Ibuprofen more effective than paracetamol for postoperative pain following third molar removal

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Surgical removal of third molars is a very common procedure and postoperative pain is a major concern for patients. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are (NSAIDs) frequently recommended to manage this pain.   Ibuprofen and paracetamol commonly used and recently a combination analgesic containing both paracetamol and ibuprofen has become available in the UK. The aim of this [read the full story…]

Currently insufficient evidence to decide if antibiotics are effective in treating irreversible pulpitis

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Irreversible pulpitis often presents as an acute and intense pain and is a frequent reason for emergency dental visits.  Treatment involves accessing the root canal of the tooth to remove the inflamed pulp (nerve) and cleaning the root canal. The aim of this review was to assess the effects of systemic antibiotics for irreversible pulpitis. [read the full story…]

No evidence that behavioural therapies are any better than other psychological therapies for depression

Depression is a big problem.  In fact, it’s the third leading cause of disease burden worldwide (WHO, 2004 – as cited in Shinohara et al, 2013) and the largest source of nonfatal disease burden in the world (Ustun, 2004 – as cited in Shinohara et al, 2013).   What’s more, the number of people affected by it [read the full story…]

Atypical antipsychotics no better than typicals for adolescents with psychosis, but atypicals may have fewer short-term side effects

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Schizophrenia is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that often starts during adolescence. Current treatment guidelines (NICE, 2013) recommend atypical antipsychotics for adolescents with this condition, but this is based largely on studies of adults with the condition. The Cochrane Schizophrenia Group conducted this systematic review to synthesise the current evidence base for atypical antipsychotic medication in [read the full story…]

Periodontitis is a risk factor for dental implant loss and peri-implantitis

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Dental implants are increasingly common and a key factor in their long-term success is maintaining the health of the tissues that support them. The aim of this review was to assess the scientific evidence regarding the risks of implant loss, implant bone loss, and peri-implantitis incidence in subjects with a history of periodontal disease (PD), [read the full story…]

Cochrane Protocols December 2013

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Shortly before Christmas two new protocols for Cochrane review from the Oral Health Group appeared on the Cochrane Library. The first one is:- Taylor J, Brocklehurst P, Glenny AM, Walsh T, Tickle M, Lewis MA, Riley P, Yates JM, Pemberton MN. Topical interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [read the full story…]

No evidence to support or disprove the effectiveness of antibacterial agents in composite into fillings to prevent further caries

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This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2009.  The aim of the review was to assess the effects of antibacterial agents incorporated into composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries. Searches were conducted in the Cochrane Oral Health Group’s Trials Register the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) Medline, [read the full story…]

Early orthodontic treatment may reduce incisal trauma in children with class II malocclusions

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This is the latest update of a Cochrane review looking at the treatment of class II malocclusion.  This is a common problem affecting about one in four of 12 year-olds in the UK.    The aim of the review was to assess the effects of orthodontic treatment for prominent upper front teeth (Class II malocclusion) when [read the full story…]

Only low quality evidence available for effectiveness of interdental toothbrushes

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Good oral hygiene to ensure the effective removal of dental plaque is key to maintaining good oral health.  While toothbrushing is the most commonly used method, dental floss and interdental brushes are both widely available and recommended adjuncts to toothbrushing.  A 2011 Cochrane review by Sambunjak et al assessed the evidence for dental floss (Dental [read the full story…]

Cochrane review finds limited evidence to support valproate as a maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder

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Bipolar disorder is an affective disorder marked by cycles between mania and depression. It has an early onset, with mean age ranging from 19 to 29 (Offord, 2012) and a prevalence of 0.5% – 4.3% in primary care alone, stretching to 9.3% in some settings (Cerimele, Chwastiak, Dodson, & Katon, 2013). With its problematic recurring [read the full story…]