This review of the prevalence of orofacial trauma in wheeled non-motor sports athletes included 5 cross-sectional studies involving 132,132 participants. Analyses showed the overall prevalence of orofacial trauma = 21.7% (95%CI; 8.7 to 34.7%) however the evidence was of very low certainty.
[read the full story...]Alveolar ridge preservation techniques
16 RCTs were included in this Cochrane review update of the effectiveness of techniques for alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) following dental extractions prior to implant placement. The findings suggest that ARP techniques may minimise the overall changes in residual ridge height and width six months after extraction, but the evidence is very uncertain
[read the full story...]Tooth extraction: Do antibiotics prevent complications?
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.
[read the full story...]Articaine local anaesthesia and the risk of hyperaesthesia in third molar surgery
This review of the risk of hyperaesthesia with articaine compared with other local anaesthetics in lower alveolar nerve block for lower third molar removal included 13 studies.The findings suggest that the use of articaine does not increase the risk of hyperaesthesia.
[read the full story...]Third molar extractions: Which anaesthetic solution for the best pain control?
This review of the effectiveness of different anaesthetic solutions for pain control immediately after the extraction of lower third molars included 45 studies.13 studies were included in a network meta-analys whch suggested 5% bupivacaine reduces pain in patients during and immediately after the removal of lower third molars.
[read the full story...]Top Dental Elf Blogs: Jan – Mar 2020
Our most popular blogs from January, February and March 2020 were about the FiCTION trial, local anaesthesia and factors associated with third molar surgical difficulty.
[read the full story...]Third molars: Which local anaesthetic is most suitable for inferior alveolar nerve blocks?
This review comparing the efficacy and safety of currently available local anaesthetics for lower third molar extraction included 24 RCTs. The findings suggest that 4% articaine was the most effective and lidocaine the safest.
[read the full story...]Third molars: Which surgical technique for removal?
This Cochrane review upate compares the relative benefits and risks of different techniques for surgical removal of mandibular wisdom teeth. While the review includes 25 new trials the quality of the studies was variable with many having biases that could have influenced the findings so no meaningful conclusions could be drawn.
[read the full story...]Third molars: Remove or retain asymptomatic disease-free impacted teeth?
This Cochrane review of the effects of removal compared with retention (conservative management) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth updates the 2016 version. No new studies were identified so the conclusions are unchanged.
[read the full story...]Third molars: Envelope or triangular flap for mandibular third molar surgery?
This review comparing the effects of envelope and triangular flaps for mandibular third molar surgery included 20 RCTs involving 770 patients. A majority of the studies were of cross-over design with the findings suggesting no differences in teh outcomes between the two flap designs.
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