12 trials were included in this Cochrane review of molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies as adjuncts to standard treatments for oral cancer. Moderate evidence was found that standard therapy plus epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody (EGFR mAb) reduced mortality and locoregional failures.
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Dominic Hurst looks at the recent Cochrane review of interventions to help smokeless tobacco (ST) users quit. ST use is linked to oral cancer, precancer and periodontal disease, so dentists have an important role in encouraging users to quit.
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This diagnostic review compared two computer aided adjunctive tests for oral cancer. Oral CDX and DNA-image cytometry. The results suggest that DNA-image cytometry has a highly significant potential over OralCDx brush biopsy as an accurate and simple diagnostic tool for clinically suspected oral precancer and oral cancer.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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John Baker summarises a recent Cochrane systematic review of psychosocial interventions for benzodiazepine harmful use, abuse or dependence.
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