Cochrane

Review question Do magnification devices improve the success of root canal treatments (endodontic therapy)? Background Endodontic therapy is a treatment on the infected pulp of a tooth to remove the infection and the pain it causes. As the instruments for this treatment have become more complicated and precise, it is widely accepted practice that ...

Review question This review looks at the evidence for the benefits of new kinds of therapies for treating cancer of the mouth (oral cavity cancer) and cancer of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer) used together with standard treatments. One is the targeting of cancer cells directly whilst the other aims to boost the body’s own immune system to combat ...

Review question This review has been conducted to assess different interventions for managing the reabsorption of the tooth root. Background External root resorption is when the body’s own immune system dissolves the tooth root structure. It can occur following tooth infection, orthodontic treatments or in the presence of unerupted teeth in the ...

Review question What effect do non-surgical adjuncts have on the length of time it takes for teeth to move when treated with fixed braces, and the overall time required for orthodontic treatment? Background Throughout the world, orthodontic treatment is used to correct the position of teeth in adolescents and adults when they experience problems. ...

Review question The main question addressed by this review is: how effective is gum disease treatment for controlling blood sugar levels (known as glycaemic control) in people with diabetes, compared to no active treatment or usual care? Background Gum disease treatment is used to reduce swelling and infection from gum disease. Keeping blood sugar ...

Review question This review has been conducted to assess the effects of different interventions for the treatment of a particular type of cyst that occurs mainly in the lower jawbone, called a keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT). Background KCOTs are non-cancerous but fast-growing cysts (closed sacs containing either fluid or air) that occur ...

Review question The aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of micro-invasive treatments in the management of tooth decay on adjacent (proximal) teeth in children and adults (primary and permanent teeth). Background Decay on tooth surfaces that are next to each other (proximal surfaces) is common. Usually it has not progressed into late stages ...

This updated review found there is limited evidence to support the use of pilocarpine hydrochloride in the treatment of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction ('dry mouth'). Salivary gland damage is a frequent and important complication of radiotherapy to the head and neck area; it causes dryness of the mouth with resultant problems with eating, ...

Review question The main question addressed by this Cochrane review is: What evidence is available regarding the different ways of managing gagging in a patient undergoing dental treatment? Background The gag reflex is a normal mechanism to protect the throat and airway from foreign objects. Many people have an exaggerated gag reflex that causes ...

Review question This updated Cochrane systematic review aimed to look at evidence comparing use of sedation versus general anaesthesia to help children (up to 18 years of age) undergoing dental treatment. We wanted to see which (if any) approach allowed dental treatment to be carried out safely and effectively. We were also interested in the relative ...