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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. Words match anywhere in the field.

Limit to evidence status or GRADE (optional)

142 questions in 28 reviews · cluster CL0290

current versions
No studies 24 · 16.9%Ungraded 78 · 54.9%Very low 22 · 15.5%Low 7 · 4.9%Moderate 6 · 4.2%High 5 · 3.5%

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
Clarithromycin + SRP vs SRP
Percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP) · Adults with periodontitis (chronic and aggressive) · Short-term (≤ 3 months)
Adjunctive systemic antimicrobials for the non‐surgical treatment of periodontitis (2020) · Cochrane
MD -3.00 [-6.69, 0.69]1 study · 40 participantsUngraded
Clindamycin + SRP vs Metronidazole + SRP
Percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP) · Adults with aggressive periodontitis · Long-term (≥ 1 year)
Adjunctive systemic antimicrobials for the non‐surgical treatment of periodontitis (2020) · Cochrane
Included studies have not reported this outcomeNRNo studies
Amoxicillin + metronidazole + SRP vs Clarithromycin + SRP
Percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP) · Adults with aggressive periodontitis · Short-term (≤ 3 months)
Adjunctive systemic antimicrobials for the non‐surgical treatment of periodontitis (2020) · Cochrane
MD 5.40 [-0.12, 10.92]1 study · 46 participantsUngraded
Amoxicillin + clavulanate + SRP vs SRP
Percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP) · Adults with chronic periodontitis · Intermediate-term (> 3 months to < 1 year)
Adjunctive systemic antimicrobials for the non‐surgical treatment of periodontitis (2020) · Cochrane
MD -0.10 [-0.19, -0.01]1 study · 21 participantsUngraded
Tetracycline + SRP vs SRP
Percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP) · Adults with aggressive periodontitis · Short-term (≤ 3 months)
Adjunctive systemic antimicrobials for the non‐surgical treatment of periodontitis (2020) · Cochrane
MD -14.62 [-27.21, -2.03]1 study · 38 participantsUngraded
Antifibrinolytic therapy (tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid) vs Placebo, no intervention or usual care (with or without placebo)
Number of minor postoperative bleeding episodes · People with haemophilia (A or B) undergoing minor oral surgery or dental extractions
Antifibrinolytic therapy for preventing oral bleeding in patients with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease… (2019) · Cochrane
This outcome was not reported in either of the trials.0 studiesNo studies
Antifibrinolytic therapy (tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid) vs Placebo, no intervention or usual care (with or without placebo)
Major bleeding, requiring transfusion of packed red blood cells · People with haemophilia (A or B) undergoing minor oral surgery or dental extractions
Antifibrinolytic therapy for preventing oral bleeding in patients with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease… (2019) · Cochrane
Only reported in the Walsh (EACA) trial: in none of the 31 included participants was blood transfusion required.1 study · 31 participantsUngraded
Antifibrinolytic therapy (tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid) vs Placebo, no intervention or usual care (with or without placebo)
Bleeding duration · People with haemophilia (A or B) undergoing minor oral surgery or dental extractions
Antifibrinolytic therapy for preventing oral bleeding in patients with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease… (2019) · Cochrane
This outcome was not reported in either of the trials.0 studiesNo studies
Antifibrinolytic therapy (tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid) vs Placebo, no intervention or usual care (with or without placebo)
Any postoperative complication except bleeding (such as wound infection) · People with haemophilia (A or B) undergoing minor oral surgery or dental extractions
Antifibrinolytic therapy for preventing oral bleeding in patients with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease… (2019) · Cochrane
This outcome was not reported in either of the trials.0 studiesNo studies
Antifibrinolytic therapy (tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid) vs Placebo, no intervention or usual care (with or without placebo)
Number of postoperative bleeding episodes requiring intervention · People with haemophilia (A or B) undergoing minor oral surgery or dental extractions · Up to 10 days postoperative
Antifibrinolytic therapy for preventing oral bleeding in patients with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease… (2019) · Cochrane
RD -0.57 [-0.76, -0.37]2 studies · 59 participantsModerate
Hyperbaric oxygen (following replantation) vs Control
Periodontal healing at 12 months · People with avulsed and replanted permanent (front) teeth · 12 months
Interventions for treating traumatised permanent front teeth: avulsed (knocked out) and replanted (2019) · Cochrane
RR 2.04 [1.52, 2.73]1 study · 69 participantsVery low
Thymosin alpha 1 (10-minute soak prior to replantation) vs Control (saline)
Periodontal healing at 48 months · People with avulsed and replanted permanent (front) teeth · 48 months
Interventions for treating traumatised permanent front teeth: avulsed (knocked out) and replanted (2019) · Cochrane
RR 5.60 [2.22, 14.11]1 study · 73 participantsVery low
Ledermix root canal medicament (day 0 to 10) vs Ultracal root canal medicament (day 7 to 10)
Periodontal healing at 12 months (tooth level) · People with avulsed and replanted permanent (front) teeth · 12 months
Interventions for treating traumatised permanent front teeth: avulsed (knocked out) and replanted (2019) · Cochrane
RR 1.67 [0.80, 3.49]1 study · 22 participantsVery low
Antifibrinolytic therapy (tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid) vs Placebo, no intervention or usual care (with or without placebo)
Number of immediate (less than 24 hours) and delayed (24 hours to 10 days) postoperative bleeding episodes requiring intervention · People with haemophilia (A or B) undergoing minor oral surgery or dental extractions · Immediate (<24 h) and delayed (24 h to 10 days)
Antifibrinolytic therapy for preventing oral bleeding in patients with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease… (2019) · Cochrane
This outcome was not reported in either of the trials.0 studiesNo studies
Planned, regular routine scale and polish (6-monthly; 12-monthly parallel) vs No scheduled scale and polish treatment
Gingivitis · Dentate adults without severe periodontitis, regularly attending for dental care in primary care (UK general dental… · 24 to 36 months, 6-monthly (12-monthly parallel)
Routine scale and polish for periodontal health in adults (2018) · Cochrane
SMD -0.01 [-0.13, 0.11]2 studies · 1087 participantsHigh
Altered-cast impression technique (ACIP), polyether vs One-piece cast technique (OPC), polyether
Operator-assessed gingival health of abutment · Partially edentulous people requiring a tooth- and tissue-supported (distal-extension) removable partial denture · 1 year, left abutment
Final‐impression techniques and materials for making complete and removable partial dentures (2018) · Cochrane
RR 1.10 [0.46, 2.64]1 studyVery low
Any surgical or non-surgical technique or material used for the treatment of post-extraction bleeding vs Another active intervention, placebo, or no treatment
Bleeding, as measured by: amount of blood loss; complete cessation of bleeding as assessed clinically by the investigator; time required for the control of bleeding · People of any age and either gender with post-extraction bleeding, regardless of type of teeth (anterior or posterior,…
Interventions for treating post‐extraction bleeding (2018) · Cochrane
No data are available as no RCTs have been conducted on interventions to treat post-extraction bleeding0 studiesNo studies
SPT performed by non-specialist clinicians (general dental practitioners under specialist prescription) vs SPT performed by specialists (specialist practice)
Bleeding on probing (%) · Adults treated for periodontitis and receiving supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) · 12 months
Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) for maintaining the dentition in adults treated for periodontitis (2018) · Cochrane
MD 7.40 [-8.12, 22.92]1 study · 35 participantsVery low
Orthodontic treatment without extraction of permanent teeth vs Orthodontic treatment involving extraction of permanent teeth
Gingival and TMJ symptoms · Children (80% aged <= 16 years) with a Class II division 2 malocclusion (deep bite and retroclined upper front teeth)
Orthodontic treatment for deep bite and retroclined upper front teeth in children (2018) · Cochrane
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Self-management (self-administered/self-monitored OHA) vs Professional OHA
Periodontal health: gingivitis · Children or adults (fit and healthy, or with a well-defined medical condition) · 2 to 6 months
One‐to‐one oral hygiene advice provided in a dental setting for oral health (2018) · Cochrane
SoF: 2 studies reported no significant differences but no usable data; 1 study showed little or no difference at 3 months; 1 study in adults with hyposalivation gave weak evidence of a benefit in gingivitis for…4 studies · 181 participantsVery low
EMP + CAF vs CAF
Gingival recession depth change (short and medium term) · Adult patients with single (localised) recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short and medium term (6 to 24 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD 0.32 [0.10, 0.55]3 studiesUngraded
Mechanical debridement plus local antimicrobial (minocycline microspheres or doxycycline gel) vs Mechanical debridement alone
Bleeding on probing (ratios) · Adults treated for periodontitis and receiving supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) · 12 months
Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) for maintaining the dentition in adults treated for periodontitis (2018) · Cochrane
OR 0.45 [0.14, 1.52]1 study · 50 participantsVery low
GTR rm associated with bone substitutes + CAF vs GTR rm + CAF
Gingival recession depth change · Adult patients with single (localised) recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short term (6 to 12 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD 0.48 [0.09, 0.88]2 studiesUngraded
GTR rm + CAF vs SCTG + CAF
Gingival recession change · Adult patients with single (localised) recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short term (6 to 12 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD -0.37 [-0.60, -0.13]3 studies · 98 participantsLow
ADMG + CAF vs CAF
Gingival recession depth change · Adult patients with single (localised) recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short term (6 to 12 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD 0.61 [-0.52, 1.73]2 studies · 50 participantsLow
Altered-cast impression technique (ACIP), polyether vs One-piece cast technique (OPC), polyether
Operator-assessed gingival health of abutment · Partially edentulous people requiring a tooth- and tissue-supported (distal-extension) removable partial denture · 1 year, right abutment
Final‐impression techniques and materials for making complete and removable partial dentures (2018) · Cochrane
RR 1.05 [0.56, 1.98]1 studyVery low
GTR rm + CAF vs GTR nrm + CAF
Gingival recession depth change · Adult patients with single (localised) recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short term (6 to 12 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD 0.23 [-0.22, 0.68]2 studiesUngraded
Personalised one-to-one OHA vs Routine one-to-one OHA
Periodontal health: gingivitis · Children or adults (fit and healthy, or with a well-defined medical condition) · 2 to 36 months
One‐to‐one oral hygiene advice provided in a dental setting for oral health (2018) · Cochrane
SoF: 1 large study showed little or no difference at 36 months; 1 study showed a benefit for personalised OHA at 3 and 12 months; 1 study in children reported 'statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvement' but no…4 studies · 1635 participantsVery low
Orthodontic treatment without extraction of permanent teeth (removable, fixed, or functional braces, or headgear) vs No treatment (or delayed treatment)
Gingival and TMJ symptoms · Children (80% aged <= 16 years) with a Class II division 2 malocclusion (deep bite and retroclined upper front teeth)
Orthodontic treatment for deep bite and retroclined upper front teeth in children (2018) · Cochrane
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
ADMG + CAF vs SCTG + CAF
Gingival recession change · Adult patients with single (localised) recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short term (6 to 12 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD -0.36 [-1.03, 0.30]4 studies · 100 participantsLow
GTR rm associated with bone substitutes + CAF vs SCTG + CAF
Gingival recession depth change · Adult patients with single (localised) recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short term (6 to 12 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD -0.82 [-2.13, 0.49]2 studiesUngraded
XCM + CAF vs CAF
Gingival recession depth change · Adult patients with single (localised) recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short term (6 to 12 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD 0.40 [0.11, 0.68]2 studies · 104 participantsLow
Enhanced one-to-one OHA vs One-to-one OHA (standard)
Periodontal health: gingivitis · Children or adults (fit and healthy, or with a well-defined medical condition) · 2 to 12 months
One‐to‐one oral hygiene advice provided in a dental setting for oral health (2018) · Cochrane
SoF: 2 studies did not report usable data; 1 study gave low-quality evidence of a benefit in gingivitis reduction at 5.5 months for enhanced OHA; 3 studies found little or no difference across all time points. Results:…5 studies · 430 participantsVery low
Routine scale and polish provided by a dentist vs Routine scale and polish provided by a dental care professional (dental therapist or hygienist)
Gingivitis · Dentate adults without severe periodontitis, regularly attending for dental care in primary care (UK general dental…
Routine scale and polish for periodontal health in adults (2018) · Cochrane
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Enhanced one-to-one OHA vs One-to-one OHA (standard)
Periodontal health: plaque levels · Children or adults (fit and healthy, or with a well-defined medical condition) · 2 to 12 months
One‐to‐one oral hygiene advice provided in a dental setting for oral health (2018) · Cochrane
SoF: 2 studies did not report usable data; 1 study gave low-quality evidence of a benefit in plaque reduction at 5.5 months for enhanced OHA; 3 studies found little or no difference; 1 study gave weak evidence of a…6 studies · 440 participantsVery low
EMP + CAF vs CAF
Gingival recession depth change · Adult patients with single (localised) recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short term (6 to 12 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD 0.07 [-0.25, 0.40]3 studies · 136 participantsLow
Routine scale and polish every 6 months vs Routine scale and polish every 12 months
Gingivitis · Dentate adults without severe periodontitis, regularly attending for dental care in primary care (UK general dental… · 24 to 36 months
Routine scale and polish for periodontal health in adults (2018) · Cochrane
SMD 0.03 [-0.09, 0.15]2 studies · 1090 participantsHigh
PRF + CAF vs SCTG + CAF
Gingival recession depth change · Adult patients with multiple recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short term (6 to 12 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD -0.01 [-0.89, 0.86]2 studiesUngraded
Personalised one-to-one OHA vs Routine one-to-one OHA
Periodontal health: plaque levels · Children or adults (fit and healthy, or with a well-defined medical condition) · 2 to 12 months
One‐to‐one oral hygiene advice provided in a dental setting for oral health (2018) · Cochrane
SoF: 1 study showed a benefit for personalised OHA at 3 and 12 months; 1 study in children reported 'statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvement' but no usable data; 1 study showed little or no difference at 3…3 studies · 308 participantsVery low
Self-management (self-administered/self-monitored OHA) vs Professional OHA
Periodontal health: plaque levels · Children or adults (fit and healthy, or with a well-defined medical condition) · 2 to 6 months
One‐to‐one oral hygiene advice provided in a dental setting for oral health (2018) · Cochrane
SoF: 2 studies reported no significant differences but no usable data; 1 study gave weak evidence of a benefit in plaque reduction at 3 months for self-management; 1 study in adults with hyposalivation gave very weak…4 studies · 181 participantsVery low
EMP + CAF vs SCTG + CAF
Gingival recession change · Adult patients with single (localised) recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short term (6 to 12 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD -0.39 [-1.27, 0.48]2 studies · 62 participantsVery low
Open surgical exposure vs Closed surgical exposure
Gum health: midbuccal gingival recession (mm) · People with maxillary palatally displaced (impacted) canines, unilateral or bilateral (children/adolescents; mean ages… · 3 months post-debond
Open versus closed surgical exposure of canine teeth that are displaced in the roof of the mouth (2017) · Cochrane
MD -0.02 [-0.21, 0.16]2 studies · 105 participantsUngraded
Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (zirconia-toughened alumina; In-Ceram Zirconia) vs Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia; Denzir)
Periodontal/peri-implant status (secondary outcomes) · Adults (18 years or older) needing an implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis in the posterior region
Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane
No data were presented for any of the pre-specified secondary outcomes. Follow-up visits registered pocket depth, bleeding on probing and mobility but the data were not reported.0 studiesNo studies
Open surgical exposure vs Closed surgical exposure
Gum health: periodontal probing depth · People with maxillary palatally displaced (impacted) canines, unilateral or bilateral (children/adolescents; mean ages… · 3 months post-debond
Open versus closed surgical exposure of canine teeth that are displaced in the roof of the mouth (2017) · Cochrane
MD -0.14 [-0.48, 0.20]1 study · 43 participantsUngraded
Metal-free cantilevered FDPs (feldspathic-veneered zirconia) vs Metal-ceramic cantilevered FDPs
Gingival index (GI) · Adults (18 years or older) needing replacement of one premolar or incisor with a cantilevered fixed dental prosthesis · 24 months
Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane
MD 0.03 [-0.75, 0.81]1 study · 19 participantsUngraded
Metal-free implant abutments (zirconia) vs Metal implant abutments (titanium)
Gingival/mucosal recession (REC) · Adults (18 years or older) with one missing tooth in the aesthetic zone needing an implant-supported single crown on… · 12 months
Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane
MD 0.00 [-0.22, 0.22]2 studies · 47 participantsUngraded
Metal-free tooth-supported FDPs (pressed veneering ceramic) vs Metal-free tooth-supported FDPs (layered veneering ceramic)
Periodontal/peri-implant status (secondary outcomes) · Adults (18 years or older) needing a three-unit tooth-supported fixed dental prosthesis
Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane
No comparative data were presented for the pre-specified secondary outcomes. The trial analyzed and reported plaque index, bleeding on probing and pocket probing depth but no between-group estimate was presented in the…1 studyUngraded
Open surgical exposure vs Closed surgical exposure
Gum health: bleeding on probing (Papilla Bleeding Index) · People with maxillary palatally displaced (impacted) canines, unilateral or bilateral (children/adolescents; mean ages… · 3 months post-debond
Open versus closed surgical exposure of canine teeth that are displaced in the roof of the mouth (2017) · Cochrane
MD 0.21 [-0.14, 0.56]1 study · 43 participantsUngraded
Metal-free FDPs (zirconia ceramic) vs Metal-ceramic FDPs
Periodontal/peri-implant status (secondary outcomes) · Adults (18 years or older) needing a three-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP)
Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane
No data were presented for any of the pre-specified secondary outcomes. The trial registered pocket depth, bleeding on probing and mobility at follow-up visits but did not report the data.0 studiesNo studies
Open surgical exposure vs Closed surgical exposure
Gum health: gingival recession (six-point probing) · People with maxillary palatally displaced (impacted) canines, unilateral or bilateral (children/adolescents; mean ages… · 3 months post-debond
Open versus closed surgical exposure of canine teeth that are displaced in the roof of the mouth (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.19 [0.01, 3.76]1 study · 43 participantsUngraded