An Evaluation of Proximal Caries Managements among Practitioners in Mosul City.

Neam Al–Yousifany

doi:10.33899/rdenj.2007.164420

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic methods, preparation techniques and restorative materials used by dentists in Mosul City for the management of proximal carious lesions. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire sheet with numerous items were distributed randomly among 150 dentists (specialists and non–specialists) working in Mosul City. The sheets were collected and the data were analyzed. Results: The results revealed that there are several differences in performing specific steps of proximal caries diagnosis and the treatment among the dentists involved. Conclusions: The conclusions of this study indicated that the variations among dental practitioners in managing proximal caries refer to the role of the continuing dental education. Dentists are in need to be in contact through meetings ,lectures and training courses with the recent and up–to–date advancement in dentistry.

Highlights

Caries is nowadays understood to be a dynamic process episodes of demineralization and remineralization occur over various periods of time
When the respondents were asked about using radiograph as a method of caries diagnosis in the proximal surfaces, 96% of the respondent out of (144 dentist) replied that they used this technique for diagnosis, and 47% of them preferred bitewing radiograph,while 53% preferred using bisecting angle technique, Table (2)
4% (6 dentist) preferred Fiber Optic Trans–Illumination (FOTI) as a method of a proximal lesions diagnosis, that revealed with Table (3)

Summary

Introduction

Caries is nowadays understood to be a dynamic process episodes of demineralization and remineralization occur over various periods of time. Operative intervention indicated only when there is macroscopic break down of teeth structure; i.e., when a cavity has formed(1). The majority of dental practitioners need to spend much of their time deciding whether lesions of caries are present or not and to make a judgment on how to treat such lesions(2). Clinicians need several methods of diagnosis to investigate these surfaces(3). Cavity preparation for such caries has been based on G.V. Black’s principles which require an occlusal involvement. The current equipments and restorative materials permit more conservative geom.etric forms, the reduction in bur dimension has allowed a minimal removal of tooth structure(1). Materials used for restoration of caries lesion include amalgam, composite resin, glass ionomer, porcelain and gold. Composite resin match the color of patient’s natural teeth and used more frequently when esthetic care was concerned(4)

Methods

Results

Conclusion