While there have been reductions in caries prevalence in many countries ,levels of gingivitis remain high. Toothpastes aid tooth cleaning and provide a useful delivery agent for plaque control agents. The aim of this review was to compare the effectiveness of stannous fluoride (SnF) toothpastes with triclosan-containing (Tcs) toothpastes in improving gingival inflammation and plaque [read the full story…]
The surgical removal of third molars (wisdom teeth) is one of the commonest operations performed. It is usually carried out because of infection associated with a partially erupted and impacted tooth. The aim of this update to a Cochrane review was to compare the relative benefits and risks of different techniques for undertaking various aspects [read the full story…]
The role of chlorhexidine (CHX) in inhibiting plaque growth has been extensively studied. The aim of the review was to evaluate the effectiveness of CHX-containing dentifrice (DF) or gel (CHX DF/gel) compared with CHX mouthwash (MW). Searches were conducted in Medline-PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Embase databases. Randomized controlled trials [read the full story…]
While the use of dental implants has become more routine there is still discussion around the most appropriate time for loading implants. The aim of this review was to compare annual failure rates and marginal bone level changes of implants loaded within 24 hours compared with conventional loading. Searches were conducted in Medline and the [read the full story…]
Peri-implantitis is a common reason for the failure of dental implants and a number of different treatments for managing this condition have been suggested (Dental Elf 26th Jan 2012). The aim of this review was to assess whether laser therapy was effective either as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of [read the full story…]
Fixed and removable functional appliances are used in the management of class II malocclusions. The Twin-block consists of upper and lower acrylic bite blocks with occlusal inclined planes that interlock at a 70 degree angle and guide the mandible forward and downward. It is considered that the twin-block is better tolerated by patients. The aim [read the full story…]
Dental amalgam has been the filing material for choice for more than 150 years. However, because of their aesthetics and concern over their mercury content their use has been declining. The Minamata Convention on Mercury has also proposed that their use be phased down according to local needs. The development of tooth-coloured resin composites from [read the full story…]
Dental Implants now in regular use in dental practice. However they come in an almost bewildering array of sizes and materials and with a range of surface characteristics and modifications. Many of these modifications have been developed with the aim of improving clinical performance. This update of a Cochrane review which was last refreshed in [read the full story…]
Successful orthodontic treatment requires that the patients to agree with and follow the treatment proposed. This requires the patients to keep appointments, maintaining good oral hygiene, wearing elastics, appliances and avoid damage. The aim of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of interventions to enhance adherence among orthodontic patients aged 12 to 18 years. [read the full story…]
A number of different regenerative techniques, guided tissue regeneration (GTR), bone grafting (BG) and the use of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) have been used to try and regenerate periodontal tissues. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of EMD in the treatment of periodontal pockets of suprabony defects. Searches were conducted in [read the full story…]
