Dental implants in atrophic jaws – shorter implants without augmentation may be the first choice

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Six studies involving a total of 837 implants in 335 patients were included in this review comparing implants in augmented bone with short implants in patients with strophic jaws. The findings suggest better outcomes, fewere failed implants and complications with short implants.

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Fissure sealants – are self-etch sealants more effective?

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This review looked at whether self-etch adhesive sealants were as effective as traditional acid etching. 5 split-mouth studies were included and they found significantly lower failure rates in the acid etch group. Odds ratio 4.46 (95% CI 1.31, 15.20).

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Root resorption – no evidence for the effectiveness of available treatments

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This Cochrane review was seeking to identify RCTs of interventions for the management of external root resorption in permanent teeth. No published trials were identified, so clinicians must decide on the most appropriate means of managing this condition according to their clinical experience with regard to patient-related factors.

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Prevalence of third molar impaction worldwide

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The worldwide prevalence of third molar impaction estimated from this review including 49 studies involving 83,484 individuals was 24.4% (95% CI;18.97% to 30.80%).

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Third molar removal – does piezoelectric surgery improve outcomes?

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This review of piezoelectric surgery for third molar removal included 9 studies, 6 of which were RCTs. The findings suggest that outcomes were better for piezoelectric surgery but these findings should be viewed cautiously.

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Periodontal intrabony defect regeneration using platelet-rich plasma

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This review of platelet-rich plasma for intrabony periodontal defects included 21 studies. These were mainly small studies with a marked degree of heterogeneity. They suggest some potential benefits but the findings should be interpreted with caution.

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Systemic antibiotics for aggressive periodontitis?

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This review of systemic antibiotics and non-surgical periodontal therapy for aggressive periodontitis included 13 RCTs and suggests a statistically significant benefit compared to non-surgical therapy alone.

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Little research on non-surgical interventions to accelerate orthodontic treatment

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With orthodontic treatment lasting typically 18-24 months, adjunts to accelerate tooth movements would be welcome. This Cochrane review identified two RCTs on non-surgical interventions to accelerate orthodontic treatment. However, both studies were at high risk of bias, so we cannot rely on their findings.

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Oral Appliances improve obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms

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This review of the use of oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea identified 17 trials, all but one of which wере randomised. The results suggest significant benefits in respiration and sleep quality, compared to placebo devices or blank control.

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Dexamethasone reduced pain and swelling following third molar surgery

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This review included 8 RCTs involving a total of 476 patients and found that submucosal dexamethasone reduced postoperative pain and swelling. Although only one of the studies was at low risk of bias and there was a possibility of publication bias, the findings should be considered with caution.

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