Dear Colleagues, 

Significant advancements have been made in the field of oral diagnostics over the past few years. Early diagnosis would allow the clinician to follow a conservative treatment plan with a favourable prognosis. In dentistry, both diagnosis and treatment are determined by the results of a patient's clinical examination. In light of the fact that the majority of oral diseases are caused by microbial biofilms, it is reasonable to anticipate that conducting a microbiological analysis on samples collected from a patient will be able to deliver supportive evidence that will help the clinician with the decision-making process. Microscopy, culture, and molecular techniques are all examples of applicable microbiological methods. These methods can be easily performed within dedicated laboratories proximal to the clinics, such as those found in academic dental institutions. Other applicable microbiological methods include techniques such as PCR and sequencing. Infections of the periodontium and endodontic infections, as well as odontogenic abscesses, have been singled out as conditions in which the application of clinical microbiology could potentially be advantageous for the patient. With regard to refractory or early-onset forms of periodontitis, the administration of antimicrobial drugs that are supported by microbiological investigation can produce treatment outcomes that are more predictable. During endodontic therapy, confirming the sterility of the root canal with a sample that has tested negative for bacteria can help to ensure the treatment's long-term success and avoid further infections.

Dr. Sreekanth Kumar Mallineni
Guest Editor

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• clinical photographs
• conbeam computerized tomography
• imaging in dentistry
• micro CT
• periodontal disease
• pulpitis
• radiographs
• root canal treatment
• saliva
• PCR
• biofilms
• malocclusions
• digital dentistry