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, Embase, the US National Institutes of Health Trials Register, the metaRegister of Controlled Trials and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry platform without restriction. Randomised controlled trials comparing resin composite restorations containing antibacterial agents with composite restorations not containing antibacterial agents were to be considered.
- No studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria.
The authors concluded
We were unable to identify any randomised controlled trials on the effects of antibacterial agents incorporated into composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries. The absence of high level evidence for the effectiveness of this intervention emphasises the need for well designed, adequately powered, randomised controlled clinical trials. Thus, conclusions remain the same as the previously published review, with no included clinical trials.
Comment
While the authors found no evidence to answer their question they did identify over 300 records and discussed 5 reviews that provide some background to the topic. Although ‘empty reviews’ are seen as disappointing perhaps as suggested in a recent blog from Cochrane (Lessons in disappointment and some New Years resolutions) we need to focus on improving the quality of our primary research by
- Getting our research priorities right
- Measuring the right outcomes
- Better reporting
Links
Pereira-Cenci T, Cenci MS, Fedorowicz Z, Azevedo M. Antibacterial agents in composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD007819. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007819.pub3.
Dental caries are the most common tooth problems. Regular brushing, rinsing along with flossing can prevent dental caries.