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. Words match anywhere in the field.
1,344 questions in 217 reviews · Oral Health
current versionsNo studies 1,344 · 100%Ungraded 0 · 0%Very low 0 · 0%Low 0 · 0%Moderate 0 · 0%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.
| Question | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Topical NSAID (ketoprofen lysinate mouthwash, 160 mg) vs Topical NSAID (benzidamine hydrochloride mouthwash, 22.5 mg) Adverse events · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies) Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane | The study did not report this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Resorbable (bioresorbable) plates or screws for fixation vs Titanium plates or screws for fixation Facial appearance and profile · Adults (>16 years old) undergoing orthognathic surgery · Up to 3 years postoperatively Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery (2017) · Cochrane | No data available for this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Metal-free single crowns (full-contour zirconia) vs Cast gold (conventional metal) single crowns Aesthetic evaluation · Adults (18 years or older) needing a single crown in the molar or premolar region Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | No data were presented with regard to aesthetics. | 0 studies | No studies |
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, alone or with antimicrobials) vs Alternative (less intensive) periodontal treatment, alone or with placebo Maternal mortality · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane | Maternal mortality: Not reported for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
Antimicrobial lozenge vs Placebo Survival · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | No survival data were reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Analgesic (any: NSAID, paracetamol, local anaesthetic or opioid) vs Control (placebo or no treatment) Adverse events · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies) Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane | No studies in this comparison reported any adverse events. SoF cell: 'Not reported'. | 0 studies | No studies |
ART using resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RM-GIC) vs Conventional treatment using RM-GIC Pain · Older adults with root caries in permanent (mature) teeth (mean age 75 years) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | Pain: Not measured. | 0 studies | No studies |
Glass ionomer-based sealant vs No sealant (control/no treatment) Adverse effects · Children and adolescents (general population, aged under 20 years) Pit and fissure sealants for preventing dental decay in permanent teeth (2017) · Cochrane | Adverse effects not measured. | NR | No studies |
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, alone or with antimicrobials) vs Alternative (less intensive) periodontal treatment, alone or with placebo Adverse effects of therapy · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane | Adverse effects of therapy: Not reported for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
Venalot Depot (coumarin plus troxerutin) vs Placebo Quality of life · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | No data on either quality of life or other oral related symptoms were reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
ART using composite resin vs Conventional treatment using composite resin Secondary caries · Children with dental caries in primary teeth (mean age 7 years) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | No studies reported on secondary caries for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
Antiseptic mouthrinse vs Placebo Survival · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | No survival data were reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Amifostine 200 mg/m2 three times weekly vs Amifostine 200 mg/m2 five times weekly Salivary flow rate · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | No salivary flow rate data related to the effectiveness of different doses of amifostine were reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
ART using resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RM-GIC) vs Conventional treatment using RM-GIC Restoration failure (primary dentition) · Older adults with root caries in permanent (mature) teeth (mean age 75 years) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | Restoration failure (primary dentition): 0 studies; No studies included. | 0 studies | No studies |
Topical NSAID (ketoprofen chewing gum) vs Local anaesthetic (benzocaine chewing gum) Adverse events · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies) Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane | The study did not report this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Metal-free FDPs (lithium disilicate) vs Metal-ceramic FDPs Periodontal/peri-implant status and occlusal wear (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. | 0 studies | No studies |
ART using high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (H-GIC), hand instruments vs Conventional treatment using H-GIC (rotary instruments) Restoration failure (permanent dentition) · People with dental caries in primary teeth (mainly children) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | No studies reported on restoration failure in permanent dentition for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
ART using composite resin vs Conventional treatment using composite resin Costs (direct and indirect) · Children with dental caries in primary teeth (mean age 7 years) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | No studies reported on costs for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
NSAID (systemic) vs Paracetamol Failure to complete orthodontic treatment due to pain · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies) Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane | No studies in this comparison reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, alone or with antimicrobials) vs Alternative (less intensive) periodontal treatment, alone or with placebo Small for gestational age · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane | Small for gestational age: Not reported for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
Analgesic (any: NSAID, paracetamol, local anaesthetic or opioid) vs Control (placebo or no treatment) Failure to complete orthodontic treatment due to pain · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies) Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane | No studies reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Resorbable (bioresorbable) plates or screws for fixation vs Titanium plates or screws for fixation Quality of life · Adults (>16 years old) undergoing orthognathic surgery · Up to 3 years postoperatively Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery (2017) · Cochrane | None of the included studies reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
One type of adhesive used to bond molar tubes (chemically-cured composite, light-cured composite, conventional glass ionomer, poly-acid modified composite/compomer, or resin-modified glass ionomer) vs Any other type of adhesive used to bond molar tubes Decalcification (presence or absence of decay around the attachment) · Participants with full arch fixed orthodontic appliance(s) with molar tubes bonded to first or second permanent… Adhesives for bonded molar tubes during fixed brace treatment (2017) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Antiseptic mouthrinse vs Placebo Xerostomia · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | No data on xerostomia were reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Resorbable (bioresorbable) plates or screws for fixation vs Titanium plates or screws for fixation Degree of function postoperatively (mastication, swallowing, speech) · Adults (>16 years old) undergoing orthognathic surgery · Up to 3 years postoperatively Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery (2017) · Cochrane | No data available for this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
ART using resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RM-GIC) vs Conventional treatment using RM-GIC Adverse events · Older adults with root caries in permanent (mature) teeth (mean age 75 years) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | Adverse events: Not measured. | 0 studies | No studies |
Acupuncture vs Sham control (deactivated laser sham acupuncture) Adverse events · Patients with idiopathic dysgeusia and hypogeusia Interventions for managing taste disturbances (2017) · Cochrane | Results: The acupuncture trial (Brandt 2008) did not give any data on adverse events in either group. | 0 studies | No studies |
Acupuncture vs Sham control (deactivated laser sham acupuncture) Taste acuity improvement · Patients with idiopathic dysgeusia and hypogeusia Interventions for managing taste disturbances (2017) · Cochrane | Results: There were no data on taste acuity improvement in the included acupuncture trial (Brandt 2008). | 0 studies | No studies |
Metal-free single crowns (full-contour zirconia) vs Cast gold (conventional metal) single crowns Periodontal/peri-implant status and occlusal wear (secondary outcomes) · Adults (18 years or older) needing a single crown in the molar or premolar region Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | No data were presented for any of the pre-specified secondary outcomes. | 0 studies | No studies |
Bethanechol vs Artificial saliva Quality of life · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | No data on either quality of life or other oral related symptoms were reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Ibuprofen taken pre-emptively (about 1 hour before treatment) vs Ibuprofen taken post-treatment Adverse events · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies) Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane | No studies in this comparison reported any adverse events. | 0 studies | No studies |
Selenium vs No intervention Salivary flow rate · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | No data on salivary flow rates were reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Biperiden plus pilocarpine vs No treatment Xerostomia · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | No xerostomia data related to the effectiveness of biperiden and pilocarpine were reported (Rode 1999). | 0 studies | No studies |
Antimicrobial lozenge vs Placebo Salivary flow rate · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | No data on salivary flow rates were reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Resorbable (bioresorbable) plates or screws for fixation vs Titanium plates or screws for fixation Satisfactory radiographic appearance (cephalometric radiographs) · Adults (>16 years old) undergoing orthognathic surgery · Up to 3 years postoperatively Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery (2017) · Cochrane | No data available for this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Oral health education (advice and training) vs Standard care (oral health advice not specifically emphasised beyond usual care) Service use: Emergency medical/dental treatment · People with serious mental illness (all included participants had schizophrenia); majority aged 18 to 65 years per… Oral health education (advice and training) for people with serious mental illness (2016) · Cochrane | No study reported useable data | 0 studies | No studies |
Perioperative infraorbital nerve block vs Infiltration of the incision (peri-incisional infiltration) Duration of postoperative analgesia · Children up to 13 years of age, undergoing cleft lip repair surgery Infraorbital nerve block for postoperative pain following cleft lip repair in children (2016) · Cochrane | This outcome was not reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Psychological therapies (cognitive therapy) vs Placebo Change in feeling of dryness · People with primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS), that is, oral mucosal pain with no dental or medical cause for such… · short-term (up to 3 months) Interventions for treating burning mouth syndrome (2016) · Cochrane | SoF8: No included study reported change in feeling of dryness. | 0 studies | No studies |
Benzodiazepines (topical clonazepam) vs Placebo Change in feeling of dryness · People with primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS), that is, oral mucosal pain with no dental or medical cause for such… · short-term (up to 3 months) Interventions for treating burning mouth syndrome (2016) · Cochrane | SoF3: No included studies reported change in feeling of dryness. | 0 studies | No studies |
Perioperative infraorbital nerve block vs Placebo (sham block) Time to feeding after surgery · Children up to 13 years of age, undergoing cleft lip repair surgery Infraorbital nerve block for postoperative pain following cleft lip repair in children (2016) · Cochrane | This outcome was not reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Adhesively bonded amalgam restorations in conventional preparations utilising deliberate retention (all bonding agents) vs Traditional non‐bonded amalgam restorations Economic data: direct costs of materials and any reported associated indirect costs · Adults and adolescents with permanent posterior molar and premolar teeth suitable for Class I and II, but excluding… Adhesively bonded versus non‐bonded amalgam restorations for dental caries (2016) · Cochrane | Economic data: direct costs of materials and any reported associated indirect costs - not measured | See comment | See comment | Not estimable | - | See comment | No study addressed this outcome | 0 studies | No studies |
Physical barriers (tongue protector) vs Placebo Change in taste · People with primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS), that is, oral mucosal pain with no dental or medical cause for such… · short-term (up to 3 months) Interventions for treating burning mouth syndrome (2016) · Cochrane | SoF7: No included studies reported change in taste. | 0 studies | No studies |
Monitoring (any means of observation, supervision, keeping under review, measuring or testing at intervals) vs No monitoring Oral health: Not brushing teeth twice a day · People with serious mental illness (all included participants had schizophrenia); majority aged 18 to 65 years per… Oral health education (advice and training) for people with serious mental illness (2016) · Cochrane | No study reported useable data | 0 studies | No studies |
NSAIDs (ketorolac oral rinse; systemic celecoxib) vs Placebo or no treatment Improvement of histological features (not improved) · People with a diagnosis of oral leukoplakia Interventions for treating oral leukoplakia to prevent oral cancer (2016) · Cochrane | SoF 3, Histological changes: 'Not measured'. Effects text: 'Histological changes were not among the outcomes in the studies testing NSAIDs.' | 0 studies | No studies |
Post‐treatment communication (text messaging) vs No communication (no text message) Adverse effects of pain treatment · People undergoing orthodontic treatment Non‐pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment (2016) · Cochrane | Adverse effects: Not measured. | NR | No studies |
Oral health education (advice and training) vs Standard care (oral health advice not specifically emphasised beyond usual care) Oral health: Not brushing teeth twice a day · People with serious mental illness (all included participants had schizophrenia); majority aged 18 to 65 years per… Oral health education (advice and training) for people with serious mental illness (2016) · Cochrane | No study reported useable data | 0 studies | No studies |
Motivational interview plus oral health education vs Oral health education Quality of life: Chronic pain · People with serious mental illness (all included participants had schizophrenia); majority aged 18 to 65 years per… Oral health education (advice and training) for people with serious mental illness (2016) · Cochrane | No study reported useable data | 0 studies | No studies |
Psychological therapies (cognitive therapy) vs Placebo Change in quality of life (QoL) · People with primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS), that is, oral mucosal pain with no dental or medical cause for such… · short-term (up to 3 months) Interventions for treating burning mouth syndrome (2016) · Cochrane | SoF8: No included study reported change in QoL. | 0 studies | No studies |
Monitoring (any means of observation, supervision, keeping under review, measuring or testing at intervals) vs No monitoring Oral health: Not having seen a dentist in the past year · People with serious mental illness (all included participants had schizophrenia); majority aged 18 to 65 years per… Oral health education (advice and training) for people with serious mental illness (2016) · Cochrane | No study reported useable data | 0 studies | No studies |
Preoperative analgesics (analgesics given before dental treatment) vs Placebo or no analgesics Preoperative and postoperative anxiety measures · Children and adolescents aged up to 17 years having dental treatment (orthodontic treatment, fillings, pulp treatment,… Preoperative analgesics for additional pain relief in children and adolescents having dental treatment (2016) · Cochrane | None of the included studies assessed anxiety or behaviour at baseline, and none recorded baseline anxiety. PUB3: 'The [three/four] studies did not measure ... preoperative and postoperative anxiety measures ...' | 0 studies | No studies |