Vol 3, No 2 (2025)

BACKGROUND: Herpesviruses can persist asymptomatically, affecting the mucous membranes and skin across all age groups while remaining latent in neurons throughout life. Approximately 80% of patients exhibit no symptoms during lytic infection, resulting in missed treatment opportunities and inadvertent transmission to others, which facilitates the virus’s spread.

AIM: This work aimed to assess the prevalence of latent herpesvirus infections and their clinical manifestations in the oral cavity among dental patients.

METHODS: A total of 38 patients aged 10–17 years and 36 patients aged 19–35 years were examined. All patients underwent real-time polymerase chain reaction testing of saliva samples for the presence of Herpes Simplex Virus 1, Herpes Simplex Virus 2, Epstein–Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Human Herpesvirus 6. Results were compared between patients with positive and negative test outcomes, regardless of the specific virus identified.

RESULTS: Among patients aged 10–17 years, the following viruses were detected: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 in 27 patients, Herpes Simplex Virus 2 in 9, Epstein–Barr Virus in 12, Cytomegalovirus in 8, and Human Herpes Virus 6 in 18. In the 19–35-year-old group, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 was found in 12 patients, Herpes Simplex Virus 2 in 8, Epstein–Barr Virus in 18, Cytomegalovirus in 6, and Human Herpes Virus 6 in 19.

CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of asymptomatic Herpes Simplex Virus 1 infection (71%) was observed in patients aged 10–17 years, despite the absence of classical clinical signs. Among those aged 19–35 years, Human Herpes Virus 6 was most prevalent (53%).

BACKGROUND: Advances in radiographic techniques continue to improve diagnostic capabilities, underscoring the relevance of this study.

AIM: This work aimed to determine the diagnostic value of the occlusal–condylar circle on lateral cephalometric radiographs in patients with different types of occlusal relationships.

METHODS: The study included two groups: group 1 comprised radiographs of patients with normal occlusion; group 2 included radiographs of patients with malocclusion and distal-extension edentulous defects. Geometric constructions were created on lateral cephalometric images using the PowerPoint software and established anatomical landmarks. The radius of the occlusal–condylar circle was defined as the distance from the superior point of the condylar head (Cond) to the distal occlusal point of the dental arch.

RESULTS: In group 1, the line of the occlusal–condylar circle passed through the distal occlusal point of the second molar and a point corresponding to two-thirds of the Cond–A line. In group 2, cephalometric analysis focused on occlusal point positions in cases of malocclusion and dental-arch defects due to missing molars with vertical dentoalveolar overeruption of antagonists.

CONCLUSION: The occlusal–condylar circle on lateral cephalometric radiographs can serve as a key reference for establishing the occlusal line in patients with malocclusion and in those who have molar-segment dental-arch defects. The findings may be applicable in clinical settings for diagnosing vertical occlusal anomalies and assessing the outcomes of prosthodontic treatment.

BACKGROUND: The potential impact of orthodontic treatment on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the cervical spine, remains a pertinent issue in orthodontics. Of special interest is the effect of functional appliances on cervical spine alignment in adult patients with skeletal class II malocclusion. The Herbst appliance is known to induce sagittal advancement of the mandible, which may affect postural balance, including the curvature of cervical lordosis.

AIM: This work aimed to evaluate cervical spine parameters in adult patients with skeletal class II malocclusion treated using a modified Herbst appliance.

METHODS: Cervical-spine morphology was analyzed on lateral cephalograms obtained from 15 adult patients with skeletal class II malocclusion who had been treated with a modified Herbst appliance. All radiographs were obtained using the Orthophos XG unit (Dentsply Sirona, Germany) in the natural head position.

RESULTS: Use of the modified Herbst appliance led to a mean reduction in cervical lordosis curvature of 1.36 ± 1.20 mm and a mean reduction in cervical lordosis angle of 3.00 ± 2.32.

CONCLUSION: The modified Herbst appliance may influence cervical spine alignment in adult patients with skeletal class II malocclusion. Further evaluation of postural adaptations, including pelvic and foot positioning before and after treatment, is needed to comprehensively assess treatment-related changes.

On June 21, 2025, the First All-Russian Interdisciplinary Scientific and Practical Conference titled “The Legal Framework of Dentistry” was held at the Grand Hotel Emerald conference hall in St. Petersburg. The event was organized by the North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, in collaboration with the Russian Dental Association, the Scientific Medical Society of Dentists of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, and the Romanovsky Medical Center. The event was attended by specialists in medical law and doctors of the following specialties: “General Dentistry”, “Pediatric Dentistry”, “Orthopedic Dentistry”, “Therapeutic Dentistry”, “Surgical Dentistry”, “Orthodontics”. The reports were devoted to the legal aspects of providing dental services, the specifics of processing patient biometric data, the use of clinical guidelines in pediatric and therapeutic dentistry, and the legal aspects of providing medical care to patients in a state dental clinic. The issues of changes in legislation in the field of paid medical services and ways to prevent possible errors in the light of legal regulation were touched upon. Attention was paid to the execution of contractual relations, the preparation of informed consents for diagnostics and treatment, the prevention and resolution of possible conflicts with patients.