This review assessing the effect of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA) in the management of palatal wound healing and post-operative pain after epithelialised gingival graft harvesting included just 4 small RCTs. While the findings suggest a potential benefit with CTA both the quantity and quality of the available evidence is very limited.
[read the full story...]Implant-supported overdentures and fixed prostheses in edentulous mandibles
This review comparing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and clinical outcomes associated with implant-supported overdentures and fixed prostheses in edentulous mandibles included 10 small studies. While the findings suggest better PROMS with fixed prosthesis the available evidence is limited in quality and quantity.
[read the full story...]Superior labial frenum and maxillary midline diastema
This review aiming to provide information about the association between a superior labial frenum and maxillary midline diastema included 11 cross-sectional studies. The findings suggest that papillary and papillary penetrating frenum may be associated with maxillary midline diastema but the evidence is limited.
[read the full story...]Management of dental patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs
We take a look at the recently updated guidance on the Management of Dental Patients Taking Anticoagulants or Antiplatelet Drug from the Scottish Dental Clinical effectiveness programme (SDCEP).
[read the full story...]Third molar surgery – Er:Yag lasers and post-operative problems
This review of the effectiveness of Er:YAG lasers in reducing pain, oedema and trismus compared to rotary instruments for the removal of impacted lower third molars included 6 small studies only one of which was at low risk of bias. The findings suggest a reduction in swelling and a small reduction in pain however the findings should be viewed cautiously because of the limited amount and quality of the evidence.
[read the full story...]Chewing difficulty in older adults living in long-term care
Carly Ross considers a review of the prevalence of chewing difficulty in older people in institutional long-term care. Only 10 cross-sectional studies were included in the review providing an estimated prevalence of chewing difficulties of 23% (95%CI; 1 to 53%) based on low certainty evidence.
[read the full story...]Oral lichen planus and autoimmune disorders
This review of the prevalence of autoimmune disorders in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and their magnitude of association included 153 studies. while links between autoimmune thyroid diseases and diabetes mellitus where shown a majority of the included studies were of low quality.
[read the full story...]Dental neglect in children and adolescents -prevalence and risk factors
This review of the prevalence of dental neglect and risk factors in children and adolescents included 10 observational studies. A high prevalence of dental neglect (range 10% to 83%) and caries ( range 38.9% to 99% )was identified.
[read the full story...]Enamel demineralisation during multi-bracketed fixed orthodontic treatment
This overview of systematic reviews of evidence for the prevention of enamel demineralization during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment included 29 reviews. Most of the reviews were considered to have methodological issues with the findings suggesting that professional fluorides, sealants, reminders, and lasers might be useful interventions to prevent enamel demineralization.
[read the full story...]Oral health interventions in children and adolescents with special needs
Carly Ross takes a look at this review of different oral health education and promotion interventions for children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Eighteen studies were included but they mainly of very low to low certainty.
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