Journal of Oral and Dental Health Nexus

Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted CBCT Interpretation for the Detection of Endodontic Pathologies and Findings: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Faezeh Niroumandfar iD , Sara Karami Amidabadi iD , Mahshid Sohofi iD , Sina Shahabi iD , Elmira Fardi iD , Sanaz Keyvanfar ^* iD

Artificial intelligence (AI) has increasingly been applied to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) interpretation in endodontics. However, reported diagnostic performance varies across endodontic findings and AI-based approaches. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of AI-assisted CBCT interpretation for detecting endodontic pathologies and findings. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between January 2016 and May 2026. We included studies evaluating AI-assisted detection, classification, or segmentation of endodontic pathologies on dental CBCT in human subjects. We extracted data on sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, and assessed methodological quality using QUADAS-2. We used random-effects models to calculate pooled estimates, and assessed heterogeneity using Cochran’s Q and I² statistics. We performed subgroup analyses by diagnostic finding. We included 12 studies, contributing 31 diagnostic evaluations for sensitivity and 25 for specificity and accuracy. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 79.82% (95% CI: 73.86–85.77), 86.80% (95% CI: 82.69–90.91), and 84.74% (95% CI: 80.53–88.96), respectively. Sensitivity was highest for periapical osteolytic lesions (97.10%) and apical periodontitis (88.27%), while specificity was highest for apical periodontitis (96.27%). For periapical radiolucency, pooled sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 87.89%, 71.46%, and 78.89%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy differed significantly across diagnostic subgroups (all P < 0.001). Substantial heterogeneity was observed across the analyses. AI-assisted CBCT interpretation demonstrated clinically relevant diagnostic accuracy for endodontic findings, with performance varying by pathology.

Gold nanoparticles: A powerful biosensor in oral medicine and dentistry

Alireza Asadi , Yasamin Ghahramani ^*

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jodhn.2.3.6

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as highly effective biosensing agents in oral diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring due to their unique optical, electronic, and surface properties. Their exceptional surface plasmon resonance enables sensitive detection of biomolecules associated with oral diseases, including cancer markers, bacterial antigens, and inflammatory proteins. Functionalized AuNPs can selectively bind to target molecules, allowing for real-time, non-invasive diagnostics through colorimetric assays, fluorescence quenching, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In clinical dentistry, AuNP-based biosensors facilitate early diagnosis of conditions such as periodontal disease, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and peri-implantitis. Their biocompatibility and chemical stability further support integration into smart diagnostic platforms and intraoral devices. As precision dentistry advances, gold nanoparticle biosensors hold promise for transforming point-of-care diagnostics, enabling timely and personalized interventions.

Application of Zirconia Nanoparticles in dentistry and oral health

Elaheh Mohammadi ^*

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jodhn.2.3.1

Zirconia nanoparticles have emerged as a groundbreaking material in dentistry, offering transformative solutions for restorative, prosthetic, and implant applications due to their exceptional mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and multifunctionality. These nanoparticles enhance dental composites, such as bioactive cements, by improving hardness (e.g., 1.13 GPa Vickers hardness), modulus of elasticity, and antimicrobial efficacy against oral pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, thereby reducing secondary caries risks. Additive manufacturing techniques, including nanoparticle jetting, enable precise fabrication of zirconia crowns with marginal deviations as low as 21.8 µm, optimizing fit and clinical efficiency. Surface modifications via plasma-sprayed zirconia coatings on titanium implants significantly enhance osseointegration, achieving 54.7% bone-implant contact in vivo, while gradient yttria-stabilized multilayered systems (e.g., KATANA™ HTML) balance aesthetics and strength (flexural strength >800 MPa) for high-stress prosthetic frameworks. Zirconia’s bioactive and inert nature also minimizes biofilm formation and ion release, supporting long-term biocompatibility. Despite these advancements, challenges such as inherent brittleness, technique-sensitive manufacturing, and limited long-term clinical data under dynamic oral conditions necessitate further research. Future innovations should focus on hybrid composites to improve toughness, scalable fabrication protocols, and rigorous clinical validation. By bridging material science and clinical practice, zirconia nanoparticles hold immense potential to advance personalized, durable, and aesthetically driven dental care, aligning with the evolving demands of modern dentistry.

Biogenic Nanomaterials: A New Frontier in Oral Healthcare

Negar Hajipour , Fateme Zarei ^* , Razie Amiri

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jodhn.2.3.2

Eco-friendly synthesis techniques have enabled the production of biocompatible nanomaterials through natural sources such as microorganisms, algae, and agricultural byproducts. These biologically derived nanoparticles exhibit excellent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties, making them highly suitable for dental and oral health interventions. Metallic nanostructures, including silver, gold, and zinc oxide, show significant efficacy against common oral pathogens and can be incorporated into composites, coatings, and therapeutic systems. Their ability to enhance targeted drug delivery and reduce toxicity supports their application in diagnostics, restorations, and soft tissue healing. This sustainable approach offers a safer, more responsible alternative to conventional fabrication methods in dental care.

Theranostic Nanomaterials in Dentistry: Dual-Function Platforms for Diagnosis and Therapy

Razie Amiri , Fateme Zarei ^* , Melika Rezaei

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jodhn.2.3.3

Smart nanomaterials are redefining the future of dental science by offering dynamic, stimuli-responsive solutions that adapt to the oral microenvironment. Engineered to react to biochemical and physical triggers such as pH variations, bacterial metabolites, and enzymatic activity, these materials facilitate localized, on-demand therapeutic responses. Their versatility spans across preventive and therapeutic domains—ranging from anti-microbial implant coatings and biofilm-disrupting agents to bioactive remineralizers and site-specific drug delivery vehicles. Innovations such as nanostructured scaffolds for guided tissue regeneration, theranostic platforms for oral malignancies, and smart analgesic systems illustrate the expanding frontier of nanotechnology in dentistry. While challenges persist in terms of regulatory compliance, long-term safety, and commercial translation, smart nanomaterials stand at the forefront of personalized, minimally invasive, and multifunctional dental care.

Graphene-Based Nanocoatings for Dental Implants: Strengthening Performance at the Nanoscale

Erfan Khaksar

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jodhn.2.3.4

Graphene, a single layer of sp²-hybridized carbon atoms, is gaining prominence in dental implantology due to its exceptional strength, conductivity, biocompatibility, and surface functionalization capabilities. Graphene-based nanocoatings enhance implant performance by improving mechanical durability, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial activity while promoting osseointegration through osteoblast stimulation. Derivatives like graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) enable further customization for drug delivery and biofunctionalization. Various deposition techniques—such as chemical vapor deposition, electrophoretic deposition, and dip coating—enable uniform and functional coatings. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate reduced pathogen colonization and improved bone integration. Despite promising outcomes, challenges remain in standardizing coating methods, ensuring long-term safety, and achieving scalable production. Continued interdisciplinary research is essential to transition these innovations into clinical practice. This review summarizes recent developments in graphene-based nanocoatings for dental implants, focusing on material properties, biological interactions, and clinical potential, while identifying key areas for future research and clinical translation.

Smart Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug Delivery in treatment of oral cancer

Ehsan Khaksar ^*

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jodhn.2.3.5

Oral cancer remains a significant global health challenge due to its high morbidity, recurrence rate, and resistance to conventional therapies. Traditional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy often cause severe side effects and lack specificity, leading to damage of healthy tissues. In recent years, smart nanocarriers have emerged as a promising strategy for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of oral cancer. These nanoscale systems are engineered to enhance drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability, while ensuring site-specific delivery and controlled release of therapeutic agents. Smart nanocarriers—such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and stimuli-responsive systems—can be functionalized with ligands that recognize overexpressed receptors on oral cancer cells, allowing precise targeting. Furthermore, they can be designed to respond to internal (pH, redox, enzymes) or external (temperature, magnetic field, light) stimuli, triggering drug release specifically in the tumor microenvironment. This targeted approach minimizes systemic toxicity and improves therapeutic efficacy. This review explores recent advances in the design, functionality, and clinical potential of smart nanocarriers for oral cancer therapy, highlighting their role in personalized and minimally invasive treatment strategies.

Nanotechnology at the Frontier of Oral Health: Emerging Innovations in Diagnostics, Therapy, and Regeneration

Yasamin Ghahramani ^*

https://doi.org/10.61838/jodhn.2.3.editorial

Dear Esteemed Readers and Academic Colleagues,

It is a privilege to introduce Volume 2, Issue 3 (2025) of the Journal of Oral and Dental Health Nexus, a collection that distinctly advances the conversation on nanotechnology-driven innovations in oral healthcare. This themed issue underscores the translational potential of engineered and biogenic nanomaterials in diagnostics, therapeutics, and implantable systems. The six meticulously curated articles reflect the expanding convergence of materials science, bioengineering, and clinical dentistry.

Journal of Oral and Dental Health Nexus

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Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted CBCT Interpretation for the Detection of Endodontic Pathologies and Findings: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Gold nanoparticles: A powerful biosensor in oral medicine and dentistry

Application of Zirconia Nanoparticles in dentistry and oral health

Biogenic Nanomaterials: A New Frontier in Oral Healthcare

Theranostic Nanomaterials in Dentistry: Dual-Function Platforms for Diagnosis and Therapy

Graphene-Based Nanocoatings for Dental Implants: Strengthening Performance at the Nanoscale

Smart Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug Delivery in treatment of oral cancer

Nanotechnology at the Frontier of Oral Health: Emerging Innovations in Diagnostics, Therapy, and Regeneration