The shortened dental arch (SDA) consisting of ten pairs of occluding anterior and premolar teeth is considered sufficient to provide good oral function. The WHO goal for developing countries of 20 functional, aesthetic natural teeth without resorting to a prosthesis is consistent with the SDA. The aim of this review was compare the functional outcomes [read the full story…]
Electronic apex locators (EALs) have used in permanent teeth since the 1960s and they have been gaining in popularity. The use of EALs in the primary dentitions was proposed in 1996. The aim of this review was to compare the accuracy of EALs in primary teeth when compared to actual root canal lengths (ARCLs). Searches [read the full story…]
Yesterday (Dental Elf 10th July 2014) we looked at a trial that compared dentures made with silicone and alginate impression materials. In a study undertaken alongside that trial the authors aimed to assess the cost effectiveness of silicone and alginate impressions for complete dentures. The cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) took the perspective of the UK [read the full story…]
While oral health has improved in many countries there is still a continuing demand for non-implant prosthodontic treatment. The aim of this trial was to whether there is a patient preference for dentures produced from alginate or silicone impressions Edentulous adults aged 18 or over who required new complete dentures were invited to participate. Those [read the full story…]
Yesterday we considered a review which compared flapless and flapped placement of implants. (Dental Elf 8th July 2014). Today we are looking at one of the other reviews mentioned. The am of this review to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of immediate loading (within 3 days) versus early loading (after 6 weeks to 2 months) [read the full story…]
Flapless implant placement where dental implants are inserted through the mucosal tissues without raising a mucoperiosteal flap have been introduced as they are considered to minimize the possibility of postoperative peri-implant tissue loss and to overcome the challenge of soft tissue management during or after surgery. The aim of this review was to investigate whether [read the full story…]
It has been estimated that about 25% of 10-40 year old European adults were affected by tooth wear (See Dental Elf 30th Sept 2013). The aim of this review was to identify similarities among treatment options for generalized tooth wear and to develop an approach to rehabilitation based on the best evidence available. Searches were [read the full story…]
Diabetics have been shown to have a higher frequency of periodontal disease and tooth loss. This together with the fact that diabetics also have delayed wound healing means that dental implant placement is more risky in these patients. The aim of this review was to investigate whether there are any effects of diabetes mellitus on [read the full story…]
The amount of bone available in the upper jaw following the loss of teeth is reduced to alveolar bone loss and the presence of the maxillary sinus. Sinus lift procedures increase bone volume by augmenting the sinus cavity with autogenous bone or commercially available biomaterials, or both. This review is an update of the 2010 [read the full story…]
In recent years a number of variations to implant surfaces have been introduced as it is considered that surface topography has an important role. Modifications have included, sandblasting, acid-etching, grit- blasting, anodisation, discrete calcium-phosphate crystal deposition, coatings with biological molecules and chemical modification. The aim of this review was to assess he survival percentage, clinical [read the full story…]
