Insufficient evidence to determine the effects of routine scale and polish treatments

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An update of the Cochrane review on routine scale and polish is now available.  Scaling and polishing is provided by dentists or hygienists at regular intervals. It is often a regular component of ‘a dental checkup’ whether or not a patient is at risk of developing periodontal disease. The objectives were:- to determine the beneficial [read the full story…]

Small study suggests possible benefit from implant overdentures for edentulous patients over 75 years of age

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Studies suggest that implant overdentures (IODs) can improve function and quality of life. However most studies are conducted in adults under the age of 70.  The aim of this study was to investigate denture satisfaction, functional, nutritional and patients centered aspect of IODs in patients over 75 years of age. Edentulous and denture wearing patients [read the full story…]

Lack of evidence for the effectiveness of reconstructive procedures for treating peri-implantitis

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As the number of dental implants being placed increases it seems inevitable that the numbers affected by peri-implantitis will also increase.   Peri-implantitis is inflammation of the peri-implant tissues accompanied with changes in the level of crestal bone and with the presence of bleeding on probing and/or suppuration, with or without concomitant deepening of peri-implant pockets. [read the full story…]

Review suggests that financial incentives may change dentists’ clinical activities

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Payment methods have been linked with the professional behaviour of primary care practitioners.  The main methods of payment are fee-for-service, fixed salary and capitation payments or combinations of these. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of different methods of remuneration on the level and mix of activities provided by primary care [read the full story…]

Longer term outcomes of biodegradable plates for maxillofacial surgery

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Yesterday I looked at a systematic review of biodegradable plates for orthognathic surgery. One of the trials included in the review  (Buijs et al) had reported outcomes at 8 weeks. Recently the authors of that study have reported 2-year results (van Bakelen et al). The original aim of the study was to compare the clinical [read the full story…]

Some evidence to suggest that bioresorbable plates may be effective for orthognathic surgery

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Internal fixation for orthognathic surgery is commonly performed using titanium plates and screws although in recent years there has been an increase in the use of bioresorbable fixation systems.  However there are concerns about the stability of fixation. The aim of this review was to include all publicly available literature on the skeletal stability of [read the full story…]

Trial shows that implant overdentures did not result in better dietary intake than conventional dentures at 12 months

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Studies have shown that edentate patients have poorer nutrition than those with no teeth The main aim of this study was to assess whether mandibular two-implant overdentures (IODs) improved the nutritional status of older people compared with those wearing a conventional denture (CD). Patients over the age of 65 who had been edentate for a [read the full story…]

Same day loading for mandibular dental implants had comparable outcomes to delayed loading

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Osseointegrated dental implants have been available since the late 1970s,  initial placement protocols recommended an initial load free healing period. Improved understanding of osseointegration has lead to the use of immediate or early loading protocols.  The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility of loading four implants with a pre-existing denture converted to [read the full story…]

Trial suggests no beneficial effect for platform switching for implants at 3 years

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Following placement of dental implants changes to bone level around the implant take place. Platform switching involves the use of an abutment with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the implant shoulder and is considered by some to lead to reduced peri-implant bone loss.   The aim of this trial was to assess the effect [read the full story…]

ADA-EBD Topical Fluoride recommendations podcast

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For those of you who like to listen to your information instead of reading it the American Dental Association have released a podcast to go with their update of the clinical recommendations for topical fluoride agents to prevent dental caries, which I covered in a blog on the 4th November. In the podcast Dr. Robert [read the full story…]