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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.
321 questions in 77 reviews · Dental caries
current versionsNo studies 321 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
ART using composite resin vs Conventional treatment using composite resin Restoration failure (permanent dentition) · 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 restoration failure in the permanent dentition for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
ART using composite resin vs Conventional treatment using composite resin Adverse events · Children with dental caries in primary teeth (mean age 7 years) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | Adverse events: Not measured. | 0 studies | No studies |
Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (zirconia-toughened alumina; In-Ceram Zirconia) vs Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia; Denzir) Aesthetic evaluation · 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 with regard to aesthetics. | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Laser (Er:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG, or Nd:YAG) vs Other caries removal systems (chemo-mechanical, sono-abrasion, or air-abrasion) Outcome NR · Children, adolescents and adults with caries in deciduous and permanent teeth (age 3.5 to 84 years) Lasers for caries removal in deciduous and permanent teeth (2016) · Cochrane | 'Types of interventions' allowed comparison of laser with other caries-removal systems (chemo-mechanical, sono-abrasion, air-abrasion); no included study used such a comparator (all nine included trials compared laser… | NR | No studies |
Fluoride mouthrinse (any fluoride agent, concentration, volume, frequency or technique; swished and expectorated, not swallowed) vs Placebo or no treatment Caries increment in deciduous (primary) teeth/surfaces (d(e/m)fs; dmf index) · Children or adolescents aged 16 years or younger at the start of the study · At least 1 year/school year Fluoride mouthrinses for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents (2016) · Cochrane | We could not present estimates of the effect of fluoride mouthrinse on caries increment in deciduous teeth/tooth surfaces (dmf index) as no study contributed data. None of the included trials reported on caries… | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoride mouthrinse (any fluoride agent, concentration, volume, frequency or technique; swished and expectorated, not swallowed) vs Placebo or no treatment Signs of acute toxicity during application of treatment (such as nausea/gagging/vomiting) · Children or adolescents aged 16 years or younger at the start of the study · At least 1 year/school year Fluoride mouthrinses for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents (2016) · Cochrane | Signs of acute toxicity during application of treatment (such as nausea/gagging/vomiting): "Not reported in any studies"; "No data on signs of acute toxicity". None of the studies reported adverse acute symptoms… | 0 studies | No studies |
Adhesively bonded amalgam restorations in conventional preparations utilising deliberate retention (all bonding agents) vs Traditional non‐bonded amalgam restorations Adverse effects · 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 | Adverse effects: any event for which the causal relationship between the event and the amalgam restoration is at least a reasonable possibility - not measured | See comment | See comment | Not estimable | - | See… | 0 studies | No studies |
Adhesively bonded amalgam restorations in conventional preparations utilising deliberate retention (all bonding agents) vs Traditional non‐bonded amalgam restorations Secondary caries, as diagnosed clinically · 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 | Secondary caries, as diagnosed clinically - not measured | See comment | See comment | Not estimable | - | See comment | No study addressed this outcome | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoride mouthrinse (any fluoride agent, concentration, volume, frequency or technique; swished and expectorated, not swallowed) vs Placebo or no treatment Proportion of children not remaining caries-free · Children or adolescents aged 16 years or younger at the start of the study · At least 1 year/school year Fluoride mouthrinses for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents (2016) · Cochrane | None of the trials reported data on the proportion of children not remaining caries-free. | 0 studies | No studies |
Single full-coverage metal-ceramic crown over composite core and post vs Direct adhesive composite restoration with post (conventional filling, no crown) Costs for the use of different treatment interventions · People with a permanent tooth that has undergone endodontic (root canal) treatment Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root‐filled teeth (2015) · Cochrane | No data were reported nor measured by the study. The abstract confirms no evidence was available for any secondary outcome. | NR | No studies |
Initiation of water fluoridation (artificial or natural) vs Low/non-fluoridated water (0.4 ppm fluoride or less) Dental caries in adults · Adults · Adults Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries (2015) · Cochrane | No studies that aimed to determine the effectiveness of water fluoridation for preventing caries in adults met the review's inclusion criteria. There are no data to determine the effect of water fluoridation on caries… | 0 studies | No studies |
Chlorhexidine oral product (one formulation/concentration) vs Another chlorhexidine formulation, concentration or application frequency Outcome NR · Children and adolescents below 18 years at study start (included studies: children from birth to 15 years), with… Chlorhexidine treatment for the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents (2015) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Preformed metal crown (fitted using the Hall Technique) vs Non-restorative caries treatment Cost · Children with decayed primary molar teeth Preformed crowns for decayed primary molar teeth (2015) · Cochrane | The studies did not measure this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Preformed crown (any material; conventional technique or Hall Technique) vs Filling (any material; with or without complete carious tissue excavation; with or without pulp treatment) Cost · Children with decayed primary molar teeth Preformed crowns for decayed primary molar teeth (2015) · Cochrane | The studies did not measure this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Preformed crown (any material; conventional technique or Hall Technique) vs Filling (any material; with or without complete carious tissue excavation; with or without pulp treatment) Satisfaction with treatment · Children with decayed primary molar teeth Preformed crowns for decayed primary molar teeth (2015) · Cochrane | Satisfaction with treatment: listed in the Summary of findings table with no data; the studies did not measure this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Single full-coverage metal-ceramic crown over composite core and post vs Direct adhesive composite restoration with post (conventional filling, no crown) Patient satisfaction and quality of life (any validated instrument) · People with a permanent tooth that has undergone endodontic (root canal) treatment Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root‐filled teeth (2015) · Cochrane | This outcome was not reported nor measured by the study. The abstract confirms no evidence was available for any secondary outcome. | NR | No studies |
Fluoridated milk vs Non-fluoridated milk Adverse effects: dental fluorosis · General population, irrespective of age or level of risk for dental caries Fluoridated milk for preventing dental caries (2015) · Cochrane | No evidence found. (Correspondence with the author (Maslak 2004) confirmed that no adverse effects were reported.) | 0 studies | No studies |
Cessation of water fluoridation (fluoride removed from the water supply) vs Continued fluoridated water Change in proportion of caries-free children (deciduous or permanent teeth) · People of all ages in a previously fluoridated community (Maupome 2001: children with generally low caries experience) Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries (2015) · Cochrane | No evidence to determine the effect of the cessation of water fluoridation on the proportion of caries-free children. | 0 studies | No studies |
Preformed crown (any material; conventional technique or Hall Technique) vs No treatment Outcome NR · Children with decayed primary molar teeth Preformed crowns for decayed primary molar teeth (2015) · Cochrane | Crown versus no treatment was a planned comparison (Comparison 2: crown versus no crown or filling). No study evaluated crown versus no treatment; the only study in this comparison (Santamaria 2014) used active… | 0 studies | No studies |
Preformed metal crown (fitted using the Hall Technique) vs Non-restorative caries treatment Pain · Children with decayed primary molar teeth Preformed crowns for decayed primary molar teeth (2015) · Cochrane | Pain: No evidence available (Summary of findings 2). | 0 studies | No studies |
Preformed crown (any material; conventional technique or Hall Technique) vs Filling (any material; with or without complete carious tissue excavation; with or without pulp treatment) Time to restoration failure/retreatment · Children with decayed primary molar teeth Preformed crowns for decayed primary molar teeth (2015) · Cochrane | The studies did not measure this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoride gel (topically applied; operator- or self-applied; any fluoride agent/concentration; frequency at least once a year) vs Placebo or no treatment Mucosal irritation / oral soft-tissue allergic reaction · Children and adolescents aged 16 years or younger Fluoride gels for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents (2015) · Cochrane | None of the studies reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Micro-invasive treatment (proximal sealing or resin infiltration): resin sealant, glass ionomer sealant, polyurethane/adhesive patch, or resin infiltration vs Non-invasive measures (e.g. fluoride varnish, flossing/oral hygiene advice), no treatment, or placebo Participant and operator perception · Dentate children and adults with non-cavitated proximal caries lesions extending into enamel or dentine (not pulp) in… Micro‐invasive interventions for managing proximal dental decay in primary and permanent teeth (2015) · Cochrane | None of the studies reported on participant or operator perception | 0 studies | No studies |
Micro-invasive treatment (proximal sealing or resin infiltration): resin sealant, glass ionomer sealant, polyurethane/adhesive patch, or resin infiltration vs Non-invasive measures (e.g. fluoride varnish, flossing/oral hygiene advice), no treatment, or placebo Costs (direct treatment costs; indirect costs / time off school or work) · Dentate children and adults with non-cavitated proximal caries lesions extending into enamel or dentine (not pulp) in… Micro‐invasive interventions for managing proximal dental decay in primary and permanent teeth (2015) · Cochrane | None of the studies reported on costs for micro-invasive treatment or non-invasive control | 0 studies | No studies |
Chlorhexidine mouthrinse vs Placebo or no intervention (including routine care) Outcome NR · Children and adolescents below 18 years at study start (included studies: children from birth to 15 years), with… Chlorhexidine treatment for the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents (2015) · Cochrane | There were no trials on other products containing chlorhexidine such as sprays, toothpastes, chewing gums or mouthrinses. | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoridated milk vs Non-fluoridated milk Requirement for general anaesthesia due to dental procedures for caries · General population, irrespective of age or level of risk for dental caries Fluoridated milk for preventing dental caries (2015) · Cochrane | No evidence found. (No information was reported by the included study.) | 0 studies | No studies |
Preformed metal crown (fitted using the Hall Technique) vs Non-restorative caries treatment Time to restoration failure/retreatment · Children with decayed primary molar teeth Preformed crowns for decayed primary molar teeth (2015) · Cochrane | The studies did not measure this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoridated milk vs Non-fluoridated milk Dental pain due to decay · General population, irrespective of age or level of risk for dental caries Fluoridated milk for preventing dental caries (2015) · Cochrane | No evidence found. (No information was reported by the included study.) | 0 studies | No studies |
Chlorhexidine gel (0.12%) vs No treatment Pain, quality of life, patient satisfaction or costs · Children and adolescents below 18 years at study start (included studies: children from birth to 15 years), with… Chlorhexidine treatment for the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents (2015) · Cochrane | Neither of these trials reported on the other secondary outcomes such as measures of pain, quality of life, patient satisfaction or direct and indirect costs of interventions. | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoridated milk vs Non-fluoridated milk Antibiotics due to dental infections · General population, irrespective of age or level of risk for dental caries Fluoridated milk for preventing dental caries (2015) · Cochrane | No evidence found. (No information was reported by the included study.) | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoride gel (topically applied; operator- or self-applied; any fluoride agent/concentration; frequency at least once a year) vs Placebo or no treatment Tooth staining · Children and adolescents aged 16 years or younger Fluoride gels for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents (2015) · Cochrane | None of the studies reported on staining of tooth surfaces (not even Gisselsson 1999, the only trial testing stannous fluoride). | 0 studies | No studies |
Micro-invasive treatment (proximal sealing or resin infiltration): resin sealant, glass ionomer sealant, polyurethane/adhesive patch, or resin infiltration vs Non-invasive measures (e.g. fluoride varnish, flossing/oral hygiene advice), no treatment, or placebo Change in decayed, missing and filled (DMF/dmf) figures at surface, tooth and whole mouth level · Dentate children and adults with non-cavitated proximal caries lesions extending into enamel or dentine (not pulp) in… Micro‐invasive interventions for managing proximal dental decay in primary and permanent teeth (2015) · Cochrane | No studies reported on caries measured as change in decayed, missing and filled (DMF/dmf) figures at surface, tooth or whole mouth level | 0 studies | No studies |
Single full-coverage metal-ceramic crown over composite core and post vs Direct adhesive composite restoration with post (conventional filling, no crown) Periodontal health status · People with a permanent tooth that has undergone endodontic (root canal) treatment Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root‐filled teeth (2015) · Cochrane | No data were reported nor measured by the study. The abstract confirms no evidence was available for any secondary outcome. | NR | No studies |
Single full-coverage metal-ceramic crown over composite core and post vs Direct adhesive composite restoration with post (conventional filling, no crown) Incidence or recurrence of caries (assessed clinically or by radiographs) · People with a permanent tooth that has undergone endodontic (root canal) treatment Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root‐filled teeth (2015) · Cochrane | No data were reported nor measured by the study. The abstract confirms no evidence was available for any secondary outcome. | NR | No studies |
Cessation of water fluoridation (fluoride removed from the water supply) vs Continued fluoridated water Caries in deciduous teeth (dmft/dmfs) · People of all ages in a previously fluoridated community (Maupome 2001: children with generally low caries experience) Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries (2015) · Cochrane | No evidence to determine the effect of the cessation of water fluoridation on caries in deciduous teeth. No included study reported change in dmft following cessation. | 0 studies | No studies |
Chlorhexidine spray vs Placebo or no intervention (including routine care) Outcome NR · Children and adolescents below 18 years at study start (included studies: children from birth to 15 years), with… Chlorhexidine treatment for the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents (2015) · Cochrane | There were no trials on other products containing chlorhexidine such as sprays, toothpastes, chewing gums or mouthrinses. | 0 studies | No studies |
Chlorhexidine toothpaste vs Placebo or no intervention (including routine care) Outcome NR · Children and adolescents below 18 years at study start (included studies: children from birth to 15 years), with… Chlorhexidine treatment for the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents (2015) · Cochrane | There were no trials on other products containing chlorhexidine such as sprays, toothpastes, chewing gums or mouthrinses. | 0 studies | No studies |
Preformed metal crown (fitted using the Hall Technique) vs Non-restorative caries treatment Satisfaction with treatment · Children with decayed primary molar teeth Preformed crowns for decayed primary molar teeth (2015) · Cochrane | Satisfaction with treatment: No evidence available (Summary of findings 2). | 0 studies | No studies |
Micro-invasive treatment (proximal sealing or resin infiltration) vs Conventional invasive treatment (restoration / drill and fill) Outcome NR · Dentate children and adults with non-cavitated proximal caries lesions extending into enamel or dentine (not pulp) in… Micro‐invasive interventions for managing proximal dental decay in primary and permanent teeth (2015) · Cochrane | No studies compared micro-invasive treatments with invasive treatment (fillings) | 0 studies | No studies |