This review to determine the prevalence of middle mesial canal (MMC) in mandibular molars using cone beam computed tomography included 34 studies. THTe findings suggest a MMC prevalence of 4.4% (95%Cl: 3.5% to 5.3%) in first permanent molars and 1.3% (95%Cl: 0.08% to 1.8%) in second permanent molars.
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This review comparing immediate implant placement using flap or flapless surgery included 5 small RCTs involving a total of 140 patients. The findings suggested a benefit for flapless srugery but in addition to being small the studies were short term and 3 of the 5 studies were considered to be at high risk of bias.
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This review of the prevalence of maxillofacial trauma by different causes in children and adolescents included 58 studies. The findings indicated that road traffic accidents and falls were the commonest causes. However rates do vary across difference geographic regions.
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This review of the effectiveness of relaxing music, audio-visuals (AV), and virtual reality (VR) in reducing dental anxiety associated with tooth extraction included 11 RCTs. The findings suggest that music performed better than VR and AV . However the limited number of studies and variation in anxiety scales, musical and visual interventions used means that the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
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This review of the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in treating temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) included 32 RCTs. The findings suggest potential benefits for acupuncture compared with both active and inactive controls. However none of the studies were at low risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence was rated as very low to low. Consequently the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
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This review comparing the effect of CAD/CAM-based and conventional fixed retainers on the stability of treatment outcomes and periodontal health in patients undergoing orthodontic retention using fixed retainers includeds 7 RCTs. The studies are of moderate size and relatively short duration (6 to 12months) and there are quality concerns so the findings should be viewed cautiously.
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This review of the level of toothbrush contamination and the factors affecting contamination in the general population included 15 studies. The findings show that toothbrush contamination occurs after first use and rises with continuing use. However, there is little evidence of significant adverse events from current practices.
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This review of oil pulling compared to chlorhexidine and other mouthwashes in improving the plaque, gingival and bacteria count parameters included 25 RCTs. However, the studies are modest in size of short duration and all except one study were considered to be at high risk of bias. Consequently the available evidence is of very low certainty and should be interpreted cautiously.
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Ross Nedoma summarises the biggest review yet on exercise for depression, which strengthens the case for making exercise a key component in our fight against depression.
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This review assessing the effect of incorporating the dental water jet (DWJ) into the oral hygiene routines of orthodontic patients included 6 RCTs. While the findings suggest a benefit from the use of the DWJ the limited number of small studies none of which were at low risk of bias means the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
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