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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.
793 questions in 32 reviews · Periodontology
current versionsNo studies 148 · 18.7%Ungraded 429 · 54.1%Very low 137 · 17.3%Low 53 · 6.7%Moderate 14 · 1.8%High 12 · 1.5%
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.
| Question | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Ultrasonic powered toothbrush vs Multidimensional powered toothbrush Gingivitis (level reduction) · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… · Short term (1-3 months) Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | One cross-over trial (Costa 2007) made this comparison; data were not available in a useable form. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Multidimensional powered toothbrush vs Side to side action powered toothbrush Plaque (level reduction) · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… · Short term (1-3 months) Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | Analysis 5.1 Plaque < 3 months (Turesky): 3 trials, 236 participants (Goyal 2005; Patters 2005; Zimmer 2005); significant heterogeneity (P < 0.1; I2 = 96%), so no statistical pooling was undertaken. | 3 studies · 236 participants | Ungraded |
Counter oscillation powered toothbrush vs Circular powered toothbrush Gingivitis (level reduction) · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… · Short term (1-3 months), Adolescents Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | Trimpeneers 1997 reported a significant difference in favour of the counter oscillation brush for gingival index at 2 months over a circular mode of action brush; data were unsuitable for meta-analysis. | 1 study · 36 participants | Ungraded |
Side to side action powered toothbrush vs Counter oscillation powered toothbrush Gingivitis (level reduction) · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… · Short term (1-3 months) Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | SMD -0.02 [-0.37, 0.32] | 2 studies · 130 participants | Ungraded |
Multidimensional powered toothbrush vs Side to side action powered toothbrush Staining · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… · Short term (1-3 months) Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | One trial (Patters 2005) reported reduced staining in the short term (1-3 months) with a multidimensional versus side to side mode of action powered brush. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Side to side action powered toothbrush vs Rotation oscillation powered toothbrush Gingivitis (level reduction) · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… · Short term (1-3 months) Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | SMD 0.35 [-0.04, 0.74] | 6 studies | Ungraded |
Rotation oscillation powered toothbrush vs Circular powered toothbrush Plaque (level reduction) · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… · Short term (1-3 months) Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | SMD -0.02 [-0.51, 0.47] | 1 study · 64 participants | Ungraded |
Side to side action powered toothbrush vs Circular powered toothbrush Gingivitis (level reduction) · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… · Short term (1-3 months) Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | SMD 0.89 [0.38, 1.41] | 1 study · 64 participants | Ungraded |
Rotation oscillation powered toothbrush vs Circular powered toothbrush Gingivitis (level reduction) · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… · Short term (1-3 months) Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | SMD 0.87 [0.36, 1.39] | 1 study · 64 participants | Ungraded |
Ultrasonic powered toothbrush vs Multidimensional powered toothbrush Adverse events · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | Costa 2007 reported no adverse events identified by either participants or examiner. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Side to side action powered toothbrush vs Circular powered toothbrush Plaque (level reduction) · People of any age with no reported disability affecting their ability to practise normal self-toothbrushing;… · Short term (1-3 months) Different powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health (2010) · Cochrane | Analysis 3.1 Plaque < 3 months (Turesky): 1 trial (Yankell 1997), 64 participants; totals not selected; no significant difference between side to side and circular for plaque in the short term. | 1 study · 64 participants | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Placebo or control (same surgical or non-surgical intervention without EMD) Aesthetics · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | MD 1.0 [-5.4, 7.4] | 1 study · 166 participants | Low |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Various bone grafting (BG) procedures (animal-derived or synthetic bone / bioactive ceramic filler) Aesthetics · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | Aesthetics: no trial evaluated this. | 0 studies | No studies |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Placebo or control (same surgical or non-surgical intervention without EMD) Change in gingival recession (REC) · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | MD 0.02 [-0.3, 0.3] | 6 studies · 302 participants | Low |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Placebo or control (same surgical or non-surgical intervention without EMD) Change in marginal (radiographic) bone level · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | No statistically significant difference between EMD and control for radiographic bone gain (three trials; P effect = 0.27, I2 = 78%). | 3 studies | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Various bone grafting (BG) procedures (animal-derived or synthetic bone / bioactive ceramic filler) Change in probing attachment level (PAL) · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | No statistically significant differences (one trial, Leknes 2009). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with barriers Change in probing pocket depth (PPD) · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | MD -0.4 [-1.1, 0.2] | 6 studies · 304 participants | Low |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with barriers Change in gingival recession (REC) · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | MD 0.41 [0.15, 0.66] | 5 studies · 206 participants | Low |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Placebo or control (same surgical or non-surgical intervention without EMD) Change in probing pocket depth (PPD) · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | MD 0.88 [0.44, 1.31] | 9 studies · 371 participants | Low |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Placebo or control (same surgical or non-surgical intervention without EMD) Change in probing attachment level (PAL) · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | MD 1.08 [0.61, 1.55] | 9 studies · 371 participants | Low |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with barriers Tooth loss · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | SoF (Emdogain vs GTR): Tooth loss - See comment; too few teeth lost to undertake analysis. 237 participants (5 studies). No GRADE rating given. | 5 studies · 237 participants | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with barriers Postoperative complications (infection) / adverse events · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | RR 0.12 [0.02, 0.85] | 3 studies | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Placebo or control (same surgical or non-surgical intervention without EMD) Tooth loss · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | SoF (Emdogain vs Control): Tooth loss - See comment / See comment; too few teeth lost to undertake analysis. 371 participants (9 studies). No GRADE rating given. | 9 studies · 371 participants | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Various bone grafting (BG) procedures (animal-derived or synthetic bone / bioactive ceramic filler) Postoperative complications (infection) / adverse events · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | Complications and other adverse events: none occurred. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with barriers Change in probing attachment level (PAL) · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | MD -0.2 [-0.55, 0.20] | 6 studies · 304 participants | Low |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Various bone grafting (BG) procedures (animal-derived or synthetic bone / bioactive ceramic filler) Change in gingival recession (REC) · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | MD -1.60 [-2.74, -0.46] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Various bone grafting (BG) procedures (animal-derived or synthetic bone / bioactive ceramic filler) Change in marginal (radiographic) bone level · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | Radiographic bone level: no trial evaluated this. | 0 studies | No studies |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with barriers Aesthetics · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | SoF (Emdogain vs GTR): Aesthetics - See comment; 0 [0]; No studies reported this. | 0 studies | No studies |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Various bone grafting (BG) procedures (animal-derived or synthetic bone / bioactive ceramic filler) Change in probing pocket depth (PPD) · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | No statistically significant differences (one trial, Leknes 2009). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Various bone grafting (BG) procedures (animal-derived or synthetic bone / bioactive ceramic filler) Tooth loss · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | No teeth were lost in either group. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with barriers Change in marginal (radiographic) bone level · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | No statistically significant differences (one trial). | 1 study | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Placebo or control (same surgical or non-surgical intervention without EMD) Postoperative complications (infection) / adverse events · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | No particular adverse events or infection attributable to EMD in any trial; no differences in pain, edema, hematoma, wound dehiscence or root sensitivity (Tonetti 2002). | 9 studies | Ungraded |
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD; Emdogain) vs Placebo or control (same surgical or non-surgical intervention without EMD) PAL gain < 2 mm (dichotomous) · Patients affected by chronic, aggressive, or early onset periodontitis, with intrabony defects having an intrabony… · 1 year (time-points 1, 5 and 10 years planned) Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects (2009) · Cochrane | RR 0.53 [0.34, 0.82] | 6 studies | Ungraded |
Occlusal adjustment as an adjunct to surgical periodontal therapy vs Surgical periodontal therapy alone (no occlusal adjustment) Patient acceptability of treatment and its side effects · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis · Minimum 3 months (planned) Occlusal interventions for periodontitis in adults (2008) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Systemic oral acyclovir vs Placebo or no treatment Number of individuals with oral lesions (8 days after administration); time to healing of oral lesions · Children and young adults under 25 years with primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (with or without herpes labialis) · 8 days after administration Acyclovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (2008) · Cochrane | RR 0.10 [0.02, 0.38] | 1 study · 72 participants | Ungraded |
Occlusal adjustment as an adjunct to surgical periodontal therapy vs Surgical periodontal therapy alone (no occlusal adjustment) Adverse effects (e.g. thermal sensitivity, over-eruption, TMJ symptoms, poor aesthetics, reduced oral hygiene) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis · Minimum 3 months (planned) Occlusal interventions for periodontitis in adults (2008) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Systemic oral acyclovir vs Placebo or no treatment Number of individuals who developed new extraoral lesions after administration; duration of extraoral lesions · Children and young adults under 25 years with primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (with or without herpes labialis) · After administration Acyclovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (2008) · Cochrane | RR 0.04 [0.00, 0.65] | 1 study · 72 participants | Ungraded |
Occlusal adjustment as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy vs Non-surgical periodontal therapy alone (no occlusal adjustment) Probing (pocket) depth change (difference in mean reduction, mm) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis · 2 years Occlusal interventions for periodontitis in adults (2008) · Cochrane | MD 0.04 [-0.19, 0.27] | 1 study · 50 participants | Ungraded |
Occlusal adjustment as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy vs Non-surgical periodontal therapy alone (no occlusal adjustment) Patient acceptability of treatment and its side effects · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis · Minimum 3 months (planned) Occlusal interventions for periodontitis in adults (2008) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Systemic oral acyclovir vs Placebo or no treatment Direct costs (medication, hospital bed days) · Children and young adults under 25 years with primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (with or without herpes labialis) Acyclovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (2008) · Cochrane | No data available in either included study. | NR | No studies |
Systemic oral acyclovir vs Placebo or no treatment Number of individuals with eating difficulties (8 days after administration); duration of eating difficulties · Children and young adults under 25 years with primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (with or without herpes labialis) · 8 days after administration Acyclovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (2008) · Cochrane | RR 0.14 [0.03, 0.58] | 1 study · 72 participants | Ungraded |
Occlusal adjustment as an adjunct to surgical periodontal therapy vs Surgical periodontal therapy alone (no occlusal adjustment) Tooth loss · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis · Minimum 3 months (planned) Occlusal interventions for periodontitis in adults (2008) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Systemic oral acyclovir vs Placebo or no treatment Number of individuals with drinking difficulties (8 days after administration); duration of drinking difficulties · Children and young adults under 25 years with primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (with or without herpes labialis) · 8 days after administration Acyclovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (2008) · Cochrane | RR 0.11 [0.01, 0.83] | 1 study · 72 participants | Ungraded |
Occlusal adjustment as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy vs Non-surgical periodontal therapy alone (no occlusal adjustment) Tooth loss · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis · Minimum 3 months (planned) Occlusal interventions for periodontitis in adults (2008) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Occlusal adjustment as an adjunct to surgical periodontal therapy vs Surgical periodontal therapy alone (no occlusal adjustment) Clinical attachment level change (mean gain, mm) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis · 2 years Occlusal interventions for periodontitis in adults (2008) · Cochrane | MD 0.40 [0.05, 0.75] | 1 study · 50 participants | Ungraded |
Systemic oral acyclovir vs Placebo or no treatment Number of individuals admitted to hospital after administration · Children and young adults under 25 years with primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (with or without herpes labialis) · After administration Acyclovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (2008) · Cochrane | RR 0.14 [0.01, 2.67] | 1 study · 72 participants | Ungraded |
Occlusal adjustment as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy vs Non-surgical periodontal therapy alone (no occlusal adjustment) Adverse effects (e.g. thermal sensitivity, over-eruption, TMJ symptoms, poor aesthetics, reduced oral hygiene) · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis · Minimum 3 months (planned) Occlusal interventions for periodontitis in adults (2008) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Systemic oral acyclovir vs Placebo or no treatment Fever (duration; time to return to normal temperature) · Children and young adults under 25 years with primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (with or without herpes labialis) Acyclovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (2008) · Cochrane | Amir 1997b: fever disappeared significantly earlier with acyclovir (median 1 day) than placebo (median 3 days); difference in median (95% CI): From 72: 1 (0.0 to 2.0); From 61: 2 (0.8 to 3.2); reported as median, not… | 2 studies | Ungraded |
One type of occlusal intervention as an adjunct to periodontal therapy vs A different type of occlusal intervention as an adjunct to periodontal therapy (head-to-head) Outcome NR · Adults (aged 18 years or older) with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis · Minimum 3 months (planned) Occlusal interventions for periodontitis in adults (2008) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Systemic oral acyclovir vs Placebo or no treatment Patient or parental satisfaction (tolerance and acceptability of drug) · Children and young adults under 25 years with primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (with or without herpes labialis) Acyclovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (2008) · Cochrane | Amir 1997b: no data available. Ducoulombier 1988: tolerance and acceptability of the drug was described as satisfactory, but it was unclear how this was assessed by the trialists. | 1 study | Ungraded |