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Each row is one question a systematic review asked: who, what, compared with what, and which outcome, with the effect it found and how certain that is. Words match anywhere in the field.
420 questions in 100 reviews · cluster CL0279
current versionsNo studies 131 · 31.2%Ungraded 222 · 52.9%Very low 47 · 11.2%Low 16 · 3.8%Moderate 4 · 1%High 0 · 0%
Ungraded means an effect was reported without a GRADE rating; it is not a gap. No studies means the review found nothing to answer the question. The six categories are a display order, not a score.
Intervention categories, outcome domains and clusters are a proposed key pending human validation. Clear all filters
| Question | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (20 mg twice daily for 90 days) vs Placebo Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · 90 days Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | No differences in adverse events were reported. | 1 study · 50 participants | Ungraded |
Individualised homeopathic medicine (two doses over 24 hours) vs Placebo Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · 6 days Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | No participant needed to discontinue treatment due to adverse events. | 1 study · 100 participants | Ungraded |
Sodium hypochlorite 5% vs Sodium hypochlorite 5% with proteolytic enzyme Adverse effects · Patients aged 14 to 78 years with mature permanent teeth (fully formed roots), single or multi-rooted, with pulpal or… Irrigants for non‐surgical root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth (2012) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Colchicine (0.5 mg three times per day) vs Clofazimine (100 mg daily for 30 days, then 100 mg every other day) Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · 6 months Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | Clofazimine was associated with an increase in cutaneous adverse effects (Fisher's exact test P=0.015), easily controlled; there was a greater percentage of treatment interruptions in the colchicine group due to… | 1 study · 46 participants | Ungraded |
Metronidazole gel 25% (local antibiotic) vs Ultrasonic debridement Complications and side effects · People with at least one dental implant affected by peri-implantitis · 12 weeks Interventions for replacing missing teeth: treatment of peri‐implantitis (2012) · Cochrane | No implant failures, complications or recurrence of peri-implantitis occurred in any of the groups. | 1 study · 27 participants | Ungraded |
Topical corticosteroids vs Another topical agent or placebo Adverse effects of long‐term use of available topical agents · HIV‐infected adults (> 13 years of age, per CDC) with one or more painful intraoral aphthous ulcers Topical treatments for HIV‐related oral ulcers (2012) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review. A total of 233 abstracts were retrieved; 25 were selected as potentially eligible but all were excluded (10 reported systemic rather than topical treatment; 3 non‐RCTs; 6… | 0 studies | No studies |
Sodium hypochlorite 5% (also 2.5%) vs Sodium hypochlorite 1% Adverse effects · Patients aged 14 to 78 years with mature permanent teeth (fully formed roots), single or multi-rooted, with pulpal or… Irrigants for non‐surgical root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth (2012) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Air-abrasive / Vector system debridement vs Manual debridement (carbon fibre curettes) Complications and side effects · People with at least one dental implant affected by peri-implantitis · 6 months Interventions for replacing missing teeth: treatment of peri‐implantitis (2012) · Cochrane | No complications occurred in any of the groups. | 1 study · 11 participants | Ungraded |
Montelukast (leukotriene receptor antagonist; 10 mg daily for 1 month then alternate days for the second month) vs Placebo Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · 2 months Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | The study reported equal drug-related adverse effects for those treated with montelukast and placebo. | 1 study · 40 participants | Ungraded |
Topical thalidomide vs Another topical agent or placebo Adverse effects of long‐term use of available topical agents · HIV‐infected adults (> 13 years of age, per CDC) with one or more painful intraoral aphthous ulcers Topical treatments for HIV‐related oral ulcers (2012) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review. A total of 233 abstracts were retrieved; 25 were selected as potentially eligible but all were excluded (10 reported systemic rather than topical treatment; 3 non‐RCTs; 6… | 0 studies | No studies |
Adjunctive local antibiotic (8.5% doxycycline hyclate, Atridox) added to manual debridement vs Manual debridement with chlorhexidine (no antibiotic) Complications and side effects · People with at least one dental implant affected by peri-implantitis · 4 months (18 weeks) Interventions for replacing missing teeth: treatment of peri‐implantitis (2012) · Cochrane | No complications occurred in any of the groups. | 1 study · 28 participants | Ungraded |
Clofazimine (100 mg daily for 30 days, then 100 mg every other day) vs Placebo Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · 6 months Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | Clofazimine was associated with an increase in cutaneous adverse effects (skin pigmentation and drying) (Fisher's exact test P=0.015), but these were reported to be easily controlled. | 1 study · 43 participants | Ungraded |
Perilla cooking oil vs Soybean cooking oil Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · 8 months Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | No adverse events were reported. | 1 study · 33 participants | Ungraded |
Implant surface smoothening added to systemic antibiotics + resective surgery + local antibiotics vs No implant surface smoothening (same surgical protocol) Complications and side effects · People with at least one dental implant affected by peri-implantitis · 2 years Interventions for replacing missing teeth: treatment of peri‐implantitis (2012) · Cochrane | No complications occurred in any of the groups. | 1 study · 17 participants | Ungraded |
Pentoxifylline (400 mg three times daily for 60 days) vs Placebo Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · 60 days (plus 60-day follow-up) Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | Patients receiving pentoxifylline reported more adverse events than those in the placebo group but this was not statistically significant (69% reported adverse effects: dizziness, headaches, stomach upset, increased… | 1 study · 26 participants | Ungraded |
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2.5% to 5.25% vs Chlorhexidine, 0.2% to 2% (solution or gel) Adverse effects · Patients aged 14 to 78 years with mature permanent teeth (fully formed roots), single or multi-rooted, with pulpal or… Irrigants for non‐surgical root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth (2012) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Colchicine (0.5 mg per day for 3 months) vs Prednisolone (5 mg per day for 3 months) Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · 3 months Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | Colchicine was associated with statistically significantly more adverse effects than prednisolone (nine participants reporting adverse effects on colchicine versus two on prednisolone). | 1 study · 34 participants | Ungraded |
Tetracycline suspension (250 mg, held in mouth 2 minutes then swallowed, four times daily for 5 days) vs Placebo Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · 5 days per outbreak Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | Adverse event rates were comparable between groups. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Sodium hypochlorite 5.25% vs Normal saline Adverse effects · Patients aged 14 to 78 years with mature permanent teeth (fully formed roots), single or multi-rooted, with pulpal or… Irrigants for non‐surgical root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth (2012) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Colchicine (0.5 mg three times per day) vs Placebo Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · 6 months Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | There was a greater percentage of treatment interruptions in the colchicine group due to gastrointestinal adverse effects (Fisher's exact test P=0.009). The review noted potential evidence of harm at a dose of 1.5 mg… | 1 study · 43 participants | Ungraded |
Camel thorn (plant distillate) vs Placebo Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · up to 14 days Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | No evidence of drug side effects was observed. | 1 study · 93 participants | Ungraded |
Prednisone (oral, commencing 25 mg with phased dose reduction over 2 months) vs Montelukast (leukotriene receptor antagonist) Adverse effects · Participants with a previous or current history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), diagnosed on history and… · 2 months Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) (2012) · Cochrane | The study reported more drug-related adverse effects for those treated with prednisone than montelukast. | 1 study · 40 participants | Ungraded |
Topical capsaicin (0.025% cream) vs Placebo Adverse events (withdrawals due to adverse effects) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 4 weeks Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | Three participants from the topical capsaicin group withdrew from the study by Winocur et al 2000 due to the severity of the burning sensation and redness. | 1 study · 30 participants | Ungraded |
Oral gabapentin (anticonvulsant) vs Placebo Adverse events (withdrawals due to adverse effects) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 12 weeks Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | Four of the participants withdrew from the study by Kimos et al 2007 due to adverse effects, but neither the type of adverse effect nor the trial group was specified. | 1 study · 44 participants | Ungraded |
Side to side action powered toothbrush vs Counter oscillation powered toothbrush Adverse events · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | One trial (Khocht 1992) reported 'transient abrasions' in both powered toothbrush groups. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Orthodontic treatment with appliances inducing stable, permanent orthodontic tooth movement (splints worn 8 to 12 weeks and surgical interventions excluded) vs Control: no treatment, placebo, or reassurance Adverse effects on oral health · Adults aged 18 years or older with clinically diagnosed TMD (exhibiting two or more of the listed signs and/or symptoms) · At least 6 months after the intervention Orthodontics for treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (2010) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Oral diazepam (benzodiazepine) vs Placebo Adverse events (reported; mild, no withdrawals) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 15 days Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | Roldan et al 1990 (diazepam) reported adverse effects. Per the review's Adverse effects of interventions section: 'All but one study (Lobo et al 2004) reported adverse effects. Most of the reported adverse effects were… | 1 study · 41 participants | Ungraded |
Oral diclofenac sodium (NSAID) vs Placebo Adverse events (reported; mild, no withdrawals) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 2 weeks Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | Ekberg et al 1996 (diclofenac) reported adverse effects. Per the review's Adverse effects of interventions section: 'All but one study (Lobo et al 2004) reported adverse effects. Most of the reported adverse effects… | 1 study · 32 participants | Ungraded |
Phosphoric etching (acid) gel vs Mechanical debridement and polishing Side effects (pain) · Adults with dental implants and healthy peri-implant soft tissues at baseline · 5 months Interventions for replacing missing teeth: maintaining and recovering soft tissue health around dental… (2010) · Cochrane | Nine out of 16 patients reported slight (7) to moderate (2) pain at the etching gel side compared to none in the debridement group (P < 0.001) | 1 study · 16 participants | Ungraded |
Side to side action powered toothbrush vs Rotation oscillation powered toothbrush Adverse events · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | Grossman 1995 reported some discomfort with use of one mode of action brush; Hefti 2000 reported no difference in dentine hypersensitivity. | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Hypnosis vs No hypnosis (no hypnotic intervention) Adverse events · Children undergoing dental and orthodontic treatment (Gokli 1994; Trakyali 2008) Hypnosis for children undergoing dental treatment (2010) · Cochrane | None of the studies mentioned any adverse effects regarding hypnosis. (Gokli 1994; Trakyali 2008.) | 2 studies · 59 participants | Ungraded |
Oral propranolol (beta-blocker) vs Placebo Adverse events (treatment-emergent) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 1 week per period (cross-over) Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | Tchivileva et al 2010: at least one treatment-emergent adverse event was reported by five participants (12.5%) during the propranolol period (nausea, diarrhoea, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue) and four participants (10%)… | 1 study · 40 participants | Ungraded |
Hypnosis vs Inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen Adverse events · Children aged 10 to 16 years undergoing orthodontic extractions (Braithwaite 2005) Hypnosis for children undergoing dental treatment (2010) · Cochrane | None of the studies mentioned any adverse effects regarding hypnosis. (Braithwaite 2005.) | 1 study · 10 participants | Ungraded |
Oral cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxant) vs Placebo Adverse events (reported; mild, no withdrawals) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 3 weeks Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | Herman et al 2002 (cyclobenzaprine) reported adverse effects. Per the review's Adverse effects of interventions section: 'All but one study (Lobo et al 2004) reported adverse effects. Most of the reported adverse… | 1 study · 41 participants | Ungraded |
Oral glucosamine hydrochloride/chondroitin sulphate vs Placebo Adverse events (withdrawals due to adverse effects) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 3 months Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | Two allergic reactions and one severe abdominal pain led to three withdrawals from the intervention group in the study by Nguyen et al 2001. | 1 study · 45 participants | Ungraded |
Oral naproxen (NSAID) vs Placebo Adverse events (reported; mild, no withdrawals) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 6 weeks Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | Ta and Dionne 2004 (naproxen) reported adverse effects. Per the review: 'All but one study (Lobo et al 2004) reported adverse effects. Most of the reported adverse effects were mild and similar to the adverse effects… | 1 study · 68 participants | Ungraded |
Oral celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) vs Placebo Adverse events (reported; mild, no withdrawals) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 6 weeks Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | Ta and Dionne 2004 (celecoxib) reported adverse effects. Per the review: 'All but one study (Lobo et al 2004) reported adverse effects. Most of the reported adverse effects were mild and similar to the adverse effects… | 1 study · 68 participants | Ungraded |
Oral clonazepam (benzodiazepine) vs Placebo Adverse events (withdrawals due to adverse effects) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 60 days Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | One participant in the clonazepam group withdrew from the study by Harkins et al 1991 due to severe headache. | 1 study · 20 participants | Ungraded |
Multidimensional powered toothbrush vs Side to side action powered toothbrush Staining · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… · Short term (1-3 months) Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | One trial (Patters 2005) reported reduced staining in the short term (1-3 months) with a multidimensional versus side to side mode of action powered brush. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Oral piroxicam (NSAID) vs Placebo Adverse events (reported; mild, no withdrawals) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 15 days Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | Roldan et al 1990 (piroxicam) reported adverse effects. Per the review's Adverse effects of interventions section: 'All but one study (Lobo et al 2004) reported adverse effects. Most of the reported adverse effects… | 1 study · 41 participants | Ungraded |
Oral prazepam (benzodiazepine) vs Placebo Adverse events (reported; mild, no withdrawals) · Adult patients aged >=18 years, clinically or radiographically diagnosed with TMD (McNeill 1997 criteria); moderate to… · 8 days Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (2010) · Cochrane | Rossi et al 1983 (prazepam) reported adverse effects. Per the review's Adverse effects of interventions section: 'All but one study (Lobo et al 2004) reported adverse effects. Most of the reported adverse effects were… | 1 study · 83 participants | Ungraded |
Ultrasonic powered toothbrush vs Multidimensional powered toothbrush Adverse events · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | Costa 2007 reported no adverse events identified by either participants or examiner. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Calcitonin (salmon calcitonin nasal spray 200 IU/day) vs Placebo Adverse events · Patients with histologically confirmed CGCG in one or both jaws and normal serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH)… Interventions for central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) of the jaws (2009) · Cochrane | Adverse events were not described separately for each group. Trialists reported that adverse events were in most patients minimal and consisted of nausea, flushes and some dizziness. One patient had diarrhoea which… | 1 study · 14 participants | Ungraded |
Arthrocentesis and lavage vs Arthroscopy Adverse reactions · Adults with temporomandibular joint disorders (internal derangement; anterior disc displacement with or without… · 1 year Arthrocentesis and lavage for treating temporomandibular joint disorders (2009) · Cochrane | Only Goudot 2000 reported adverse reactions. Arthroscopy group: one transient frontal palsy (during 3 months); one cervico-facial oedema requiring prolonged intubation (12 hours). Arthrocentesis group: two severe… | 1 study · 62 participants | Ungraded |
Bioresorbable plates or screws (or both) vs Titanium plates or screws (used as lag screws) or both Adverse effects (insufficient fixation; re-operation/revision; plate exposure; superficial or deep wound infection; sinus tract; wound dehiscence; giant cell/foreign body or inflammatory reaction; post-traumatic dystrophy) · Participants over 18 years of age with fractures of the facial skeleton including the mandible, maxilla, zygoma… · Up to 3 years postoperatively Resorbable versus titanium plates for facial fractures (2009) · Cochrane | Planned adverse-effects outcome not assessed: none of the retrieved studies met the inclusion criteria, so no data were available for analysis. Verbatim (Effects of interventions): "Although 53 studies were retrieved… | 0 studies | No studies |
Any denture cleansing method (mechanical or chemical) vs Another method, sham/placebo, or no treatment Adverse effects · Adults (over 18) wearing complete dentures (CD) or removable partial dentures (RPD) Interventions for cleaning dentures in adults (2009) · Cochrane | Noticeable absence of reports about adverse effects; no included study assessed the extent of adverse effects (for example the aftertaste of sodium hypochlorite, or mechanical or chemical damage to denture materials)… | 0 studies | No studies |
Primary surgical intervention (curettage, peripheral osteotomy, or resection) vs Primary non-surgical intervention (intralesional corticosteroids, subcutaneous calcitonin, interferon alpha, or imatinib) Adverse events · Patients with a pathological diagnosis of central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) of the jaws Interventions for central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) of the jaws (2009) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Prophylactic valaciclovir (lower dose) vs Prophylactic valaciclovir (higher dose) Adverse effects · Patients being treated for cancer (acute leukaemia; chemotherapy or stem-cell transplantation) Interventions for the prevention and treatment of herpes simplex virus in patients being treated for cancer (2009) · Cochrane | One study reported adverse effects (Warkentin 2002). Twenty patients allocated to receive high dose valaciclovir reported adverse effects (42%); for the low dose group this number was 27 (52%). Adverse effects were… | 1 study · 100 participants | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with barriers Postoperative complications (infection) / adverse events · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | RR 0.12 [0.02, 0.85] | 3 studies | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Various bone grafting (BG) procedures (animal-derived or synthetic bone / bioactive ceramic filler) Postoperative complications (infection) / adverse events · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | Complications and other adverse events: none occurred. | 1 study | Ungraded |