This updated Cochrane review comparing open v closed surgical approaches for palatally displaced canines includes 3 studies involving 146 patients with the available evidence suggesting that neither surgical technique for exposing canine teeth is superior.
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This review of the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the management of post endodontic pain demonstrates that they do help to manage the pain.
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This review of the effect of rotary or reciprocating instruments on post-endodontic pain included 3 RCTs involving 1317 patients. There is limited evidence of any clear difference between the two techniques.
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This review of TMJ lavage for temporomandibular disorders only included 5 small RCTs a majority of which were at high risk of bias. While the findings suggest a benefit from lavage this should be interpreted cautiously because of the limited quality of the available evidence.
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35 studies investigating 47 clinical groups were included in this review of the association between dental anxiety and pain during dental treatment. The findings suggest a consistent impact on pain through the entire period of dental treatment.
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Fifteen studies (5 RCTs) were included in this review of piezoelectric surgery for third molar removal. The findings suggest better outcomes with piezoelectric surgery however the limited quality of the available evidence means that the findings should be viewed with caution.
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14 trials were included in this Cochrane review of non-pharmacological interventions for orthodontic pain. The findings were inconclusive although there is some evidence that low-level laser therapy may help.
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This review of postoperative hilothrarpy (cryotherapy) in facial surgery included 6 RCTs none of which were at low risk of bias. The findings suggest that it reduces swelling and pain in the early postoperative period. However more high quality studies from a broader range of researches are needed to confirm the findings.
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Marcus Munafo explores a recent study that uses genetic data and family environmental information to quantify the risk of chronic pain and the contribution of risk variants for major depressive disorder.
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This Cochrane review included 9 small RCTs with either a high or unclear risk of bias providing evidence that was insufficient to support the use of laser as an alternative to the drill for caries removal.
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