Articaine v lidocaine for third molar removal

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This review comparing the effectiveness of articaine and lidocaine for lower third molar surgery included 14 RCTs. The findings suggest that articaine is superior to lidocaine for use in lower third molar however the available are small so additional larger high quality studies would be helpful to strengthen the evidence.

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Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and bacterial load in endodontics

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This review of the efficacy of adjunctive photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on reducing bacterial load in the primary endodontic treatment of teeth with chronic apical periodontitis included 8 studies. While the findings suggest a benefit from aPDT the limited number and quality of the availabel studies mean the findings should be interpreted cautiously.

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Curcumin for treatment of oral submucous fibrosis

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This review of the efficacy of curcumin in improving symptoms in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) included 13 RCTs. The main findings suggest no significant difference between curcumin and controls although the studies are small and heterogenous.

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Articaine-adverse effects in paediatric dental patients

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This review of the effects and adverse reactions between articaine and lidocaine in paediatric dental procedures included 8 RCTS. Three of the included studies were at high risk of bias 2 at low risk and 3 at unclear risk. The findings suggested no difference in adverse effects between the two anaesthetics with the certainty of evidence being assessed as moderate.

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Self-adhesive flowable composite resins v flowable composite resin for occlusal cavities in permanent teeth

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This review of the clinical performance of self-adhesive flowable composites and flowable composites for occlusal cavities in permanent teeth included 5 RCTs. . While the review found no significant differences between SAFCs and FCs in terms of retention, secondary caries, marginal discoloration, and postoperative sensitivity outcomes the limited number and quality of the small number of available studies mean the findings should be viewed cautiously.

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Digital v conventional impressions for implant-supported fixed complete arch prostheses

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This review comparing digital scans and conventional impressions for complete arch implant-supported fixed prostheses included 6 RCTs. The findings suggest that digital scans significantly reduce the the time required compared with conventional impressions for complete arch implant-supported prostheses. However, there are only a small number of small studies available with only one of the six included being at low risk of bias.

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Plaque accumulation with clear aligners and fixed orthodontic appliances

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This review comparing plaque accumulation in orthodontic patients undergoing clear aligner (CA) and conventional fixed appliance treatment included 14 studies. The findings suggested less plaque accumulation with CA but all the included studies were at moderate to high risk of bias.

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Extraction or non-extraction treatment and orthodontic outcomes

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This review of premolar extraction v non-extraction orthodontic treatment included 30 studies. Of these studies were 29 were retrospective and all 30 studies were considered to be at high risk of bias. The certainty of evidence is vey low so additional high quality research is required.

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Coronectomy for lower third molar surgery

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This review of coronectomy versus extraction of third molars in patients at increased risk of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injuries included 42 observational studies. The findings indicate lower a reduction in the odds of IAN sensory loss in favour of coronectomy and an increase in the odds of surgical reintervention.

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Cement-or screw-retained implant-supported prostheses and peri-implant disease

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This review comparing the incidence of peri-implant disease with cement- and screw-retained prostheses included 6 RCTs. The findings suggest no difference in level of peri-implant disease with cement- or screw retained prosthesis. However, the studies are small none of them are at low risk of bias. Consequently the findings should be interpreted cautiously.

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