This review of whether the incidence of osteoradionecrosis differed between patients who have dental extractions before or after radiotherapy (RT) included 24 studies (19 retrospective 5 prospective). While the findings suggest that the incidence is similar if extractions are undertaken before or after RT the quality of the evidence is limited.
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This Cochrane review update of the effect of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis on the prevention of infectious complications following tooth extractions included 23 studies. There was very-low certainty evidence that prophylactic antibiotics may reduce the risk of infection and dry socket following third molar extraction compared to placebo.
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This review of grafting materials for alveolar ridge preservation included 38 small RCTs. 34 different materials were investigated with the findings suggesting that no grafting material increased new bone formation between 3 and 6 months after tooth extraction.
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This multi-centre RCTs of a single dental nurse delivered ‘talking’ intervention informed by motivational interviewing approaches was successful in reducing new caries experience in a group of high risk children at 2 years.
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This review to assess the influence of two suture methods on the postoperative complications of lower third molar extraction included 5 RCTs . Findings suggest the use of secondary closure has a favourable effect on pain, facial swelling, and trismus but the quality of the evidence is limited.
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This review of the evidence of bleeding events following invasive oral procedures in patients using direct anticoagulant agents (DOACs) identified 21 studies but no RCTs. The review found no important differences in bleeding events in patients who continued versus patients who discontinued DOAC therapy.
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This Cochrane review of antifibrinolytic agents for preventing bleeding in people on oral anticoagulants undergoing dental extractions or minor oral surgery included 4 RCTs. Topical tranexamic acid was effective in reducing post-operative bleeding following dental procedures.
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52 studies were identified for this review of the effect of extraction or non-extraction fixed orthodontic treatment of soft tissue profiles . However they were mainly poor quality retrospective studies providing very low quality evidence suggesting that tooth extractions might be associated with differences in the soft tissue profile compared to non-extraction treatment.
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This update of a 2016 Cochrane Oral Health Group review of interventions for post extraction bleeding was unable to identify any published or ongoing trials assessing interventions. Well conducted and reported randomised controlled trials are needed on this question.
[read the full story...]2017 Dental Elf end of year round up Jan – April.
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