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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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Progressive loading vs Direct loading Outcome NR · Patients who are having osseointegrated root-form dental implants · 1 year Interventions for replacing missing teeth: different times for loading dental implants (2013) · Cochrane | Progressive loading (direct vs progressive): no trial could be included; we did not identify any trials which evaluated progressive loading of implants. | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Bad breath (halitosis) · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed bad breath as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Resin composite restorations (filling and bonding systems) containing antibacterial agents vs Composite restorations not containing antibacterial agents Patient's view and satisfaction with the treatment · Adults and adolescents in any age group with restorations in the permanent dentition and children with restorations in… Antibacterial agents in composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries (2013) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review, as we were unable to find any trials directly comparing antibacterial containing composites to other active interventions or controls. | 0 studies | No studies |
A permanent restorative material or technique (e.g. amalgam; glass ionomer (type I-IV); composite resin (macrofilled, microfilled, hybrid, nanofilled); resin-modified glass ionomer (compomer, giomer); cement/cermet; stainless steel or nickel-chrome crown; pre-fabricated resin/porcelain veneer facing; microabrasion) vs A different permanent restorative material or technique Outcome NR · Children and adolescents under 18 years with amelogenesis imperfecta requiring restorative care of posterior teeth,… Interventions for the restorative care of amelogenesis imperfecta in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | Main results: No studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Effects of interventions: No studies met the inclusion criteria. | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Quality of life · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed quality of life as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Resin composite restorations (filling and bonding systems) containing antibacterial agents vs Composite restorations not containing antibacterial agents Adverse effects · Adults and adolescents in any age group with restorations in the permanent dentition and children with restorations in… Antibacterial agents in composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries (2013) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review, as we were unable to find any trials directly comparing antibacterial containing composites to other active interventions or controls. | 0 studies | No studies |
Orthodontic distalising appliance (intraoral or extraoral) vs Untreated control (no treatment) Number of attendances required to complete treatment · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or less at the start of treatment) undergoing orthodontic treatment to… Orthodontic treatment for distalising upper first molars in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | Number of attendances required to complete treatment was not reported in the studies of this comparison (not reported by any included study across the review). | 0 studies | No studies |
Intraoral distalising appliance vs Headgear (extraoral appliance) Non-compliance rate of the intervention · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or less at the start of treatment) undergoing orthodontic treatment to… Orthodontic treatment for distalising upper first molars in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | Non-compliance rate not reported ("The remaining secondary outcomes and adverse effects were not reported by these studies"). | 0 studies | No studies |
Any intervention to manage relapse: fixed options (labial braces, lingual braces, fixed lingual wire) or removable options (Hawley's retainer with spring elastomeric module, Bloore removable aligner, other Hawley's retainer modifications, Invisalign, Clearstep) vs Another such intervention or no active treatment; all interventions compared against each other in any combination Quality of life · Participants who previously underwent orthodontic treatment, with subsequent crowding (relapse) of the lower front… Interventions for managing relapse of the lower front teeth after orthodontic treatment (2013) · Cochrane | No RCTs met the inclusion criteria for this review. After deduplication, the electronic searching identified 527 publications; after reviewing the titles and abstracts, none focused on interventions to correct the… | 0 studies | No studies |
Pre-radiotherapy extraction of diseased molar teeth vs Conservative treatment (restoration of the teeth and leaving them in place during radiotherapy, with oral health education and disease prevention: oral hygiene, fluoride, diet advice) Delay in start of radiation treatment · Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer planned to undergo any type of radiotherapy (external beam, intensity… Dental extractions prior to radiotherapy to the jaws for reducing post‐radiotherapy dental complications (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Intraoral distalising appliance vs Headgear (extraoral appliance) Adverse effects (headgear injuries, gum health, tooth damage/decay, root resorption) · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or less at the start of treatment) undergoing orthodontic treatment to… Orthodontic treatment for distalising upper first molars in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | Adverse effects were not reported by these studies. | 0 studies | No studies |
Visual screening (oral visual inspection) by trained health workers vs No screening Quality of life · Apparently healthy adults aged 35 years or older (general population), living in 13 clusters in rural areas of… · 15-year follow-up Screening programmes for the early detection and prevention of oral cancer (2013) · Cochrane | Data on quality of life were not reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Primary school-based behavioural intervention (both oral hygiene and dietary components) vs No intervention or delayed intervention (non-intervention control; one trial's control received dental treatment plus an annual supervised toothbrushing session) Behavioural outcomes (reported and/or other measures, e.g. data tracking toothbrushes and collecting food wrappers) · Children aged 4 to 12 years attending primary school Primary school‐based behavioural interventions for preventing caries (2013) · Cochrane | No other behavioural outcomes (e.g. objective toothbrush tracking or food-wrapper collection) were measured by the four included studies. | 0 studies | No studies |
Acupuncture vs Placebo (sham acupuncture) Quality of life · Adults with dry mouth due to radiotherapy (head and neck cancer) or Sjogren's Syndrome Interventions for the management of dry mouth: non‐pharmacological interventions (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
One prophylactic antibiotic vs A different prophylactic antibiotic Outcome NR · Adults undergoing dental implant placement · At least 3 months (planned) Interventions for replacing missing teeth: antibiotics at dental implant placement to prevent complications (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Any intervention to manage relapse: fixed options (labial braces, lingual braces, fixed lingual wire) or removable options (Hawley's retainer with spring elastomeric module, Bloore removable aligner, other Hawley's retainer modifications, Invisalign, Clearstep) vs Another such intervention or no active treatment; all interventions compared against each other in any combination Adverse effects including pain, gingivitis, enamel decalcification and root resorption · Participants who previously underwent orthodontic treatment, with subsequent crowding (relapse) of the lower front… Interventions for managing relapse of the lower front teeth after orthodontic treatment (2013) · Cochrane | No RCTs met the inclusion criteria for this review. After deduplication, the electronic searching identified 527 publications; after reviewing the titles and abstracts, none focused on interventions to correct the… | 0 studies | No studies |
Electrostimulation (device) vs Placebo (sham/placebo device) Patient satisfaction with treatment · Adults with dry mouth due to Sjogren's Syndrome Interventions for the management of dry mouth: non‐pharmacological interventions (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Antibiotics (systemic) vs No antibiotics, placebo, or a different type of antibiotic Outcome NR · Patients (mainly children and young adults) with a history of dental trauma and a diagnosis of luxation (intrusion,… · Minimum 12 months follow-up Interventions for treating traumatised permanent front teeth: luxated (dislodged) teeth (2013) · Cochrane | Types of antibiotics: the effect of using no antibiotics, a placebo or different types of antibiotics. Main results: No randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials were found; no study was included in this review. | 0 studies | No studies |
Zygomatic implants without bone grafts (as a complete alternative to any bone augmentation procedure) vs Conventional dental implants in augmented maxillae Cost-effectiveness · Participants with an atrophic maxilla who cannot be rehabilitated with conventional dental implants due to lack of… · At least 1 year in function Interventions for replacing missing teeth: dental implants in zygomatic bone for the rehabilitation of the… (2013) · Cochrane | Results (Effects of interventions): we could not identify any eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs). | 0 studies | No studies |
Different etching materials (phosphoric acid, polyacrylic acid, maleic acid, etc.), acid concentrations or etching times vs An alternative etching material, concentration or etching time Outcome NR · Children and adults with fixed orthodontic brackets bonded to incisors, canines and premolars Enamel etching for bonding fixed orthodontic braces (2013) · Cochrane | We identified no eligible trial that examined the effects of conventional etchants with respect to different etching concentrations or etching times for the bonding of fixed orthodontic appliances. No eligible RCTs… | NR | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Quality of life · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed quality of life as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Primary school-based behavioural intervention (both oral hygiene and dietary components) vs No intervention or delayed intervention (non-intervention control; one trial's control received dental treatment plus an annual supervised toothbrushing session) Adverse events · Children aged 4 to 12 years attending primary school Primary school‐based behavioural interventions for preventing caries (2013) · Cochrane | No study reported any adverse events. | 0 studies | No studies |
Pre-radiotherapy dental extraction vs Post-radiotherapy dental extraction Outcome NR · Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer planned to undergo any type of radiotherapy (external beam, intensity… Dental extractions prior to radiotherapy to the jaws for reducing post‐radiotherapy dental complications (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Intraoral distalising appliance vs Another (different) intraoral distalising appliance Adverse effects (headgear injuries, gum health, tooth damage/decay, root resorption) · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or less at the start of treatment) undergoing orthodontic treatment to… Orthodontic treatment for distalising upper first molars in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | Adverse effects were not reported by these studies. | 0 studies | No studies |
Pre-radiotherapy extraction of healthy molar teeth vs Conservative treatment (leaving the teeth in place during radiotherapy, with oral health education and disease prevention: oral hygiene, fluoride, diet advice) Patients' quality of life · Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer planned to undergo any type of radiotherapy (external beam, intensity… Dental extractions prior to radiotherapy to the jaws for reducing post‐radiotherapy dental complications (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Intraoral distalising appliance vs Another (different) intraoral distalising appliance Non-compliance rate of the intervention · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or less at the start of treatment) undergoing orthodontic treatment to… Orthodontic treatment for distalising upper first molars in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | Non-compliance rate not reported ("The remaining secondary outcomes and adverse effects were not reported by these studies"). | 0 studies | No studies |
Toluidine blue (visual staining) vs No screening Outcome NR · Planned population: general population or high-risk / opportunistic screening groups (no eligible study) Screening programmes for the early detection and prevention of oral cancer (2013) · Cochrane | There was no evidence to support the use of adjunctive technologies like toluidine blue, brush biopsy or fluorescence imaging as a screening tool to reduce oral cancer mortality; no eligible randomised controlled trial… | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Interproximal caries · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed caries as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Resin composite restorations (filling and bonding systems) containing antibacterial agents vs Composite restorations not containing antibacterial agents Postoperative sensitivity, marginal adaptation, anatomic form and other clinical outcomes (USPHS restoration quality; includes tooth vitality and pulpitis) · Adults and adolescents in any age group with restorations in the permanent dentition and children with restorations in… Antibacterial agents in composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries (2013) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review, as we were unable to find any trials directly comparing antibacterial containing composites to other active interventions or controls. | 0 studies | No studies |
Pre-radiotherapy extraction of diseased molar teeth vs Conservative treatment (restoration of the teeth and leaving them in place during radiotherapy, with oral health education and disease prevention: oral hygiene, fluoride, diet advice) Patients' quality of life · Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer planned to undergo any type of radiotherapy (external beam, intensity… Dental extractions prior to radiotherapy to the jaws for reducing post‐radiotherapy dental complications (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Zygomatic implants without bone grafts (as a complete alternative to any bone augmentation procedure) vs Conventional dental implants in augmented maxillae Implant failure (mobile implants, removal of stable implants due to progressive marginal bone loss or infection, implant fractures) · Participants with an atrophic maxilla who cannot be rehabilitated with conventional dental implants due to lack of… · At least 1 year in function Interventions for replacing missing teeth: dental implants in zygomatic bone for the rehabilitation of the… (2013) · Cochrane | Results (Effects of interventions): we could not identify any eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs). | 0 studies | No studies |
Self etching primers (one-step etchant and primer system) vs Conventional etchants (two-step etch and prime method using 37% phosphoric acid) Participant satisfaction · Children and adults with fixed orthodontic brackets bonded to incisors, canines and premolars Enamel etching for bonding fixed orthodontic braces (2013) · Cochrane | Participant satisfaction: No studies assessed this outcome. | NR | No studies |
Brush biopsy (oral cytology) vs No screening Outcome NR · Planned population: general population or high-risk / opportunistic screening groups (no eligible study) Screening programmes for the early detection and prevention of oral cancer (2013) · Cochrane | There was no evidence to support the use of adjunctive technologies like toluidine blue, brush biopsy or fluorescence imaging as a screening tool to reduce oral cancer mortality; no eligible randomised controlled trial… | 0 studies | No studies |
Dental repositioning vs Spontaneous re-eruption, orthodontic repositioning, or surgical repositioning Outcome NR · Patients (mainly children and young adults) with a history of dental trauma and a diagnosis of luxation (intrusion,… · Minimum 12 months follow-up Interventions for treating traumatised permanent front teeth: luxated (dislodged) teeth (2013) · Cochrane | Types of dental repositioning: to compare spontaneous re-eruption, orthodontic repositioning or surgical repositioning. Main results: No randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials were found; no study was… | 0 studies | No studies |
Pre-radiotherapy extraction of diseased molar teeth vs Conservative treatment (restoration of the teeth and leaving them in place during radiotherapy, with oral health education and disease prevention: oral hygiene, fluoride, diet advice) Overall survival · Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer planned to undergo any type of radiotherapy (external beam, intensity… Dental extractions prior to radiotherapy to the jaws for reducing post‐radiotherapy dental complications (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Pre-radiotherapy extraction of healthy molar teeth vs Conservative treatment (leaving the teeth in place during radiotherapy, with oral health education and disease prevention: oral hygiene, fluoride, diet advice) Delay in start of radiation treatment · Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer planned to undergo any type of radiotherapy (external beam, intensity… Dental extractions prior to radiotherapy to the jaws for reducing post‐radiotherapy dental complications (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Acupuncture vs Placebo (sham acupuncture) Patient satisfaction with treatment · Adults with dry mouth due to radiotherapy (head and neck cancer) or Sjogren's Syndrome Interventions for the management of dry mouth: non‐pharmacological interventions (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Any intervention to manage relapse: fixed options (labial braces, lingual braces, fixed lingual wire) or removable options (Hawley's retainer with spring elastomeric module, Bloore removable aligner, other Hawley's retainer modifications, Invisalign, Clearstep) vs Another such intervention or no active treatment; all interventions compared against each other in any combination Aesthetic assessment by participants and practitioners · Participants who previously underwent orthodontic treatment, with subsequent crowding (relapse) of the lower front… Interventions for managing relapse of the lower front teeth after orthodontic treatment (2013) · Cochrane | No RCTs met the inclusion criteria for this review. After deduplication, the electronic searching identified 527 publications; after reviewing the titles and abstracts, none focused on interventions to correct the… | 0 studies | No studies |
Intraoral distalising appliance vs Headgear (extraoral appliance) Number of attendances required to complete treatment · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or less at the start of treatment) undergoing orthodontic treatment to… Orthodontic treatment for distalising upper first molars in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | Number of attendances required to complete treatment was not reported by these studies. | 0 studies | No studies |
Pre-radiotherapy extraction of healthy molar teeth vs Conservative treatment (leaving the teeth in place during radiotherapy, with oral health education and disease prevention: oral hygiene, fluoride, diet advice) Development of post-radiotherapy dental complications (caries, fractured teeth, periapical infection, periodontal disease, osteoradionecrosis) · Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer planned to undergo any type of radiotherapy (external beam, intensity… Dental extractions prior to radiotherapy to the jaws for reducing post‐radiotherapy dental complications (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Zygomatic implants for retaining a maxillary obturator vs Non-implant retained obturators, local and regional flaps, or microvascular free flaps Outcome NR · Patients requiring maxillary reconstruction after partial or total maxillectomy (cancer patients) · At least 1 year in function Interventions for replacing missing teeth: dental implants in zygomatic bone for the rehabilitation of the… (2013) · Cochrane | Results (Effects of interventions): we could not identify any eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs). | 0 studies | No studies |
Root canal medicaments vs No medicaments, placebo, or a different type of medicament Outcome NR · Patients (mainly children and young adults) with a history of dental trauma and a diagnosis of luxation (intrusion,… · Minimum 12 months follow-up Interventions for treating traumatised permanent front teeth: luxated (dislodged) teeth (2013) · Cochrane | Types of root canal medicaments: this was compared with no medicaments, placebo and different types of medicaments. Main results: No randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials were found; no study was included in… | 0 studies | No studies |
Electrostimulation (device) vs Placebo (sham/placebo device) Duration of effectiveness · Adults with dry mouth due to Sjogren's Syndrome Interventions for the management of dry mouth: non‐pharmacological interventions (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Periodontitis (clinical attachment loss) · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed periodontitis as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Orthodontic distalising appliance (intraoral or extraoral) vs Untreated control (no treatment) Adverse effects (headgear injuries, gum health, tooth damage/decay, root resorption) · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or less at the start of treatment) undergoing orthodontic treatment to… Orthodontic treatment for distalising upper first molars in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | Adverse effects were not reported in the studies of this comparison; no included study across the review reported adverse effects, harm or injury. | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluorescence imaging / light-based techniques vs No screening Outcome NR · Planned population: general population or high-risk / opportunistic screening groups (no eligible study) Screening programmes for the early detection and prevention of oral cancer (2013) · Cochrane | There was no evidence to support the use of adjunctive technologies like toluidine blue, brush biopsy or fluorescence imaging as a screening tool to reduce oral cancer mortality; no eligible randomised controlled trial… | 0 studies | No studies |
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy vs No HBO therapy Cost effectiveness · Patients who have had radiotherapy and who have missing teeth that require replacement with osseointegrated dental… Interventions for replacing missing teeth: hyperbaric oxygen therapy for irradiated patients who require… (2013) · Cochrane | Cost effectiveness data were not presented but it was possible to extrapolate this. | 0 studies | No studies |
Resin composite restorations (filling and bonding systems) containing antibacterial agents vs Composite restorations not containing antibacterial agents Longevity of restorations (time to failure in months) · Adults and adolescents in any age group with restorations in the permanent dentition and children with restorations in… Antibacterial agents in composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries (2013) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review, as we were unable to find any trials directly comparing antibacterial containing composites to other active interventions or controls. | 0 studies | No studies |
Fixation (splinting) vs No splint, or a different type or duration of splint Outcome NR · Patients (mainly children and young adults) with a history of dental trauma and a diagnosis of luxation (intrusion,… · Minimum 12 months follow-up Interventions for treating traumatised permanent front teeth: luxated (dislodged) teeth (2013) · Cochrane | Types and duration of fixation: the effect of using no splint or different types of splints and their duration. Main results: No randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials were found; no study was included in… | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Periodontitis (clinical attachment loss) · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed clinical attachment loss, a measure of progression of periodontitis. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |