2.Relationship between periodontitis and systemic health conditions: a narrative review
Min-Young KIM ; Eun-Kyoung PANG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(2):e27-
This review examines the bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and systemic health conditions, offering an integrated perspective based on current evidence. It synthesizes epidemiological data, biological mechanisms, and clinical implications to support collaborative care strategies recognizing oral health as a key component of overall wellness. Periodontitis affects 7.4% to 11.2% of adults worldwide, and its prevalence increases with age. Beyond its local effects, including gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, and alveolar bone loss, periodontitis is associated with various systemic conditions. Emerging evidence has established links with obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, certain malignancies, neurodegenerative diseases, psychological disorders, and autoimmune conditions. These associations are mediated by 3 primary mechanisms: dysbiotic oral biofilms, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and the dissemination of periodontal pathogens throughout the body. The pathophysiology involves elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and C-reactive protein), impaired immune function, oxidative stress, and molecular mimicry. Periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, are crucial in initiating and sustaining systemic inflammatory responses. Treatment of periodontitis has demonstrated measurable improvements in numerous systemic conditions, emphasizing the clinical significance of these interconnections. Periodontitis should be understood as more than just a localized oral disease; it significantly contributes to the overall systemic inflammatory burden, with implications for general health. An integrated, multidisciplinary approach to prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment is vital for optimal patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should acknowledge oral health as an essential element of systemic well-being.
3.Health rights of inmates in correctional facilities in Korea as of 2016: a cross-sectional study
Young Su JU ; Myoung-hee KIM ; Jun YIM ; Minyoung CHOUNG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e75-
4.Environmental disease monitoring by regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea: a narrative review
Myung-Sook PARK ; Hwan-Cheol KIM ; Woo Jin KIM ; Yun-Chul HONG ; Won-Jun CHOI ; Seock-Yeon HWANG ; Jiho LEE ; Young-Seoub HONG ; Yong-Dae KIM ; Seong-Chul HONG ; Joo Hyun SUNG ; Inchul JEONG ; Kwan LEE ; Won-Ju PARK ; Hyun-Joo BAE ; Seong-Yong YOON ; Cheolmin LEE ; Kyoung Sook JEONG ; Sanghyuk BAE ; Jinhee CHOI ; Ho-Hyun KIM
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e3-
This study explores the development, roles, and key initiatives of the Regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea, detailing their evolution through four distinct phases and their impact on environmental health policy and local governance. It chronicles the establishment and transformation of these centers from their inception in May 2007, through four developmental stages. Originally named Environmental Disease Research Centers, they were subsequently renamed Environmental Health Centers following legislative changes. The analysis includes the expansion in the number of centers, the transfer of responsibilities to local governments, and the launch of significant projects such as the Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study (Ko-CHENS ). During the initial phase (May 2007–February 2009), the 10 centers concentrated on research-driven activities, shifting from a media-centered to a receptor-centered approach. In the second phase, prompted by the enactment of the Environmental Health Act, six additional centers were established, broadening their scope to address national environmental health issues. The third phase introduced Ko-CHENS, a 20-year national cohort project designed to influence environmental health policy by integrating research findings into policy frameworks. The fourth phase marked a decentralization of authority, empowering local governments and redefining the centers' roles to focus on regional environmental health challenges. The Regional Environmental Health Centers have significantly evolved and now play a crucial role in addressing local environmental health issues and supporting local government policies. Their capacity to adapt and respond to region-specific challenges is essential for the effective implementation of environmental health policies, reflecting geographical, socioeconomic, and demographic differences.
5.Prevalence and factors influencing postpartum depression and its culture-specific cutoffs for women in Asia: a scoping review
Bora MOON ; Hyun Kyoung KIM ; Ju-Hee NHO ; Hyunkyung CHOI ; ChaeWeon CHUNG ; Sook Jung KANG ; Ju Hee KIM ; Ju-Young LEE ; Sihyun PARK ; Gisoo SHIN ; Ju-Eun SONG ; Min Hee LEE ; Sue KIM
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e15-
The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asia is reported to range from 13.53% to 22.31%. However, there remains a gap in the identification of PPD, particularly regarding cultural cutoff points. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in Eastern, South-eastern, Western, and Southern Asian countries and analyze the cutoff points of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used across these countries. Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step scoping review framework, the population was defined as mothers, the concept as the EPDS, and the context as the Asian region. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The data analysis focused on demographic characteristics, EPDS cutoffs and features, PPD prevalence, and its associated factors. Nineteen studies were selected. Most countries used translated versions of the EPDS with demonstrated reliability and validity. The cutoff scores varied, with most using scores of 10 or higher. The prevalence of PPD ranged from 5.1% to 78.7%. Key associated factors for PPD included cultural factors such as relationships with in-laws and preferences for the newborn’s sex. To improve the accuracy of PPD screening in Asia, the EPDS should be used consistently, and appropriate cutoff criteria must be established. In addition, prevention strategies and programs that reflect the cultural characteristics and social context of Asia need to be developed for the early detection and prevention of PPD.
6.Effects of dental implant surface treated with sandblasting large grit acid-etching and femtosecond laser on implant stability, marginal bone volume, and histological results in a rabbit model
Young-Tak SON ; KeunBaDa SON ; Hoseong CHO ; Jae-Mok LEE ; Sm Abu SALEAH ; JunHo HWANG ; JongHoon LEE ; HyunDeok KIM ; Myoung-Uk JIN ; Jeehyun KIM ; Mansik JEON ; Kyu-Bok LEE
The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics 2025;17(2):101-114
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to compare the surface characteristics and healing patterns after implantation of implants treated with SLA and those treated with both SLA and femtosecond laser.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A total of 10 male New Zealand white rabbits were used to compare recovery levels between implants treated with SLA (SLA group) and those treated with both SLA and femtosecond laser (SF group). The implants’ surface characteristics were determined through topographic evaluation, element analysis, surface roughness, and wettability evaluation. In total, 4 implants were placed in each rabbit (2 in each tibia), with 20 implants per treatment group. Using the implant stability quotient (ISQ), marginal bone volume, and histological analysis (bone-to-implant contact (BIC), bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV)), and post implantation outcomes were assessed. Outcome data were analyzed using independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05).
RESULTS:
No significant differences were noted between SLA and SF groups in terms of ISQ, marginal bone volume, BIC, and BV/TV (P > .05). However, significant differences in ISQ were observed within each group over time (P < .05). Furthermore, significant differences were noted in the marginal bone volume of the SF group (P < .05) and the BV/TV of the SLA group between weeks 4 and 6 (P < .05).
CONCLUSION
Surface treatment via SLA and femtosecond laser is feasible compared with SLA treatment alone in terms of ISQ, marginal bone volume, BIC, and BV/TV. However, further clinical research is warranted.
7.Prosthodontic treatment with implant-assisted partial denture for limited abutment teeth and bone loss: case report
Hyang Eun LEE ; Sun-Young YIM ; Sung Yong KIM ; Hee-Won JANG ; Yong-Sang LEE ; Keun Woo LEE ; Joo-Hyuk BANG
The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics 2025;63(2):176-185
For patients with a few remaining abutment teeth, traditional removable partial dentures and implant-supported fixed prostheses are common treatment options.However, removable dentures often struggle to provide stability, especially as bone resorption occurs over time. Implant-supported fixed prostheses offer longterm stability but are costly and affected by anatomical and medical factors. A newer option is implant-assisted removable partial dentures, which use a minimal number of implants combined with a surveyed crown. This approach enhances support, retention, and stability while reducing financial and surgical burdens. It also improves the prognosis of the remaining teeth, increases patient satisfaction, and enhances masticatory function, making it a promising alternative to conventional removable dentures.
8.Full mouth rehabilitation of patient with excessively worn dentition from multiple factors: a case report
Jiwon HA ; Jai-Young KOAK ; Seong-Kyun KIM ; Ji-Man PARK
The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics 2025;63(2):154-163
Excessive wear of the teeth, which causes functional, aesthetic problems, or sensitivity symptoms, is referred to as pathological wear. If this leads to the collapse of occlusion, extensive restoration is necessary to restore function and aesthetics.When restoring pathologically worn dentition, it is essential to identify the cause of the wear before determining treatment plan to get a favorable prognosis. In this case, a patient exhibited severe tooth wear with decreased vertical dimension and clinical, radiographic examination, and medical history indicated the pathological wear caused by a combination of factors. Consequently, full-mouth rehabilitation was indicated and the vertical occlusal height was determined considering the appropriate restorative space. Based on the causes of the wear, the restoration method, materials, and occlusal pattern were selected and successfully restored to normal occlusal state through full-mouth rehabilitation with zirconia full-veneered crowns.
9.Biomechanics in terms of rotation angles and torques of implant-abutment screw tightening and loosening: Effects of implant types, contamination and sandblasting
Jiwoo LEE ; Seong-Kyun KIM ; Jai-Young KOAK ; Ji-Man PARK ; Jaejin CHO
The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics 2025;63(2):103-113
Purpose:
. The purpose of this study is to analyze the biomechanical differences in rotation angle-torque according to the type of implant and to compare the effects of contamination and sandblasting on the removal torque value (RTV) of abutment screws.
Materials and methods:
. For this study, an automated device for tightening and loosening implant screws was developed, and each 15 implant-abutment complexes of external and internal connection type were prepared, divided into three groups according to the surface treatment of the screw:control group (no treatment), experimental group-1 (artificial saliva contamination and chlorhexidine (CHX) rinsing), and experimental group-2 (artificial saliva contamination, CHX rinsing, and subsequent 50 µm Al 2 O 3 sandblasting). FirstRTV was measured for each group, followed by different post-treatment procedures for the screws, and then Second-RTV was measured. During the procedure, the removal torque value and rotation angle vs. time were recorded at a 20 data/s.A standardized protocol was followed for all the tightening and loosening procedures: screw was tightened with 30 Ncm torque and maintained for 5 s, and then rotated in the reverse direction until the torque value reached 0 Ncm. After 10min of rest period, the screws were loosened to initial point.
Results:
. Statistical analysis of measured data revealed that the internal connection type showed significantly higher First-RTV compared to the external connection type, however, no significant differences in Second-RTV were found. Both experimental groups 1and 2 showed a decrease in RTVs for both implant types, while the control group showed a decrease in RTV only for the internal type. The internal connection type required a significantly larger rotation angle during the tightening and loosening process.
Conclusion
. Within the limitations of this study, both artificial saliva contamination and CHX cleansing, as well as sandblasting, decreased RTV in both internal and external connection types. Internal connections were more susceptible to the effects of contaminants.
10.Implant-assisted removable partial denture (IARPD) rehabilitation in a patient exhibiting mandibular prognathism due to decreased vertical dimension: a case report
Hye-Kyoung HWANG ; Young-Jun LIM ; Ho-Beom KWON ; Myung-Joo KIM
The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics 2025;63(1):82-91
The loss of occlusal vertical dimension due to multiple tooth loss and wear can lead to a collapsed occlusion, resulting in both functional and aesthetic problems.This case report describes a patient exhibiting mandibular prognathism as a result of vertical dimension loss. A comprehensive oral rehabilitation involving an increase in vertical dimension was required. A minimal number of implants were placed, and implant-supported surveyed crowns were fabricated, allowing for the design of a stable and retentive implant-assisted removable partial denture. The treatment resulted in both functional and aesthetic improvements. The anterior rotational pattern of the mandible was alleviated, and the implant-assisted partial denture provided clinically high levels of patient satisfaction. This case report details the diagnostic and therapeutic processes involved in this treatment.

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