Absence of evidence on quality of life after different treatment options for fracture of mandibular condyles

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Fractures of the mandibular condyle account for between a quarter and a third of mandibular fractures. However, there is still controversy about the best method of treatment . A recent meta-analysis by Kyas et al ( Dental Elf 20Apr 2012)  suggested that open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) may be as good if not better [read the full story…]

Another critical summary from American Dental Association Centre for Evidence-based Dentistry – March 2013

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This latest critical summary prepared under the auspices of the ADA Center for Evidence Based Dentistry looks at a 2012 meta-analysis by Kühnisch et al that looks at the retention rates of pit and fissure sealants. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that resin-based sealants have the highest retention rates at 5-years. The appraiser notes [read the full story…]

Is there a ‘standard’ biologic width for periodontal health?

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When restoring teeth the placement of the margin of the restoration is considered to be important for periodontal health.  This position may be a factor in the initiation or progression of periodontal disease.   Biologic width has been defined as the junctional epithelium and supracrestal connective tissue attachment surrounding every tooth. it is suggested that his [read the full story…]

Critical Summary from American Dental Association Centre for Evidence-based Dentistry – March 2013

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This ADA critical summary looks at a 2012 review by van Vlijmen et al  of the evidence to support the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontics The reviewer highlights the extensive range of databases searched for the use of CBCT for orthodontic purposes.  There was also an independent assessment of study quality. The [read the full story…]

Lack of reliable evidence for the effectiveness of remineralizing agents for the treatment of post-orthodontic white spot lesions

iStock_000002551343XSmall colourful braces on teeth

White spot lesions (WSLs) are a common adverse effect of orthodontic treatment. The incidence of these lesions is high with some estimates as high as 97%.  The aim of this review was to assess the evidence regarding the effect of remineralizing agents on post-orthodontic WSLs and to evaluate which remineralizing agents are effective for the [read the full story…]

Is treatment of class II malocclusion with class II elastics effective?

iStock_000002551343XSmall colourful braces on teeth

The class II malocclusion is a common problem that people attend for orthodontic treatment. The main aim of this review was to assess whether Class II elastics are effective in correcting Class II malocclusions PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases, were searched. This was complemented by a hand search, with no [read the full story…]

Treating severe dental caries improved children’s appetite and dental outcomes

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Worldwide dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of childhood. Sadly, in many countries a significant proportion of this decay remains untreated leading to pain, sepsis and occasionally more severe complications.  Studies have shown associations between caries and poor growth, low weight gain, missed school and poorer performance.   The aim of this [read the full story…]

Submucosal dexamethasone reduced pain, swelling and trismus following surgical removal of third molars

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Surgical removal of lower third molars is one of the most commonly performed operations.  It is associated with inflammation, pain and limited mouth opening. The aim of this study was evaluate the effectiveness of submucosal injection of dexamethasone on swelling, pain, trismus, neurological complaints and patient satisfaction after third molar surgery. Adult Patients with Pell [read the full story…]

New Cochrane Protocols February 2013

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There are three new protocols on the February issue of the Cochrane Library The first protocol Carrasco-Labra A, Brignardello-Petersen R, Yanine N, Araya I, Rada G, Chadwick RG. Professionally-applied chemically-induced whitening of teeth in adults (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD010379. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010379.  aims to assess the effects of [read the full story…]

No randomised controlled trials to support or refute the extraction or non-extraction of teeth prior to radiotherapy of head and neck

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Globally about 3% of cancers are head and neck cancers.  Dental examination and completion of any necessary treatment is recommended prior to any radiotherapy required for patients with head and neck cancer. The aim of this Cochrane review was to assess whether the pre-radiation extraction of diseased or non-diseased molars compared to conservative treatment reduced [read the full story…]