The Journal of the American Dental Association
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Evaluation of the short-term effectiveness of education versus an occlusal splint for the treatment of myofascial pain of the jaw muscles.
The authors conducted a clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of an education program with that of an occlusal splint in treating myofascial pain of the jaw muscles across a short period. ⋯ During a short period, education was slightly more effective than an occlusal splint delivered without education in reducing spontaneous muscle pain in patients with TMD. Pain-free mouth opening, headache and pain during chewing were not significantly different between the two treatments.
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The authors conducted a study to examine the antibiotic prescribing practices of general and pediatric dentists in the management of odontogenic infections in children. ⋯ The results of this survey show that dentists' adherence to professional guidelines for prescribing antibiotics for odontogenic infections in children was low. There appears to be a lack of concordance between recommended professional guidelines and the antibiotic prescribing practices of dentists. Clearer, more specific guidelines may lead to improved adherence among dentists.
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For many years, international guidelines have advised health care professionals not to adjust oral antithrombotic medication (OAM) regimens before invasive dental procedures. The authors conducted a study to examine the opinions of Dutch general dentists regarding the dental care of patients receiving treatment with these medications. ⋯ A growing proportion of elderly patients and those with medically complex conditions are being treated in dental practices in the Netherlands. Consequently, more needs to be done to ensure that dentists are offered evidence-based guidance when treating patients who receive OAMs.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Evaluation of the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine after third-molar extraction.
Pain, swelling and trismus are undesirable effects of extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. The authors conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine when used as a supplement to cryotherapeutic, antibiotic and steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment with the aim of reducing undesirable consequences after third-molar extraction. ⋯ The muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine was ineffective in reducing pain, swelling and trismus after third-molar extraction.
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Comparative Study
Development of a brief and effective temporomandibular disorder pain screening questionnaire: reliability and validity.
Available screening instruments for identifying temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) exhibit methodological or logistic limitations. The authors conducted a study to develop and assess the validity of a self-report instrument in screening patients for pain-related TMDs. ⋯ Using this instrument will allow clinicians to identify more readily-and cost-effectively-most patients with painful TMD conditions for whom early and reliable identification would have a significant effect on diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.