Dental implants have become an essential component of modern restorative dentistry, offering a predictable and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. Their widespread acceptance is attributed to high success rates, preservation of alveolar bone, and improved esthetics and function. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the foundational principles in implantology, covering the biological basis of osseointegration, anatomical considerations, implant types, assessment methods, surgical protocols, prosthetic planning, and future innovations. Emphasis is placed on the importance of thorough treatment planning, appropriate case selection, and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure optimal outcomes. This paper serves as a practical guide for clinicians seeking to strengthen their understanding of implantology and apply evidence-based protocols in clinical practice.

This narrative review comprehensively evaluates the clinical applications and effectiveness of oral irrigators (water flossers) compared to traditional interdental aids in the management of periodontal and peri-implant diseases. Drawing from an extensive literature search across databases including PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar (1971–2025), the review covers historical evolution, current usage patterns, device classification, and future technological advancements in water flossing. Oral irrigators, which utilize pulsating and pressurized water streams, have demonstrated efficacy in plaque removal, reduction of gingival inflammation, and improved access to subgingival and interproximal areas—particularly beneficial for patients with implants, orthodontic appliances, or compromised manual dexterity. Clinical evidence indicates that water flossers are often superior or at least equivalent to dental floss and interdental brushes in reducing bleeding on probing, plaque indices, and inflammatory markers. Furthermore, their synergistic use with antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine enhances their therapeutic impact. While water flossers show promise in improving patient compliance and oral hygiene outcomes, certain limitations—such as the risk of transient bacteremia and microbial colonization—warrant further investigation. Innovations like app-controlled devices, biofeedback mechanisms, and AI-driven water flow adjustments represent the future of personalized oral hygiene. Overall, water flossers emerge as effective, patient-friendly tools with broad utility in modern dental care. Continued research and innovation will further solidify their role in promoting periodontal and peri-implant health.

Without pigments, life would lack vibrancy. The natural world presents us with a kaleidoscope of colours from the lush green grass of home to the warm, ruddy hues of an autumn forest. These colours, with few exceptions, arise from natural pigments found in living organisms. Beyond providing visual appeal, pigments fulfil essential biological functions. Among the various classes of natural pigments, carotenoids stand out for their wide distribution and diverse roles in biological systems. Lycopene a red carotenoid pigment, is abundant in tomatoes, apricots, guavas, watermelons, papayas, and pink grapefruits, with tomatoes serving as the primary source in the human diet. Notably, lycopene demonstrates a strong ability to quench singlet oxygen, making it a powerful antioxidant. Its vivid colour and lack of toxicity also make it a valuable natural food colorant. In addition to its antioxidant properties and use as a natural colorant, lycopene demonstrates considerable potential in both medical and dental fields. It has been recognized as an effective adjunctive, non-invasive therapeutic agent in the management of several oral diseases, including leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, lichen planus, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, lycopene contributes to the preservation of periodontal health by preventing the breakdown of supporting tissues. This review highlights the mechanism of action, multifaceted role of lycopene, particularly emphasizing its preventative and therapeutic potential in managing a range of oral health conditions.