Review finds that toothbrushing has only a small effect on ventilator-associated pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a life-threatening condition in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Incidence rates vary between 9% and 45% and it carries a significant mortality risk. The oropharynx and upper gastrointestinal tract are the main reservoirs for the associated pathogens.  The aim of this review was to evaluate [read the full story...]

Weak evidence for success rates of dental restorations placed on root-treated teeth

Root canal treatment (RoCT) is a common dental procedure and an understanding of the survival of RoCT teeth and their restorations is an important consideration. The aim of this review was to assess the success rates for single crowns, fixed and removable dental prostheses, as well as for the different [read the full story...]

Only weak evidence available of the impact of smoking on survival of implants placed in augmented areas of maxillary sinus

Grafting to augment the floor of the maxillary sinus prior to placement of dental implants in the resorbed maxillary is an increasingly used technique. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of smoking on the survival rate of dental implants placed in areas of maxillary sinus floor [read the full story...]

Bisphenol-A is released after placement of some dental pit and fissure sealants

The release of Bisphenol-A (BPA) from dental resins has attracted attention from researchers, and it has been described as an endocrine disruptor chemical. The aim of this review was to assess the short- and long-term release of BPA in human tissues (saliva, blood serum and urine) after treatment with dental [read the full story...]

Critical summary from the American Dental Association Center for Evidence-based Dentistry

The ADA-EBD Center has just published another of its critical summaries of systematic reviews.  This one looks at a 2012 review by Sgolastra et al, which was looking at the efficacy of the Er:YAG laser when used as an alternative treatment to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment [read the full story...]

New Cochrane Protocol April 2013

Just one new protocol in the April issue of the Cochrane Library from the Oral Health Group.  The aim of this review will be to assess the effects of interventions for the management of patients with taste disturbances. The review is planning to look at pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.   The [read the full story...]

No reliable evidence that any specific initial arch wire material is better than another for orthodontic treatment

This is the latest update of a Cochrane review which aims to assess the effects of initial arch wires for alignment of teeth with fixed orthodontic braces in relation to alignment speed, root resorption and pain intensity. The Cochrane Oral Health Group’s Trials Register, CENTRAL, Medline and Embase databases were [read the full story...]

Limited information on the effects of smoking cessation on clinical outcomes following periodontal therapy

Limited information on the effects of smoking cessation on clinical outcomes following periodontal therapy Smoking is a known risk factor for periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to conduct an individual patient data meta-analysis to assess the effect of smoking cessation (SC) on clinical outcomes following the non-surgical [read the full story...]

Review finds no trials to inform the treatment of displaced luxated permanent teeth

Trauma to the upper front teeth of children and young adults is relatively common. The aim of this Cochrane review was to assess the effects of interventions for treating displaced luxated permanent teeth. Searches of the Medline, Cochrane Oral Health Group’s Trials Register the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [read the full story...]

Small study found that pre-operative ibuprofen improved efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve blocks

Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is a routine technique for achieving regional anaesthesia. However, it is not always successful, with inflammation being a potential cause.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative oral ibuprofen (IBU) on the success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANBs) with [read the full story...]

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