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Table of Content

    20 July 2026, Volume 24 Issue 4 Previous Issue   
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    Expert Consensus
    Guidelines for sequential diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement and condylar resorption in adolescents: surgical treatment strategies
    Yang Chi, Shen Pei, Hu Min, Chen Minjie, Jiao Zixian, Lu Haixia, Fu Kaiyuan, Fang Bing, Zhou Qing, Zhang Qingbin, Zhu Yaomin, Jiao Guoliang, Tian Lei, Li Huang, Li Zhiyong, Li Yunpeng, Maimaitituxun Tuerdi, Liu Xinhua, He Dongmei, Zhang Shanyong, Fang Yiming, Guo Jing, Jiang Lingyong, He Hong, Chen Lili, Zhang Yi, He Yang, Jiao Kai, Yin Zhiguo, Long Xing, Jiang Yinhua, Ma Zhigui, Xie Qianyang, Ge Jing, Zheng Jisi, Bai Guo, Liu Xiaohan, Zhang Dahe, Qu Guanlin, Luo Yi
    2026, 24 (4):  331-339.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.003
    Abstract ( 116 )   PDF (1231KB) ( 121 )  
    The incidence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement (ADD) in adolescents is high, with strong concealment and significant risks, potentially leading to condylar resorption and affecting the growth of the craniofacial musculoskeletal system. The sequential diagnosis and treatment of TMJ ADD in adolescents refer to a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment based on the concept of “joint-jaw-occlusion” with the primary goal of restoring the correct disc-condylar relationship and promoting healthy growth of the joint and craniofacial musculoskeletal system. This is accomplished via comprehensive joint and craniofacial examinations, in conjunction with multidisciplinary collaboration. Surgical treatment serves as the principal approach, complemented by occlusal and orthodontic interventions. It aims to treat joint diseases while preventing or correcting craniofacial deformities caused by joint problems. This guideline mainly included four aspects: the hazards of TMJ ADD in adolescents, the evaluation system, sequential treatments, and the criteria for success, aiming to provide a scientific basis and guidance for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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    Original Articles
    Application of a high-activity integrin α5β1-binding peptide hydrogel for mandibular defect repair
    Gong Luyang, Xue Jiao, Gong Yuze, Zhang Shujian, Zhou Jianhua, Yuan Rongtao
    2026, 24 (4):  340-347.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.004
    Abstract ( 43 )   PDF (2482KB) ( 22 )  
    PURPOSE: To develop an injectable thermosensitive hydrogel composite scaffold loaded with a high-activity integrin α5β1-binding peptide and to evaluate its ability to promote osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) as well as to enhance mandibular bone defect repair. METHODS: A high-activity integrin α5β1-binding peptide was synthesized using the Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis method and incorporated into an Arg-Gly-Asp（RGD） modified alginate-based thermosensitive hydrogel to fabricate an injectable peptide-hydrogel composite scaffold. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the scaffold were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and mechanical testing. In vitro, hBMSCs were cultured on the scaffolds; cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. In vivo, a mandibular bone defect model was established in New Zealand white rabbits, and the composite scaffold was implanted into the defect sites. New bone formation was assessed by micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT), HE staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical analysis of collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1α1) and osteocalcin (OCN), followed by statistical analysis. RESULTS: The peptide-hydrogel composite scaffold exhibited good injectability at room temperature and rapidly gelled at body temperature, forming a uniform porous microstructure. In vitro, compared with the control group, the high-activity integrin α5β1-binding peptide significantly promoted hBMSCs adhesion and proliferation and enhanced osteogenic differentiation. In vivo, the peptide-loaded hydrogel group showed significantly increased trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), and bone volume fraction (BV/TV%), along with a markedly reduced trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Micro-CT and histological analyses demonstrated substantially enhanced new bone formation within the defect region. Immunohistochemical staining further revealed higher expression levels of COL1α1 and OCN than those in the control groups, indicating enhanced osteogenic activity. CONCLUSIONS: The high-activity integrin α5β1-binding peptide significantly improves bone regeneration efficiency by promoting hBMSC adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. The injectable thermosensitive hydrogel composite scaffold loaded with this peptide showed favorable biocompatibility and robust osteogenic repair capacity in a rabbit mandibular defect model, suggesting its potential value as a bone tissue engineering strategy for mandibular defect repair.
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    Comparison of fibrin glue, N-butyl cyanoacrylate and conventional sutures for sealing bleeding at microvascular anastomotic sites
    Han Shaowei, Li Wenhao, Li Yahui, Zhao Xue, Chen Chuanjun
    2026, 24 (4):  348-352.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.005
    Abstract ( 46 )   PDF (1448KB) ( 29 )  
    PURPOSE: To establish an animal model of blood leakage at microvascular anastomoses and evaluate the efficacy of fibrin glue (FG) and N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in sealing anastomotic leakage. Additionally, to compare these methods with conventional suture repair in terms of operation time, patency rate, and inflammatory response. METHODS: Sixty healthy New Zealand white rabbits, weighing (2.8±0.2) kg with equal numbers of males and females were randomly divided into FG, NBCA and control groups (n=20 each). An end-to-end anastomosis model of the rabbit carotid artery with simulated anastomotic leakage was established. FG and NBCA were used to seal the leakage in the FG and NBCA group, while conventional suture repair was performed in the control group. Sealing time was recorded and vascular patency was evaluated immediately after surgery and at 4 weeks postoperatively. Perivascular tissues were harvested at 2 and 4 weeks for hematoxylin-eosin staining, and inflammatory response was evaluated using a semi-quantitative scoring system. RESULTS: The mean sealing times in the FG, NBCA and control groups were (87.80±22.02) s, (94.35±19.32) s and (245.70±59.41) s, respectively. The sealing times in the FG and NBCA groups were significantly shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the immediate patency rate or the patency rate at 4 weeks postoperatively among the three groups (P>0.05). Histological analysis showed that inflammatory reactions around the anastomotic site were milder in the FG and NBCA group than in the control group and gradually decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: Both FG and NBCA can effectively seal bleeding at the vascular anastomotic site. They provide advantages such as simple operation, rapid sealing and mild inflammatory response, while maintaining vascular patency comparable to conventional suturing techniques. Therefore, they may serve as safe and reliable adjuncts in microvascular anastomosis. FG may have certain advantages because of its good biocompatibility and complete biodegradability in vivo.
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    Evaluation of the diagnostic value of BSND protein for preliminary screening of salivary gland oncocytic tumors
    Leng Nannan, Wang Min, Sun Jingjing, Gu Ting, Hu Yuhua, Xia Ronghui, Zhang Chunye, Li Jiang, Tian Zhen
    2026, 24 (4):  353-360.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.006
    Abstract ( 41 )   PDF (2321KB) ( 41 )  
    PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of Barttin CLCNK type accessory subunit beta (BSND) protein as a preliminary screening marker for the differential diagnosis of salivary gland oncocytic tumors, and to preliminarily explore the association between BSND expression and gene mutations. METHODS: A total of 136 salivary gland tumor tissue samples were collected. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect BSND protein expression and to assess its differential expression among tumors, including oncocytoma, Warthin tumor, oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and Warthin-like MEC. The diagnostic performance of BSND was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted on 58 samples to detect BSND gene mutations. RESULTS: The positive rate of BSND expression was 100% (20/20) in oncocytoma and 93.75% (15/16) in Warthin tumor, whereas it was only 2% (2/100) in other salivary gland tumors with oncocytic subtypes. In distinguishing benign from malignant salivary gland tumors with oncocytic differentiation, BSND demonstrated a specificity of 98.8% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.792. For differentiating oncocytoma from oncocytic MEC, the sensitivity and specificity were 95.0% and 88.2%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.992. For differentiating Warthin tumor from Warthin-like MEC, the sensitivity and specificity were 87.5% and 90.0%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.963. NGS results revealed no significant correlation between BSND protein expression and gene mutations. ROC analysis further suggested that a diagnostic threshold of 2.5% for Warthin tumor and 35% for oncocytoma yielded high diagnostic efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: BSND can serve as a protein marker for differentiating salivary gland oncocytoma from oncocytic MEC, and Warthin tumor from Warthin-like MEC. It represents a useful preliminary screening indicator for the differential diagnosis of oncocytic tumors. Gene mutation is not the molecular mechanism underlying BSND overexpression in salivary gland tumors.
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    The expression and clinicopathological significance of macrophage-associated protein and TIM-3 in IgG4-related sialadenitis
    Yue Rongrong, Li Chenxi, Zhou Yuchuan, Hu Lulu, Gong Zhongcheng
    2026, 24 (4):  361-367.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.007
    Abstract ( 38 )   PDF (1669KB) ( 15 )  
    PURPOSE: To investigate the expression characteristics of macrophage-associated proteins (CD68, CD80, CD163) and TIM-3 protein in IgG4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) and their correlation with clinicopathological parameters of patients. METHODS: Salivary gland tissue samples from 33 patients with IgG4-RS, 8 patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS) and 8 healthy controls were selected. The expression levels of CD68, CD80, CD163 and TIM-3 proteins in the three groups were detected by HE staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemical staining. The correlations between the expression of these proteins and patients' age, number of involved organs, ratio of IgG4/IgG positive plasma cells, and fibrosis area were analyzed. RESULTS: The expression levels of CD68, CD163 and TIM-3 in the salivary gland tissues of patients with IgG4-RS were significantly higher than those in the SS group (P<0.05). CD68 expression was correlated with patients' age and number of involved organs (P<0.05), CD80 expression was correlated with the number of involved organs (P<0.05), CD163 expression was correlated with the ratio of IgG4/IgG positive plasma cells and age (P<0.05), and TIM-3 expression was correlated with age (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the expression levels of CD68, CD163 and TIM-3 in the glandular tissues of IgG4-RS patients were positively correlated with the relative area of fibrosis (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CD68, CD163 and TIM-3 proteins are highly expressed in the salivary gland tissues of IgG4-RS, and their expression levels are closely related to patients' age, number of involved organs, and degree of tissue fibrosis. This study provides a new theoretical basis for revealing the immune pathogenesis of IgG4-RS and optimizing clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
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    Prognostic analysis of 223 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the head and neck
    Cheng Yutian, Zhao Xinyu, Zhuo Xuewu, Xu Le, Ma Li, Zou Huwei, Liu Guijun, Chen Zhanwei, Liu Zhenxing, Yin Changwei, Wu Haiwei, Liu Shaopeng, Zhang Dongsheng, Huang Shengyun
    2026, 24 (4):  368-373.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.008
    Abstract ( 41 )   PDF (772KB) ( 82 )  
    PURPOSE: To explore the clinical characteristics of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) in the head and neck region, analyze the related factors of its onset, metastasis, recurrence and prognosis, and provide references for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis evaluation. METHODS: The clinical data of 223 patients with head and neck MEC who were treated at Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from 2012 to 2024 were collected, and complete prognostic data were obtained through outpatient and telephone follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method in GraphPad Prism 10 software was used to calculate the survival rate, and Cox proportional hazards regression model in SPSS 27.0 software was adopted for univariate analysis. Further multivariate analysis was performed on the factors with statistical significance. RESULTS: The overall survival rate of the 223 MEC patients was 78.92%, the recurrence rate was 6.28%, and the metastasis rate was 11.21%. Among them, the survival rate of recurrent patients was 64.29%, and that of metastatic patients was 76.00%. Cox regression analysis showed that age, N stage, and histological differentiation were factors affecting patient prognosis. Survival curve analysis revealed that patients with low differentiation had significantly lower survival rates compared to those with moderate or high differentiation (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic factors of patients with head and neck MEC have hierarchical characteristics. The overall survival rate is closely related to age, N stage, and the degree of tissue differentiation; the risk of recurrence is mainly affected by N stage and the degree of tissue differentiation; the occurrence of metastasis is significantly correlated with perineural invasion and the degree of tissue differentiation.
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    The effect of refined nursing model in children with secondary nasolabial deformity correction after bilateral cleft lip surgery
    Lan Chunhui, Zhang Xueyan, Yang Yujie, Ding Wenwei, Wei Minling, Ling Wudan, Chen Yuhui
    2026, 24 (4):  374-381.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.009
    Abstract ( 40 )   PDF (1087KB) ( 73 )  
    PURPOSE: To explore the effect of refined nursing model on postoperative rehabilitation and aesthetic outcomes in children undergoing correction of nasolabial deformity after bilateral cleft lip surgery. METHODS: A total of 86 children who received surgical correction for nasolabial deformity following bilateral cleft lip repair in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2023 to January 2025 were enrolled and randomly divided into the control group and the experimental group, with 43 cases in each group. The control group was given routine nursing, while the experimental group received refined nursing combined with routine nursing. The incidence of postoperative complications, wound healing time and hospital stay were compared between the two groups. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Face-Q Scale, Self-Rating Scale of Depressive Disorder in Children (DSRSC), Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), and a self-designed nursing satisfaction questionnaire of the hospital were adopted to evaluate children's pain intensity, facial aesthetics, psychological status, and nursing satisfaction of their families. RESULTS: The total incidence of postoperative complications in the experimental group was 4.65%, which was significantly lower than 23.26% in the control group (P=0.013). The NRS scores of both groups decreased gradually over time (P<0.05); at 12, 24 and 48 hours after surgery, the NRS scores in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had shorter postoperative wound healing time and hospital stay (P<0.05). At 3 months postoperatively, the scores of oral recovery, nasal morphology and symmetry, labial morphology and symmetry, scar quality and color matching, as well as scar recovery in the Face-Q Scale of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). At 3 months after surgery, the DSRSC and SCARED scores of both groups declined (P<0.05), and the scores in the experimental group were markedly lower (P<0.05). The satisfaction scores of the experimental group in dimensions including facial aesthetic improvement, service attitude, hospitalization environment, professional skills and nursing efficacy were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The refined nursing mode can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and postoperative pain, shorten the rehabilitation period, improve facial aesthetics and family nursing satisfaction, and optimize the psychological state of children undergoing nasolabial deformity correction after bilateral cleft lip surgery.
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    Differences in risk factors of postoperative complications in cleft palate surgery between day surgery and traditional hospitalization mode
    Tao Jie, Wang Huilin, Cai Ming, Li Jingjie, Dong Xiang
    2026, 24 (4):  382-388.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.010
    Abstract ( 41 )   PDF (747KB) ( 21 )  
    PURPOSE: To compare the risk factors of postoperative complications between the day surgery and traditional inpatient models of cleft palate surgery. METHODS: A total of 3 040 patients who received one-stage cleft palate repair in the Department of Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital from January 2017 to August 2024 were selected and divided into the day-surgery group (n=453) and the inpatient-surgery group (n=2 587) according to different hospitalization modes. Baseline characteristics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative complication rates were compared between the two groups. Additionally, propensity score matching and multivariate regression analysis were employed to identify differences in risk factors for complications between the two groups. RESULTS: In the primary analysis, the incidence of postoperative complications in the day-surgery group was significantly higher than that in the inpatient-surgery group (17.7% vs 13.1%, P<0.05). However, both the length of hospital stay and treatment costs were significantly lower in the day-surgery group compared to the inpatient-surgery group (P<0.05). After propensity score matching, the incidence of postoperative complications in the day- surgery group was slightly higher than that in the inpatient-surgery group (17.7% vs 12.8%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (adjusted P=0.077). Subgroup analysis after adjusting for gender, age in months, body mass index, and ASA classification showed that postoperative complications in the inpatient-surgery group were significantly associated with cleft palate type (types 2 and 3) and preoperative comorbidities (P<0.05), with significant interaction effects of preoperative comorbidities (P<0.05). In contrast, no significant associations were found between these factors and complication risk in the day-surgery group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cleft palate day surgery can significantly shorten hospital stays and reduce medical costs. The postoperative complication rate is slightly higher than that of the traditional inpatient model, and there is no significant correlation with the postoperative complication risk factors of the traditional inpatient model (cleft palate classification and preoperative comorbidities). Clinically, it is necessary to strengthen monitoring and prevention of postoperative complications after day surgery in a targeted manner.
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    Research on the perioperative care pathway of photodynamic therapy for port-wine stain patients in enhanced recovery after surgery
    Hu Guangzhen, Wang Xiaolu, Huang Jing, Dong Changxian, Lei Hongzhao, Li Xinlu, Wang Cuitian, Hu Hengyu
    2026, 24 (4):  389-395.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.011
    Abstract ( 56 )   PDF (1258KB) ( 78 )  
    PURPOSE: Based on the journey map, to identify the multi-dimensional needs of patients with port-wine stain (PWS) undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT) under general anesthesia, and to provide a reference for optimizing the perioperative diagnosis and treatment experience of this group and forming a patient-centered medical support system. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative research method was used. From September to November 2025, 12 patients with port-wine stain at Hemangioma Department of Henan Provincial People's Hospital were selected for semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed by content analysis method, and the patient journey map was drawn. RESULTS: Taking the three periods of pre-operation, operation and post-operation of patients with port-wine stain as the time axis, the perioperative journey of patients with port-wine stain undergoing photodynamic therapy was divided into 34 themes from four dimensions of task, emotion, pain point and opportunity point, including outpatient visit, surgical plan confirmation, preoperative preparation, access to high-quality medical resources, psychological support, confusion, anxiety, tension, etc., and the journey map was drawn. CONCLUSIONS: Under the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) model, patients with port-wine stain (PWS) undergoing photodynamic therapy under general anesthesia (PDT) exhibit characteristics of a short treatment cycle and complex healthcare management needs during the perioperative period. The dynamic and intertwined clinical experience touchpoints evolve across different stages, with varying priorities in health support needs. Optimizing core interactive touchpoints enables precise response to diverse patient needs, enhances overall clinical experience and patient's satisfaction, and ensures high-quality nursing services throughout the entire perioperative process. This approach aligns with the ERAS philosophy of minimizing physiological and psychological stress while promoting accelerated recovery.
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    Observation on therapeutic effect of carbon dioxide fractional laser on scar after unilateral cleft lip operation
    Chi Haoshu, Shen Lingyue, Xie Jiahui, Wu Yubo, Cai Ming
    2026, 24 (4):  396-400.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.012
    Abstract ( 33 )   PDF (747KB) ( 20 )  
    PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional laser in the treatment of post-operative scars following cleft lip repair. METHODS: A total of 36 patients who underwent primary repair of unilateral cleft lip at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from March 2023 to March 2024 were randomly divided into the experimental group (n=18) and the control group (n=18). The experimental group received CO2 fractional laser treatment 1 month after surgery combined with silicone gel application and massage therapy; the control group only received silicone gel application and massage therapy. One year postoperatively, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was used to objectively evaluate scar recovery. RESULTS: One year after surgery, the scars of patients in both groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.001); the total VSS score of the experimental group (1.72±0.18) was significantly lower than that of the control group (3.94±0.27), and the improvements in scar thickness and hardness were more significant (P<0.001); there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in color and vascular distribution (P>0.05), but the mean values of the experimental group were lower, showing potential clinical improvement. No obvious adverse reactions occurred in all patients during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 fractional laser treatment effectively improves the morphology and texture of scars following cleft lip repair, making it worthy of clinical promotion and application.
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    Dental Education
    Application of case-based learning in the theoretical education of oral anatomy for dental undergraduate students
    Fu Jinye, He Yue, Xu Yuanjin
    2026, 24 (4):  401-405.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.013
    Abstract ( 51 )   PDF (621KB) ( 28 )  
    PURPOSE: To explore the application effect of case-based learning (CBL) in the theoretical education of oral anatomy for dental undergraduate students. METHODS: Taking the maxilla section as a pilot section of anatomical teaching, a total of 67 students from two second-year dental undergraduate classes of the 2023 grade at Shanghai Jiao Tong University were selected and taught using traditional teaching methods (control group, n=32) and CBL (experimental group, n=35), respectively. After the course, class quiz and questionnaire were conducted to compare the teaching outcomes from three aspects: knowledge mastery, perception of curriculum ideological and political education, and evaluation of teaching modes. RESULTS: In terms of knowledge mastery, the accuracy rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group for the content presented in the cases (P<0.05); for the content not presented in the cases, the accuracy rates of the two groups were similar. In terms of ideological and political education in the curriculum, the score of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). According to the questionnaire survey, more students in the experimental group than in the control group believed that anatomical knowledge was easy to understand and remember, and understood the correlation between anatomy and clinical practice (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of CBL in the theoretical education of oral anatomy can help students understand the anatomical knowledge, facilitate the transmission of ideological and political content in the curriculum, and foster students' clinical enlightenment.
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    Investigation on learning application and cognitive evaluation of AI segmentation of panoramic images of mandibular third molars among standardized training residents in stomatology
    Zhou Qin, Li Kexuan, Sun Yun, Fang Xiao, Wang Xinbei, Ji Changkai, Du Guanhuan
    2026, 24 (4):  406-412.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.014
    Abstract ( 45 )   PDF (982KB) ( 30 )  
    PURPOSE: To analyze the learning effect and feedback of standardized training residents in stomatology on artificial intelligence (AI) segmentation of panoramic images of mandibular third molars, so as to provide evidence for the rational application of AI in teaching and the improvement of learning efficiency and teaching quality. METHODS: An anonymous online questionnaire using Wenjuanxing was distributed to stomatology (dental) residents receiving standardized training at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The questionnaire included general information, case-based image evaluation (4 sets of original panoramic radiographs and 4 sets of AI-segmented images of mandibular third molars), as well as participants' cognition of AI, application demands and teaching expectations. The residents' image interpretation results were compared with the expert panel criteria. RESULTS: A total of 65 valid questionnaires were collected. In the interpretation of the positional relationship between tooth roots and the inferior alveolar nerve canal, the AI segmentation group showed significantly higher consistency with the expert criteria than the panoramic radiograph group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the consistency of self-rated extraction difficulty with expert standards between the two groups (P>0.05). A total of 95.38% of the residents were willing to have more access to AI in the future, and over 95% of the residents supported the application and development of AI in dental education. CONCLUSIONS: AI segmentation of images can significantly enhance the anatomical visualization and learning experience for the study of third mandibular molars, with high acceptance among learners. It is recommended that AI be integrated with traditional teaching under the guidance of instructors to establish an interactive teaching model of "AI + instructor + student", and to expand into personalized learning and virtual simulation teaching.
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    Review Articles
    The role of cellular stiffness in tumorigenesis, progression and immune evasion
    Zeng Hui, Tian Guocai, Xu Qin, Zhang Zhiyuan
    2026, 24 (4):  413-420.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.015
    Abstract ( 30 )   PDF (887KB) ( 29 )  
    The progression of malignant tumors is closely linked to mechanical softening of cancer cells. Tissues and cells vary in stiffness, and tumor tissues exhibit pronounced heterogeneity, comprising clonal populations with diverse mechanical properties. Stiffness significantly affects critical cellular behaviors such as proliferation, metastasis, and immune evasion in tumor cells. This review examined the influence of stiffness, a critical biomechanical feature, on tumor initiation, progression and therapeutic response, and explored the associated molecular mechanisms and potential targeting strategies.
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    Case Reports
    Non-static Stafne bone cavity with submandibular gland inflammation: a case report
    Yu Lili, Lin Jianye, Xu Zhiqiang, He Yuqi
    2026, 24 (4):  421-423.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.016
    Abstract ( 38 )   PDF (832KB) ( 29 )  
    Stafne bone cavity is a rare bony defect on the lingual side of the mandible with unclear etiology. Most cases are clinically static and asymptomatic. This article described a case of progressive enlargement of a Stafne bone cavity with chronic submandibular gland inflammation. This case report highlighted the significance of follow-up for Stafne bone cavity and the choice of timing for surgery.
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    Retrograde penetration of the posterior lateral wall of the maxillary sinus during extraction of impacted maxillary third molars: report of two cases
    Chen Zishan, Lei Rongchang, Guo Ge
    2026, 24 (4):  424-427.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.017
    Abstract ( 47 )   PDF (1071KB) ( 19 )  
    This paper presented two rare cases of accidental displacement of maxillary impacted third molars into the posterior lateral wall of the maxillary sinus during extraction at a local hospital. The diagnosis, management, and clinical data of these referred cases were described in detail. Combined with a literature review, we discussed the etiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment strategies, and preventive measures for this uncommon complication. This report aimed to provide reference for clinicians and enhance their awareness and management capabilities regarding to such complications.
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    Pedicled palatal connective tissue flap for simultaneous repair of soft tissue defect after maxillary anterior palatal epulis excision: a case report
    Wang Chuanbao, Zhang Wei, Xu Kai, Han Qiang, Li Keyi, Guo Ning
    2026, 24 (4):  428-432.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.018
    Abstract ( 50 )   PDF (1148KB) ( 32 )  
    Soft tissue defects frequently remain following epulis excision, which may lead to complications such as loss of interdental papillae, gingival recession, and root surface exposure. Conventional repair approaches are often associated with limitations including delayed revascularization and suboptimal morphological reconstruction, representing a clinical challenge. This article reported a case of fibrous epulis accompanied by stage Ⅲ grade B chronic periodontitis. After completion of initial periodontal therapy, a vascularized interpositional periosteal-connective tissue (VIP-CT) flap was utilized for simultaneous repair of the soft tissue defect following complete excision of the lesion. Postoperative follow-up revealed primary wound healing without evidence of infection or flap necrosis. The surgical site exhibited natural soft tissue contour and texture, harmonious color integration with adjacent mucosa, and stable root coverage outcomes. Effective reconstruction of palatal soft tissue morphology and periodontal health was achieved. This case demonstrates that the VIP-CT flap provides a reliable clinical option for the management of soft tissue defects subsequent to epulis excision.
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    Parotid Rosai-Dorfman disease：a case report and literature review
    Wang Haoran, Lyu Chunhua, Xu Jingchun, Chen Jun, Ma Songbo, Meng Jian, Tang Hui, Sheng Lei
    2026, 24 (4):  433-436.  doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.04.019
    Abstract ( 32 )   PDF (1133KB) ( 103 )  
    Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare disorder classified as a type of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Its etiology remains unclear, and there is no unified treatment approach to date. Most current studies on this disease are case reports, and cases occurring in the parotid gland are relatively rare. This article reported a case of Rosai-Dorfman disease in the parotid gland region, and discussed its clinical manifestations, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment in combination with a literature review, aiming to provide a reference for clinical practice.
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