This review comparing the effectiveness of articaine and lidocaine for lower third molar surgery included 14 RCTs. The findings suggest that articaine is superior to lidocaine for use in lower third molar however the available are small so additional larger high quality studies would be helpful to strengthen the evidence.
[read the full story...]Coronectomy for lower third molar surgery
This review of coronectomy versus extraction of third molars in patients at increased risk of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injuries included 42 observational studies. The findings indicate lower a reduction in the odds of IAN sensory loss in favour of coronectomy and an increase in the odds of surgical reintervention.
[read the full story...]Pulpotomy v root canal treatment in permanent teeth
This review of pulpotomy ( partial or full) v root canal treatment (RoCT) in permanent teeth with pulpitis included 2 RCTs involving 957 teeth. The findings suggests no difference in pain at 7 days or in success rates at 1 and 5 years but the evidence is limited.
[read the full story...]Nocebo response in third molar analgesic trials
This review estimating the nocebo response in dentistry from trials of analgesic treatment following third molar surgery included data from 50 RCTs. Adverse events (AEs) were roughly the same in placebo and active arms suggesting AEs may be attributed to the nocebo phenomenon.
[read the full story...]Endodontic sealers and the outcome of endodontically treated permanent teeth
This review comparig the outcomes of silicate-based sealers with resin-based sealers in non-surgical root treatments included 12 studies (9 RCTs). The findings suggest no difference between the two sealant types in the short term.
[read the full story...]Ibuprofen prior to lower third molar removal
This review of the effect of pre-emptive ibuprofen on post-operative pain after lower third molar surgery included 5 RCTs. Only one of the included studies was at low risk of bias so there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of pre-emptive ibuprofen to reduce post-operative pain after lower third molar removal
[read the full story...]Third molar surgery – Er:Yag lasers and post-operative problems
This review of the effectiveness of Er:YAG lasers in reducing pain, oedema and trismus compared to rotary instruments for the removal of impacted lower third molars included 6 small studies only one of which was at low risk of bias. The findings suggest a reduction in swelling and a small reduction in pain however the findings should be viewed cautiously because of the limited amount and quality of the evidence.
[read the full story...]Post endodontic pain: Is it affected by irrigation technique?
This review of whether ultrasonic irrigation results in less postoperative root canal treatment pain than conventional irrigation included 6 RCTs. The suggests less pain with ultrasonic irrigation for the first 48 hours but no difference at 72 hours.
[read the full story...]Third molar surgery: Does low-level laser therapy reduce post-operative morbidity?
This review of whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is effective in reducing postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing surgical removal of mandibular third molars included 17 RCTs. The findings suggest a reduction in post-operative swelling but not pain or trismus.
[read the full story...]Post-operative endodontic symptoms: Are they improved by prophylactic antibiotics?
This review of the efficacy of prophylactic oral antibiotics in the management of post-operative endodontic symptoms included 10 RCTs. The findings and show that there is no superiority in using adjunctive antibiotics for the prevention of post-operative endodontic symptoms.
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