Nickou Memari

DEN6001: Evidence-Based Dentistry

Systematic Review Blog

Systematic reviews and narrative reviews differ in several ways, which will be further
demonstrated and evident through this blog post. To start, a systematic review encompasses a
summary of literature in response to a specific particular research question with a given focus. In
doing so, a systematic review effectively condenses a large amount of information into a smaller,
more concise summary, This differs from a narrative review in that a narrative review usually
signifies a broader topic. In doing so, a narrative review attempts to further and deepened the
understanding of this broad topic. Another difference is that a systematic review is thorough,
leaving the interpretation in the hands of readers, while a narrative review is subjective. A
systematic review has an in-depth look into different sources and literature. On the other hand, a
narrative review often focuses on relevant, recent research.

Furthermore, a difference is that a systematic review consists of formal appraisal of the

literature reviewed, whereas a narrative review does not. A systematic review also is more easily
reproduced compared to a narrative review due to the details provided. To add, a systematic
review usually demonstrates the need for further research, whereas a narrative review will make
recommendations based on the author’s own perspective. In addition, a systematic review
includes meta-analysis often, while a narrative review does not include this. To elaborate, meta-
analysis differs from a systematic review and is a thorough review and look at several sources
regarding a topic, making it appear to be one larger study rather than a number of smaller
studies. Meta-analysis are generally said to be represented through forest plots. Overall, the key
differences and comparisons are evident regarding systematic reviews, narrative reviews, and
meta-analysis.

The following articles represent examples of systematic and narrative reviews, respectively,
found through PubMed.

Systematic Reviews:
  Ahmed, N., Abbasi, M. S., Zuberi, F., Qamar, W., Halim, M. S. B., Maqsood, A., &
Alam, M. K. (2021). Artificial Intelligence Techniques: Analysis, Application, and
Outcome in Dentistry-A Systematic Review. BioMed research international, 2021,
9751564. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9751564
 Revilla-León, M., Gómez-Polo, M., Vyas, S., Barmak, A. B., Özcan, M., Att, W., &
Krishnamurthy, V. R. (2022). Artificial intelligence applications in restorative dentistry:
A systematic review. The Journal of prosthetic dentistry, 128(5), 867–875.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2021.02.010
 Gkantidis, N., Christou, P., & Topouzelis, N. (2010). The orthodontic-periodontic
interrelationship in integrated treatment challenges: a systematic review. Journal of oral
rehabilitation, 37(5), 377–390. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2842.2010.02068.x

Narrative Reviews:

 Mangano, F., Gandolfi, A., Luongo, G., & Logozzo, S. (2017). Intraoral scanners in
dentistry: a review of the current literature. BMC oral health, 17(1), 149.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-017-0442-x
 Anadioti, E., Musharbash, L., Blatz, M. B., Papavasiliou, G., & Kamposiora, P. (2020).
3D printed complete removable dental prostheses: a narrative review. BMC oral
health, 20(1), 343. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-020-01328-8
 Farooq, I., & Bugshan, A. (2020). The role of salivary contents and modern technologies
in the remineralization of dental enamel: a narrative review. F1000Research, 9, 171.
https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.22499.3

MA Reviews:

 Wessing, B., Lettner, S., & Zechner, W. (2018). Guided Bone Regeneration with
Collagen Membranes and Particulate Graft Materials: A Systematic Review and Meta-
Analysis. The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants, 33(1), 87–100.
https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.5461
 Sedrez-Porto, J. A., Rosa, W. L., da Silva, A. F., Münchow, E. A., & Pereira-Cenci, T.
(2016). Endocrown restorations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of
dentistry, 52, 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2016.07.005
 Pellegrino, G., Ferri, A., Del Fabbro, M., Prati, C., Gandolfi, M. G., & Marchetti, C.
(2021). Dynamic Navigation in Implant Dentistry: A Systematic Review and Meta-
analysis. The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants, 36(5), e121–e140.
https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.8770