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.

Limit to evidence status or GRADE (optional)

188 questions in 27 reviews · Oral and maxillofacial surgery

current versions
No studies 188 · 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.

QuestionEffectEvidenceStatus / GRADE
Occlusal splint vs Another occlusal splint with a different mechanism of action
Severity of joint noise · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 2 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Behavioural therapy (counselling, CBT, relaxation, self-care management)
Self-reported joint pain when chewing · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 4 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Behavioural therapy (counselling, CBT, relaxation, self-care management)
Muscle pain when chewing · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 4 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Behavioural therapy (counselling, CBT, relaxation, self-care management)
Muscle pain at rest · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 4 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Another occlusal splint with a different mechanism of action
Recurrence rate · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 2 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Physical therapy (ultrasound, exercise, sensorimotor training, laser, TENS, manual therapy)
Self-reported joint pain when chewing · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 3 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Acupuncture
Recurrence rate · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 5 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Pharmacological therapy
Recurrence rate · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 6 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Pharmacological therapy
Discomfort · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 6 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Pharmacological therapy
Severity of joint noise · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 6 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Another occlusal splint with a different mechanism of action
Muscle pain when chewing · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 2 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Physical therapy (ultrasound, exercise, sensorimotor training, laser, TENS, manual therapy)
Recurrence rate · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 3 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs No treatment or placebo (non-occlusal or transparent-foil placebo splint)
Discomfort · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 1 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison. Discomfort was not reported in any included study across the whole review.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Another occlusal splint with a different mechanism of action
Self-reported joint pain when chewing · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 2 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Pharmacological therapy
Frequency of joint noise · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 6 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Acupuncture
Discomfort · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 5 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Pharmacological therapy
Muscle pain at mastication · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 6 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Acupuncture
Self-reported joint pain when chewing · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 5 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Pharmacological therapy
Muscle pain at rest · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 6 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Behavioural therapy (counselling, CBT, relaxation, self-care management)
Frequency of joint noise · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 4 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Behavioural therapy (counselling, CBT, relaxation, self-care management)
Recurrence rate · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 4 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Acupuncture
Muscle pain at rest · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 5 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs No treatment or placebo (non-occlusal or transparent-foil placebo splint)
Recurrence rate · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 1 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison. Recurrence rate was not reported in any included study across the whole review.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Behavioural therapy (counselling, CBT, relaxation, self-care management)
Severity of joint noise · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 4 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Acupuncture
Severity of joint noise · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 5 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Acupuncture
Frequency of joint noise · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 5 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Physical therapy (ultrasound, exercise, sensorimotor training, laser, TENS, manual therapy)
Discomfort · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 3 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Behavioural therapy (counselling, CBT, relaxation, self-care management)
Discomfort · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 4 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Another occlusal splint with a different mechanism of action
Discomfort · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 2 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Another occlusal splint with a different mechanism of action
Muscle pain at rest · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 2 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Zinc oxide eugenol vs Alvogyl (old formulation)
Limitation of chewing or swallowing · Adults (>18 years) with established dry socket following permanent tooth extraction
Local interventions for the management of alveolar osteitis (dry socket) (2022) · Cochrane
No studies reported this outcome0 studiesNo studies
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) vs Alternative (active) treatment (e.g. oral splint, medication, self-care or disease management)
Quality of life · People aged 12 years and over with painful TMD lasting 3 months or longer
Psychological therapies for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) (2022) · Cochrane
This outcome was not measured (not synthesised for this comparison; review-wide only one study reported quality of life).NRNo studies
Zinc oxide eugenol vs Alvogyl (old formulation)
Swelling · Adults (>18 years) with established dry socket following permanent tooth extraction
Local interventions for the management of alveolar osteitis (dry socket) (2022) · Cochrane
No studies reported this outcome0 studiesNo studies
Zinc oxide eugenol vs Alvogyl (old formulation)
Fever · Adults (>18 years) with established dry socket following permanent tooth extraction
Local interventions for the management of alveolar osteitis (dry socket) (2022) · Cochrane
No studies reported this outcome0 studiesNo studies
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) vs Alternative (active) treatment (e.g. oral splint, medication, self-care or disease management)
Additional physical symptoms · People aged 12 years and over with painful TMD lasting 3 months or longer
Psychological therapies for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) (2022) · Cochrane
This outcome was not measured (not synthesised for this comparison; review-wide only one study reported additional physical symptoms).NRNo studies
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) vs Usual care, waiting list or no treatment (control)
Quality of life · People aged 12 years and over with painful TMD lasting 3 months or longer
Psychological therapies for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) (2022) · Cochrane
This outcome was not measured for this comparison.NRNo studies
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) vs Usual care, waiting list or no treatment (control)
Additional physical symptoms · People aged 12 years and over with painful TMD lasting 3 months or longer
Psychological therapies for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) (2022) · Cochrane
This outcome was not measured for this comparison.NRNo studies
Systemic antibiotic prophylaxis (any regimen; topical therapy excluded) administered before and/or after tooth extraction vs Placebo
Outcome NR · Immunosuppressed / immunocompromised patients (e.g. HIV infection, AIDS, diabetes, transplants) undergoing tooth…
Antibiotics to prevent complications following tooth extractions (2021) · Cochrane
No studies: none of the 23 included trials evaluated tooth extraction in immunocompromised patients; subgroup analysis based on immune status was not possible as no such studies were identified.0 studiesNo studies
Systemic antibiotic prophylaxis (any regimen; topical therapy excluded) administered before and/or after tooth extraction vs Placebo
Outcome NR · Patients undergoing tooth extraction for severe dental caries or periodontal disease in general dental practice…
Antibiotics to prevent complications following tooth extractions (2021) · Cochrane
No studies in general dental practice for removal of decayed teeth. PUB3 added one routine intra-alveolar extraction trial and one complex oral surgery trial (2 of 23 non-third-molar), but the single intra-alveolar…0 studiesNo studies
Coronectomy vs Complete extraction (odontectomy)
Postoperative pain · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 24 hours
Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Lingual nerve retractor (subperiosteal or Free's) vs No retractor
Maximum mouth opening · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 7 days
Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Horizontal mattress / fibrin sealant suturing vs Conventional (simple interrupted) suturing
Permanent altered tongue, chin, or lip sensation · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · >6 months
Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Lingual nerve retractor (subperiosteal or Free's) vs No retractor
Wound infection · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week
Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Surgical removal (extraction) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth vs Retention (conservative management) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth
Undesirable outcomes associated with removal (alveolar osteitis/postoperative infection, nerve injury, damage to adjacent teeth, bleeding, osteonecrosis, inflammation/infection) · Adolescents or adults with asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth
Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease‐free impacted wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane
Undesirable outcomes associated with removal: Not measured. No included studies measured outcomes or adverse events associated with removal (alveolar osteitis/postoperative infection, nerve injury, damage to adjacent…0 studiesNo studies
Bone removal technique (chisel / piezoelectric / ultrasonic) vs Bur (conventional rotary)
Adverse effects · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · up to 30 days
Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Irrigation technique A vs Irrigation technique B
Permanent altered tongue, chin, or lip sensation · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · >6 months
Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Horizontal mattress / fibrin sealant suturing vs Conventional (simple interrupted) suturing
Postoperative pain · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 24 hours
Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Coronectomy vs Complete extraction (odontectomy)
Adverse effects (root migration / fracture) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · up to 30 days
Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Irrigation technique A vs Irrigation technique B
Adverse effects · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · up to 30 days
Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Coronectomy vs Complete extraction (odontectomy)
Permanent altered sensation (inferior alveolar nerve damage) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · >6 months
Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies