Gap finder

Search review questions

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. Every word you type has to appear somewhere in the question, and the closest matches are ranked first.

Limit to evidence status or GRADE (optional)

3,358 questions in 190 reviews · cluster CL0289

current versions
No studies 599 · 17.8%Ungraded 1,759 · 52.4%Very low 612 · 18.2%Low 269 · 8%Moderate 107 · 3.2%High 12 · 0.4%

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

QuestionEffectEvidenceStatus / GRADE
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) combined with bone substitutes/graft vs Open flap debridement (access flap surgery)
Change in probing depth (probing depth reduction) · Patients with chronic periodontitis (aged 21 years or older) with periodontal infra-bony defects; furcation-involved… · >=12 months
Guided tissue regeneration for periodontal infra-bony defects (2006) · Cochrane
MD 1.24 [0.89, 1.59]2 studiesUngraded
Lingualised teeth (maxillary anatomic + mandibular non-anatomic; lingualised occlusion scheme) vs Zero-degree teeth (non-anatomic, cuspless)
Number of denture adjustments required · Edentulous adult patients requiring complete dentures · 3 weeks per denture set (cross-over)
Interventions for replacing missing teeth: denture chewing surface designs in edentulous people (2005) · Cochrane
No statistically significant difference was found between the two occlusal patterns with regard to the number of adjustments required.1 study · 30 participantsUngraded
Lingualised teeth (maxillary anatomic + mandibular non-anatomic; lingualised occlusion scheme) vs Zero-degree teeth (non-anatomic, cuspless)
Patient perceived comfort · Edentulous adult patients requiring complete dentures
Interventions for replacing missing teeth: denture chewing surface designs in edentulous people (2005) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Lingualised teeth (maxillary anatomic + mandibular non-anatomic; lingualised occlusion scheme) vs Zero-degree teeth (non-anatomic, cuspless)
Patient perceived masticatory/chewing efficiency · Edentulous adult patients requiring complete dentures
Interventions for replacing missing teeth: denture chewing surface designs in edentulous people (2005) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Lingualised teeth (maxillary anatomic + mandibular non-anatomic; lingualised occlusion scheme) vs Zero-degree teeth (non-anatomic, cuspless)
Patient perceived satisfaction (denture preference) · Edentulous adult patients requiring complete dentures · 3 weeks per denture set (cross-over)
Interventions for replacing missing teeth: denture chewing surface designs in edentulous people (2005) · Cochrane
OR 10 [2.04, 48.96]1 study · 30 participantsUngraded
Lingualised teeth (maxillary anatomic + mandibular non-anatomic; lingualised occlusion scheme) vs Zero-degree teeth (non-anatomic, cuspless)
Patient perceived masticatory/chewing function · Edentulous adult patients requiring complete dentures
Interventions for replacing missing teeth: denture chewing surface designs in edentulous people (2005) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Minimal/no treatment
Pain (severity/palpation; PSS, PPI, VAS) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
MD -3.20 [-4.81, -1.59]4 studiesUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Jaw exercises
TMJ clicking · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · up to 6 months
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
SS vs jaw exercises (Magnusson 1999): TMJ clicking at 3 months and greater than 3 months; no statistically significant between-group difference. Forest-plot data presented, totals not pooled.1 studyUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Visual feedback
Movement (lateral mandibular movement) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
SS vs visual feedback (Monteiro 1988): both SS and visual feedback groups showed a significant decrease in lateral mandibular movement scores (P<0.01); data were unavailable for analysis.1 studyUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Bite plates
Helkimo dysfunction score · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
RR 0.68 [0.20, 2.23]1 studyUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Acupuncture
Movement (deviation and range of mouth opening) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
RR 0.55 [0.35, 0.84]1 studyUngraded
Direct resin composite veneer vs Indirect resin composite veneer
Pain following treatment · Patients with permanent anterior teeth with intrinsic staining suitable for laminate veneer restorations
Direct versus indirect veneer restorations for intrinsic dental stains (2004) · Cochrane
Planned outcome; pain following treatment was not reported by the included trial (earlier trial publications reported treatment times, not pain).0 studiesNo studies
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Minimal/no treatment
Depression (CES-D, POMS) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
MD -3.90 [-6.29, -1.52]1 studyUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Acupuncture
Helkimo clinical dysfunction score · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
SS vs acupuncture (Johansson 1991): Helkimo clinical dysfunction score decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.01) with no significant between-group difference; data not available for a pooled estimate.1 studyUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Acupuncture
TMJ clicking · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
RR 1.00 [0.56, 1.78]1 studyUngraded
Direct resin composite veneer vs Indirect resin composite veneer
Patient satisfaction · Patients with permanent anterior teeth with intrinsic staining suitable for laminate veneer restorations · 2 years
Direct versus indirect veneer restorations for intrinsic dental stains (2004) · Cochrane
Meijering 1998 (Table 4): patients satisfied at 2 years - direct resin composite 67%, indirect resin composite 82%. No statistical comparison performed.1 studyUngraded
Direct resin composite veneer vs Porcelain (indirect) veneer
Patient satisfaction · Patients with permanent anterior teeth with intrinsic staining suitable for laminate veneer restorations · 2 years
Direct versus indirect veneer restorations for intrinsic dental stains (2004) · Cochrane
Meijering 1998 (Table 4): patients satisfied at 2 years - direct resin composite 67%, porcelain 93%. No statistical comparison performed.1 studyUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Biofeedback/stress management
Treatment credibility · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
MD -0.10 [-0.69, 0.49]1 studyUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Non-occluding splint
Pain (unpleasantness/intensity/palpation) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
RR 1.44 [0.81, 2.58]3 studiesUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Non-occluding splint
Movement (increase in maximal mouth opening) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
MD 1.45 [-1.47, 4.37]1 studyUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Relaxation
Pain (reduction in pain on palpation) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
SS vs relaxation (Okeson 1983; Winocur 2002): reduction in pain on palpation. Okeson 1983 showed a significant reduction favouring SS; Winocur 2002 did not. Significant heterogeneity (P<0.01, I2=98.3%) meant the data…2 studiesUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Biofeedback/stress management
Helkimo clinical dysfunction index · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
RR 1.11 [0.64, 1.92]1 studyUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Acupuncture
Pain (palpation and on movement) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
RR 0.63 [0.24, 1.65]2 studiesUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Biofeedback/stress management
Pain (severity/muscle palpation) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
MD 0.30 [-0.48, 1.08]1 studyUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Jaw exercises
Pain (TMJ, muscle, on movement) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · up to 6 months
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
SS vs jaw exercises (Magnusson 1999): improvements in all pain outcomes (TMJ pain, muscle pain, pain on movement) for both groups at 3 and 6 months; no statistically significant between-group difference at any time…1 studyUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Relaxation
Movement (maximal mouth opening) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
SS vs relaxation (Okeson 1983; Winocur 2002): change in maximal mouth opening (active/comfortable and assisted/painful). Significant heterogeneity (active/comfortable P<0.01, I2=92.9%; assisted/painful P<0.01, I2=94%);…2 studiesUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Biofeedback/stress management
Depression (CES-D, POMS) · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
MD 5.50 [1.49, 9.51]1 studyUngraded
Direct resin composite veneer vs Indirect resin composite veneer
Colour match (aesthetic achievement) · Patients with permanent anterior teeth with intrinsic staining suitable for laminate veneer restorations
Direct versus indirect veneer restorations for intrinsic dental stains (2004) · Cochrane
Planned outcome; colour match was not reported by the single included trial (Meijering 1998).0 studiesNo studies
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Non-occluding splint
Overall improvement of symptoms · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · 3 months or less
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
RR 1.13 [0.79, 1.61]2 studiesUngraded
Stabilisation splint (SS) vs Jaw exercises
Overall improvement · Patients with pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) of all degrees of severity · up to 6 months
Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (2004) · Cochrane
SS vs jaw exercises (Magnusson 1999): overall improvement at 3 months and greater than 3 months; no statistically significant between-group difference; a follow-up questionnaire 1 to 4 years later showed a lasting…1 studyUngraded
Ceramic inlays (all types) vs Composite resin inlay
Outcome NR · Adults who require restorative treatment in posterior teeth
Ceramic inlays for restoring posterior teeth (2003) · Cochrane
One randomised controlled trial (Gladys 1995) compared ceramic and resin composite inlays over 3 years, but it was excluded because the study design (parallel-group or split-mouth) was not clearly described; no…0 studiesNo studies
Ceramic inlays (all types) vs Amalgam
Outcome NR · Adults who require restorative treatment in posterior teeth
Ceramic inlays for restoring posterior teeth (2003) · Cochrane
No eligible randomised controlled trial comparing ceramic inlays with amalgam restorations was identified; this planned comparison could not be evaluated.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs Placebo
Psychosocial outcomes · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
There were no data on psychosocial outcomes, costs or quality of life in any of the trials.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs Placebo
Headache (severity) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 0.90 [0.13, 6.08]1 study · 18 participantsUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs Reassurance
Pain (frequency) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 0.13 [0.01, 2.58]1 study · 50 participantsUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs Reassurance
Headache (frequency) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 1.40 [0.45, 4.35]1 study · 50 participantsUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs Placebo
Pain (severity) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 0.5 [0.07, 3.85]1 study · 18 participantsUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs No treatment
Pain (severity) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 0.10 [0.00, 2.15]1 study · 17 participantsUngraded
Ceramic inlays (all types) vs Gold inlay
Aesthetic satisfaction (colour match) · Adults who require restorative treatment in posterior teeth
Ceramic inlays for restoring posterior teeth (2003) · Cochrane
Information on aesthetic satisfaction could not be obtained from this study as it did not use the tooth-coloured restorations as the control group.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs Placebo
Relief of globus · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 6.0 [0.72, 49.84]1 study · 17 participantsUngraded
Ceramic inlays (all types) vs Gold inlay
Failure rate (longevity) at 5 years · Adults who require restorative treatment in posterior teeth · 5 years
Ceramic inlays for restoring posterior teeth (2003) · Cochrane
OR 1.12 [0.08, 15.0]1 study · 20 participantsUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs Placebo
Headache (frequency) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 0.90 [0.13, 6.08]1 study · 18 participantsUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs No treatment
Headache (severity) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 0.10 [0.00, 2.15]1 study · 17 participantsUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs Reassurance
Overall symptoms improvement · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 3.12 [0.12, 80.39]1 study · 50 participantsUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs Reassurance
Limitation of movement (range of mandibular movement) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
Additional clinical outcomes reported included range of mandibular movement (Vallon 1991); no pooled effect estimate was reported.1 studyUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs No treatment
Pain (frequency) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 0.10 [0.00, 2.15]1 study · 17 participantsUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs No treatment
Headache (frequency) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 0.10 [0.00, 2.15]1 study · 17 participantsUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs Placebo
Pain (frequency) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 0.5 [0.07, 3.85]1 study · 18 participantsUngraded
Occlusal adjustment (OA) vs No treatment or placebo (control)
Incidence of TMD symptoms · Healthy subjects without TMD at baseline (children, adolescents and young adults)
Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders (2003) · Cochrane
OR 0.43 [0.14, 1.37]3 studies · 300 participantsUngraded
Ceramic inlays (all types) vs Composite resin (direct restoration)
Outcome NR · Adults who require restorative treatment in posterior teeth
Ceramic inlays for restoring posterior teeth (2003) · Cochrane
No eligible randomised controlled trial comparing ceramic inlays with composite resin (direct) restorations was identified; this planned comparison could not be evaluated.0 studiesNo studies