6 studies were identified for this review of platelet-rich fibrin to improve outcomes after third molar extraction. The studies were small with contradictory findings so further high quality studies are needed.
[read the full story...]Top Dental Elf blogs Jan-April 2017
2017 Dental Elf end of year round up Jan – April.
[read the full story...]Coronectomy – a safe option for deeply impacted mandibular third molars?
This review of coronectomy for management of impacted mandibular third molars included 14 studies suggesting that it is safe and reliable with a low failure rate (7%).
[read the full story...]Mandibular fractures: the influence of third molars
This review of the effect of presences of third molars on mandibular fractures includes 35 observational studies. The findings suggest that the presence of third molars increases the change of mandibular angle fractures.
[read the full story...]Chlorhexidine gel and alveolar osteitis
This review of the effectiveness of chlorhexidine gel for the prevention of alveolar osteitis (AO) included 10 trials published since 2010. The findings suggest a 57% reduction in incidence of AO similar to other reviews of this topic.
[read the full story...]Third molar removal: effect on periodontal health of second mandibular molars
Mark-Steven Howe looks in detail at a recent network meta-analysis (NMA) of periodontal outcomes following third molar surgery. However the limited number of studies available for the NMA mean the reviews findings need to be interpreted with caution.
[read the full story...]Chlorhexidine gels and rinses reduce dry socket after third molar extraction
This review of the effectiveness of chlorhexidine for prevention of dry socket after third molar removal includes 18 RCTs. The finding suggest a 47% (95%CI,38-55) reduction in cases following its use.
[read the full story...]Panoramic radiography for predicting inferior alveolar nerve injury after third molar surgery
This review of panoramic radiography for IAN injury prediction after third molar surgery included 8 studies calculating key diagnostic data fro the 7 classical used signs. Values were to low to rule out post-operative damage before surgery but some siigns could rule in risk of injury.
[read the full story...]Third molar removal: conventional or piezoelectric device for osteotomy?
Fifteen studies (5 RCTs) were included in this review of piezoelectric surgery for third molar removal. The findings suggest better outcomes with piezoelectric surgery however the limited quality of the available evidence means that the findings should be viewed with caution.
[read the full story...]Orthodontic extractions and third molar angulation
This review of the effect of orthodontic extractions on the angulation of third molars included only 14 retrospective studies. This provides very low quality evidence of any effect
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