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Oral Medicine/ Oral Pathology Treatment

Are oral appliances effective in the treatment of sleep apnea in adults compared to inactive control?

  • Yes. They provide an alternative for patients who are un willing or unabe to use the more effective nCPAP(nasal continuous positive airway pressure) therapy. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Do reservoir biteguards improve the quality of life in people with xerostomia?

  • No. Using the reservoir biteguard, however, reduces the number of oral impacts on daily life in individuals with xerostomia. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

In studies prior to 2004, did effective interventions for leukoplakia exist?   

  • No. Vitamin A, retinoids, bleomycin, mixed tea, and beta-carotene showed no lasting benefit over placebo. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Is lycopene effective in treating oral leukoplakia?  

  • Yes. Taking 8 mg. twice a day resulted in significant histological improvement. (Evidence level 2). Read the abstract.

Do oral lichenoid lesions improve or resolve if adjacent amalgam restorations are replaced with an alternative material?    

  • Yes.  70 % improved if the lesion was adjacent to amalgam, however 15% did not improve. (Evidence level 2). Read the abstract.

Are there effective agents for preventing or reducing oral mucositis in people during cancer treatment? 

  • Yes. 10-20% Prevention can be achieved by antibiotic paste or pastille, amifostine, or ice chips. 50% Reduction can be achieved by hydrolytic enzymes. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Are there effective agents for the prevention of oral mucositis in patients undergoing cancer treatment? 

  • Yes. 40-60% Reduction by PTA (polumyxin E, tobramucine and amphotericin B), GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor), oral cooling (ice chips) and amifostine.  (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Is there a benefit from non-antiepileptic drugs for trigeminal neuralgia?  

  • Yes.  > 50% reduction occurred using baclofen and tizanidine. However, carbamazepine continues to be the first-line drug until further studies can be performed.  (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.