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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.
866 questions in 43 reviews · Oral and maxillofacial surgery
current versionsNo studies 188 · 21.7%Ungraded 548 · 63.3%Very low 81 · 9.4%Low 37 · 4.3%Moderate 8 · 0.9%High 4 · 0.5%
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Lingual nerve retractor (subperiosteal or Free's) vs No retractor Temporary altered tongue, chin, or lip sensation · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · ~1 month, retractor vs no retractor Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | OR 4.18 [1.75, 9.98] | 3 studies · 735 participants | Ungraded |
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 extracted | NR | No 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 extracted | NR | No studies |
Piezoelectric bone removal vs Conventional rotary handpiece Postoperative pain (mean) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 24 hours, piezoelectric vs conventional Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | MD -1.93 [-3.08, -0.77] | 5 studies · 111 participants | Ungraded |
Absence (previous removal or agenesis) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth vs Presence (retention) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth Caries affecting the (distal) adjacent second molar · Adults (416 healthy male volunteers aged 24 to 84 years) with asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth · Follow-up 3 to over 25 years, Soft tissue impaction Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease‐free impacted wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | RR 1.20 [0.17, 9.10] | 1 study · 416 participants | Very low |
High-volume irrigation (~175 mL) vs Low-volume irrigation (~25 mL) Wound infection · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week, high vs low volume Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | RR 0.17 [0.02, 1.37] | 1 study · 211 participants | Very low |
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 extracted | NR | No 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 extracted | NR | No 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 studies | No 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 extracted | NR | No studies |
Primary (complete) wound closure vs Secondary (partial) wound closure Adverse effects (reactionary bleeding) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · up to 30 days Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | RR 0.41 [0.11, 1.47] | 1 study · 82 participants | Very low |
Surgical drain (tube or gauze) vs No drain Maximum mouth opening (mean) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 7 days Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | MD 3.11 [2.20, 4.02] | 4 studies · 234 participants | Ungraded |
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 extracted | NR | No 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 extracted | NR | No studies |
Primary (complete) wound closure vs Secondary (partial) wound closure Swelling (mean) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 7 days Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | MD 0.33 [0.09, 0.57] | 7 studies · 557 participants | Ungraded |
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 extracted | NR | No 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 extracted | NR | No studies |
Coronectomy vs Complete extraction (odontectomy) Swelling (mean) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 7 days Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | MD -0.18 [-0.63, 0.27] | 1 study · 30 participants | Ungraded |
High-volume irrigation (~175 mL) vs Low-volume irrigation (~25 mL) Alveolar osteitis · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week, high vs low volume Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | RR 0.52 [0.27, 1.02] | 1 study · 211 participants | Very low |
Surgical drain (tube or gauze) vs No drain Postoperative pain (mean) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 24 hours Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | MD -0.19 [-0.49, 0.12] | 2 studies · 180 participants | Ungraded |
Mechanical (high-volume) irrigation vs Manual (low-volume) irrigation Wound infection · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week, mechanical vs manual Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | RR 0.50 [0.05, 5.43] | 1 study · 99 participants | Very low |
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 extracted | NR | No studies |
Primary (complete) wound closure vs Secondary (partial) wound closure Wound infection · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | RR 4.77 [0.24, 96.34] | 1 study · 82 participants | Very low |
Surgical removal (extraction) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth vs Retention (conservative management) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth Other pathological changes associated with retention (pericoronitis, root resorption, cyst formation, tumour formation, 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 | No included studies reported pericoronitis, root resorption, cyst formation, tumour formation or inflammation/infection. | 0 studies | No studies |
Autologous platelet concentrate (PRP/PRF) in socket vs No blood product (conventional) Swelling (mean) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 7 days, PRF vs none Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | MD 0.11 [-0.12, 0.35] | 2 studies · 86 participants | Ungraded |
Surgical drain (tube or gauze) vs No drain Swelling (mean) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 7 days Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | MD -0.90 [-1.62, -0.19] | 5 studies · 203 participants | Ungraded |
Horizontal mattress / fibrin sealant suturing vs Conventional (simple interrupted) suturing Alveolar osteitis · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
Bone removal technique (chisel / piezoelectric / ultrasonic) vs Bur (conventional rotary) Alveolar osteitis · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
Triangular flap vs Envelope flap Wound infection · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | OR 0.29 [0.04, 2.06] | 2 studies · 65 participants | Low |
Horizontal mattress / fibrin sealant suturing vs Conventional (simple interrupted) suturing Wound infection · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
Primary (complete) wound closure vs Secondary (partial) wound closure 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 extracted | NR | No studies |
Primary (complete) wound closure vs Secondary (partial) wound closure Temporary altered tongue, chin, or lip sensation · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · ~1 month Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
Surgical drain (tube or gauze) vs No drain Adverse effects (reactionary bleeding) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · up to 30 days Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
Lingual nerve retractor (subperiosteal or Free's) vs No retractor Swelling · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 7 days Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
Absence (previous removal or agenesis) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth vs Presence (retention) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth Periodontitis (distal alveolar bone loss, adjacent second molar) · Adults (416 healthy male volunteers aged 24 to 84 years) with asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth · Follow-up 3 to over 25 years, Bony impaction Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease‐free impacted wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | RR 0.32 [0.19, 0.54] | 1 study · 416 participants | Very low |
Surgical drain (tube or gauze) vs No drain Wound infection · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
Howarth's retractor vs Broad retractor Temporary altered tongue, chin, or lip sensation · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · ~1 month, retractor type A vs B Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | OR 12.96 [2.26, 74.46] | 1 study · 150 participants | Ungraded |
Absence (previous removal or agenesis) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth vs Presence (retention) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth Periodontitis (distal probing depth greater than 4 mm, adjacent second molar) · Adults (416 healthy male volunteers aged 24 to 84 years) with asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth · Follow-up 3 to over 25 years, Soft tissue impaction Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease‐free impacted wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | RR 0.15 [0.07, 0.34] | 1 study · 416 participants | Very low |
Triangular flap vs Envelope flap Alveolar osteitis · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | OR 0.33 [0.09, 1.23] | 5 studies · 187 participants | Low |
Surgical drain (tube or gauze) vs No drain Alveolar osteitis · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
Autologous platelet concentrate (PRP/PRF) in socket vs No blood product (conventional) Wound infection · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 1 week Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
Triangular flap vs Envelope flap Swelling (mean) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 7 days, short triangular vs envelope Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | MD 0.60 [0.25, 0.95] | 2 studies · 99 participants | Ungraded |
Ultrasonic bone removal vs Bur Swelling (mean) · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 7 days, ultrasound vs bur Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | MD 0.37 [0.20, 0.54] | 1 study · 26 participants | Ungraded |
Horizontal mattress / fibrin sealant suturing vs Conventional (simple interrupted) suturing Swelling · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · 7 days Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
Surgical removal (extraction) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth vs Retention (conservative management) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth Arch length (dimensional changes in the dental arch) · Adolescents or adults with asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth · 5 years (66 months) Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease‐free impacted wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | MD -1.03 [-1.50, -0.56] | 1 study · 77 participants | Low |
Surgical removal (extraction) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth vs Retention (conservative management) of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth Little's irregularity index (dimensional changes in the dental arch) · Adolescents or adults with asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth · 5 years (66 months) Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease‐free impacted wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | MD -0.3 [-1.3, 0.7] | 1 study · 77 participants | Low |
Lingual split with chisel vs Lingual split with bur Temporary altered chin sensation · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · <1 month, chisel vs bur Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | OR 0.24 [0.04, 1.31] | 1 study · 52 participants | Ungraded |
Surgical drain (tube or gauze) vs No drain Temporary altered tongue, chin, or lip sensation · Adults with mandibular third molars requiring removal · ~1 month Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth (2020) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
Surgical drain (tube or gauze) vs No drain 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 extracted | NR | No studies |
Horizontal mattress / fibrin sealant suturing vs Conventional (simple interrupted) suturing 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 extracted | NR | No studies |