THE UTILIZATION PATTERNS OF RESTORATIVE MATERIALS IN PRIMARY MOLARS AMONG PEDIATRIC DENTISTS.

Abstract

Background: Many changes have occurred in development and availability of dental restorative materials for primary teeth. To date, there has been no emphasis to identify the approaches and materials used by pediatric dentists for primary teeth. The present study was conducted to assess the preferred choice of restorative materials among pediatric dentists for restoring primary teeth in children.

Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to obtain demographic information. Six hypothetical clinical scenarios were presented and clinicians choice of material for each of these scenario was evaluated.

Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done based on chi-square test. Results were displayed as percentages.

Results: A total of 62 pediatric dentists completed the questionnaire, of which 97% preferred tooth-coloured materials over amalgam. Respondents reported the most influencing factors in the choice of restorative materials as age, behaviour of child and caries experience.

Conclusion: Responses to various hypothetical clinical scenarios showed preference of tooth coloured materials and uniform choice of materials was noted among pediatric dentists irrespective of age or years of clinical experience.

Keywords: restorative materials, primary teeth, pediatric dentists