Trial found similar outcomes with total and partial caries removal in primary molars

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The aim of this study was to compare 24-month pulp health outcomes of partial caries removal (PCR) and total caries removal (TCR) with composite restoration in primary molars. Children (3–8 years), in good general health and amenable to treatment, with at least one molar with acute, deep carious lesion into dentine were included. The teeth [read the full story…]

Review suggests lower complication rates with 3D miniplate fixation of mandibular angle fractures compared with standard miniplates

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Mandibular fractures are relatively common and about 12-40% involve the mandibular angle. The use of three-dimensional (3D) strut plates is increasingly being suggested as an alternative to conventional miniplates. The aim of this review was to assess whether there was a difference in clinical outcomes between standard and 3D miniplates in the management of mandibular [read the full story…]

Little evidence available on treatments for iatrogenic injury to inferior alveolar or lingual nerves

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The lingual and inferior alveolar nerves are potential at risk of damage during some oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. Fortunately the majority are temporary, with resolution taking place within 8 weeks.  Injuries of 6 moths or greater are considered permanent and a range of techniques have used.   The aim of this review was to evaluate [read the full story…]

Limited evidence for interventions for the management of temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction

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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR)  is thought to occur in 2-8% of patients with temporomandibular disorders.  It can cause TMJ pain and restricted opening and is sometimes referred to as ‘closed lock’.  A range of treatment have been tried and the aim of this review, was to investigate the effects of different [read the full story…]

New Cochrane Protocol – April 2014

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  The aim of this new Cochrane protocol is to evaluate the effects of methods for acceptance of local anaesthetic in children during dental treatment. As the protocol notes three factors have been considered to influence discomfort during delivery of local anaesthetic: factors related to the patient, equipment factors and aspects that are under control [read the full story…]

Amalgam still an effective filling material for posterior teeth

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Amalgam has been used for filling teeth for around 150 years. Over that time amalgam restoration have been shown to be a predictable, successful and cost effective.  Concerns regarding aesthetics and their mercury content together with improvement in tooth-coloured dental resin cements have seen a decline in their use.  Recently the Minamata Convention on Mercury [read the full story…]

Psychological treatment may be useful in reducing depression and anxiety in people with dementia, says new Cochrane review

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Depression and anxiety are both common conditions in patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with some studies finding around 30% of patients show at least some depressive symptoms (Enache et al, 2011). Similarly, a study on vascular dementia found around 70% of participants had two or more symptoms of anxiety (Ballard et al, 2000). [read the full story…]

Cochrane review finds that acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy and electrostimulation show little benefit for smoking cessation

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Despite being on the decline, smoking is still one of the largest causes of preventable morbidity and mortality in the world. According to recent World Health Organisation data, smoking directly kills around 5 million people every year.  The NHS spends almost £90 million on cessation efforts to combat the £5 billion treatment cost. Recent research [read the full story…]

Mandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnoea – ADA-EBD critical summary

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This new ADA-EBD critical summary looks at a 2011 systematic review by Pirklbauer et al.   The review compared maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery to conventional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation therapy for reducing signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) The summariser highlights that although 39 studies and 1213 patients in total were [read the full story…]

New Cochrane Protocol March 2014

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The latest Cochrane protocol from the Oral Health Group to be published is planning to look at the clinical effectiveness and safety of interventions in the pain, episode duration and episode frequency of oral ulcers and any change in the quality of life for patients with aphthous-type ulceration associated with Behçet’s disease. Behçet’s disease is [read the full story…]