This review of root perforation repair included 17 studies that were mainly retrospective and small. The overall success rates for all materials was = 72.5% (CI; 61.9%–81.0%) with a suggestion of better rates for MTA. However, the quality of the evidence was low.
[read the full story...]Electronic apex locators – precision varies with devices
Ten studies including both in vivo and ex-vivo designs were included in this review of electronic apex locators. The authors found that precision varied with the device and type of irrigation but was not influenced by the status of the pulp tissue. However, the quality of the included studies was not high with only two being considered to be at low risk of bias.
[read the full story...]Reducing gagging during dental treatment – insufficient evidence for any intervention
This Cochrane review was only able to identify a single small RCTs of acupuncture to reduce gagging during dental treatment. This was insufficient to conclude any benefit. No evidence of other interventions was identified.
[read the full story...]Gingival retraction: cord or cordless systems?
This review of corded vs. cordless gingival retraction systems included 7 trials. Both may have a role with corded systems being suggested when there is a greater need for gingival displacement.
[read the full story...]Partial dentures provided partial compensation for masticatory function
This review looked at the ability of partial dentures to improve masticatory performance. 8 studies involving 180 patients were included suggesting that RPDs partially compensated for this reduced performance.
[read the full story...]Root filled teeth: crown or fill? The evidence is limited
This update of a 2012 Cochrane review of the effectiveness of crowns or conventional fillings for root filled teeth found insufficient evidence to assess the effectiveness of either approach.
[read the full story...]Calcium hydroxide cavity lining in primary teeth
This review looks at the benefits and harms of cavity lining. However, only 3 very low quality studies comparing calcium hydroxide lining in primary teeth were identified. Restoration without lining did not significantly affect the risk of failure.
[read the full story...]Anterior composite restorations had good clinical performance
17 pro- and retrospective studies were included in this anterior composite restoration performance. While low annual failure rates from 0 – 4.1% were found, there is a need for well-designed clinical trials to evaluate the longevity of anterior composite restorations and investigate the specific factors associated with failure.
[read the full story...]Amelogenesis imperfecta: study suggests good outcomes from crown therapy
This small trial found no difference between either Procera or IPS e.max Press crown in amelogenesis imperfecta patients in the short term. The survival rate at 2 years was 97% with only 3% of teeth suffering with endodontic complications.
[read the full story...]Articaine better than lidocaine for supplementary infiltration after mandibular block anaesthesia
10 studies involving 746 adult patients were included in this review comparing articaine and lidocaine in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Articaine was as effective as lidocaine and provided better supplementary infiltration after mandibular block but no other advantages.
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