi Department of Biostatistics, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. Taniya Poorsoleiman Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. Maryam Tofangchiha Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Dental Caries Prevention Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. 2025 08 20 Introduction: Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease and is characterized by an increased risk of bone fractures. Early detection of osteoporosis is necessary to prevent hip fractures later in life. We evaluated changes in mandibular radiomorphometric indices in postmenopausal women using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) to assess their association with Osteoporosis.  Materials and Methods: Nine radiomorphometric indices and the number of mandibular teeth on dental panoramic radiographs were evaluated in 85 post-menopausal women at age 45-74. DXA measured bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine. BMD values were categorized as normal (T-score greater than -1.0), indicative of osteopenia (-1.0 T-score<-2.5), or osteoporosis (T-score<-2.5) according to the World Health Organization classification.  Results: The AA, AI and MI were significantly smaller in individuals with low bone mass (p<0.05). The AD was significantly larger in osteoporotic individuals (p<0.05) and the comparison of MCI among the three subgroups of MBD showed significant differences. There was no significant difference between the three categories of skeletal bone status for PMI, M/M Ratio, GA and the number of mandibular teeth.   Conclusion: Osteoporotic individuals are more likely to have altered inferior cortex and antegonial region morphology and thickness than non-osteoporotic individuals. The smaller AI and larger AD were strongly associated with lower bone mass. Clinical relevance: In this study, we provided a model to assess the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis in dental panoramic radiography.  Keywords: Osteoporosis; Panoramic radiography; Mandible; Bone mineral density. https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/view/558 https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/download/558/449

Tehran Universite>Mohammad Javad Kharrazifard Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Simin Mohebbi Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Caries Prevention, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2025 11 18 2025 11 18 Introduction: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a highly prevalent condition that significantly impacts children’s general health and quality of life, while also imposing substantial economic burdens on families and healthcare systems. Its treatment is often complex and costly, sometimes requiring sedation or general anesthesia in young children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ECC among children aged 12 to 71 months in Qom province in 2022.  Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study included 172 children aged 12–71 months in Qom. Participants were recruited from 15 clusters, including kindergartens and health centers. Children were categorized as toddlers (12–47 months) and preschoolers (48–71 months). Data were collected through clinical oral examinations and structured, face-to-face questionnaires completed by parents or guardians. Caries diagnosis was based on WHO criteria, and plaque was assessed using the Silness & Loe index. Results: The mean dmft score was 1.46 (SE = 0.27). The overall prevalence of ECC was 26.7%, with 13.6% in toddlers and 48.6% in preschoolers. Visible dental plaque was observed in 49% of children (38.6% of toddlers, 65.9% of preschoolers). ECC prevalence and mean dmft scores were significantly higher in rural areas (p < 0.009). A significant association was found between lower fathers’ education and higher DMFT scores (p < 0.05). Children who consumed sugary snacks and drinks had significantly higher dmft scores (p = 0.02) and ECC prevalence (p = 0.02).   Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive snapshot of ECC prevalence and its determinants among 1–5-year-old children in Qom, Iran. The relatively high burden of ECC and its strong association with socio-behavioral determinants such as residence in rural areas, low parental education and poor dietary habits underscore the need for integrated and equity-focused oral health programs.  Keywords: Early childhood caries (ECC); Dmft; Dietary habits; Tooth-brushing; Parental education. https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/view/583 https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/download/583/459

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Research 2345-5489 12 3 2025 12 07 196 200 Sepideh Aarabi Department of Emergency Medicine, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2025 10 04 2025 11 28 Foreign body aspiration following maxillofacial trauma is a significant diagnostic challenge. The difficulty is compounded when dental prostheses are involved, as radiolucent materials are not visible on standard radiographs, and clinical symptoms can be delayed. A young woman sustained a mandibular fracture in a motor vehicle collision and was discharged after initial evaluation. She returned to the emergency department one week later with progressive dyspnea. Subsequent investigation revealed a large, aspirated fragment of her denture. This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for occult foreign body aspiration in patients with maxillofacial trauma. This potential complication must be considered even in younger individuals and in cases where the initial clinical presentation appears stable.  Keywords: Foreign body aspiration; Maxillofacial trauma; Mandibular fracture; Denture aspiration. https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/view/565 https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/download/565/460

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Research 2345-5489 12 3 2025 12 07 201 205 Bahareh Fattahi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. Arash Esmaeili Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Akram Fallah Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Saeedeh Khalesi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. 2025 07 11 2025 08 12 Primary neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the oral cavity represent exceptionally rare malignancies (< 30 reported cases globally), posing significant diagnostic challenges due to histological mimicry of other round cell tumors and nonspecific clinical presentation. This report details a novel case with atypical clinicopathological features and favorable therapeutic outcomes. A 38-year-old male presented with a 3-month history of a right hard palate ulceration. Clinical examination revealed an indurated endophytic lesion. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed poorly differentiated large cell NEC. Due to unresectable pterygopalatine fossa involvement, chemoradiation was administered. Given the extreme rarity of oral large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), clinicians must consider this entity even in patients lacking traditional risk factors (e.g., smoking). Its aggressive growth pattern and metastatic propensity necessitate prompt specialist referral for early intervention.  Keywords: Oral pathology; Neuroendocrine carcinoma; Large cell carcinoma. https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/view/550 https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/download/550/461

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Research 2345-5489 12 3 2025 12 07 206 213 Seyyed Amirreza Panjtanian Oral & Maxillofacial Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Ali Mirzaei Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Siavash Moushekhian Dental Research Center and Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. 2025 10 19 2025 11 15 Separation of endodontic instruments can compromise canal disinfection and long-term prognosis. Microscope-guided ultrasonics combined with a loop device may improve retrieval in anatomically demanding canals. Three molars with fractured instruments in challenging canals (maxillary MB2, maxillary distobuccal, mandibular mesiolingual) were managed under a dental operating microscope. A staging platform was created with a modified #2 Gates-Glidden bur, followed by conservative ultrasonic troughing (ED87 tip) to create space around the fragment. The Kamand loop system was then used to engage and retrieve the fragment. Devices were used according to manufacturers’ instructions; any variant use is reported in the Case Presentation. All fragments were retrieved and canals were subsequently cleaned/shaped to 25–30/.04 with warm vertical obturation using AH Plus sealer. Patients were asymptomatic at 6–12 months with radiographic findings consistent with periapical healing. A combined approach, precise ultrasonic troughing to create safe space, followed by loop capture, enabled conservative and predictable retrieval of separated instruments across different canal anatomies, facilitating definitive disinfection and obturation.  Keywords: Dental equipment; Endodontics; Equipment failure; Root canal therapy; Ultrasonics. https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/view/569 https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/download/569/462

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Research 2345-5489 12 3 2025 12 07 214 217 EN Giti Shami School of Dentistry, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran. Farnoosh Mohammadi Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2025 07 26 2025 09 08 Lipoma is a common tumor of soft tissue with rare occurrence in the oral cavity, accounting for only 1-4% of benign oral tumors. It may be noticed only duri