Mark-Steven Howe looks at this is diagnostic test accuracy review comparing conventional and cone-beam computed tomography for detecting persistent apical disease after root canal treatment.
[read the full story...]Panoramic radiography and calcified carotid artery atheroma detection
This review of the diagnostic accuracy of panoramic radiography (PR) in the detection of calcified carotid artery atheroma (CCAA) suggests that PR has good dianostic accuracy compared with Doppler ultrasonograph.
[read the full story...]Sleep bruxism: validity of diagnostic tools
This review of diagnostic tools for sleep bruxism included 8 studies the majority being at high risk of bias. Portable diagnostic devices had best validity but quality of evidence was very-low to moderate.
[read the full story...]Salivary biomarkers for diagnosing periodontal disease
This review of salivary biomarkers for diagnosing periodontal disease only identified 4 studies at high risk of bias but suggests a small number of potential biomarkers. However the findings should be interpreted with caution.
[read the full story...]Vertical root fracture diagnosis with CBCT – insufficient evidence
Only 4 small studies at high risk of bias were available for this review of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for diagnosis of vertical root fracture, providing insufficient evidence to suggest that CBCT is a reliable test.
[read the full story...]Suicide risk assessment and intervention: need for a new approach?
Olivia Kirtley and Alys Cole-King consider the implications of a new BMJ review on suicide risk assessment and intervention in people with mental illness.
[read the full story...]Minor salivary gland biopsy in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is one potential cause of dry mouth. It is thought to affect 0.5-1% of the population and is more common in females (M/F ratio 1:9). SS is an autoimmune disease characterised by chronic T- and B-cell infiltration of the salivary glands or lachrymal glands that results in gland dysfunction. SS has a [read the full story…]