Repair and replacement perception of dental restorations

الملخص EN

Replacement of dental restorations still plays a major role in daily dental practice.

However, replacing restorations has the disadvantages of being time consuming; can lead to unnecessary removal of tooth structure.

Repair of restorations on the other hand is an alternative choice of treatment, but is not widely done as the criteria of repairing restorations are still controversial and not widely taught in dental schools.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perception of repair and replacement of dental restorations by graduates and undergraduates at King Abdulaziz University, and what clinical criteria do they follow for either choice, if any.

A survey questionnaire of 19 questions was designed and prepared in English.

Two hundred questionnaires were given to the faculty, interns, fifth and sixth year dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Most of them have replaced dental restorations.

Only 42.7 %have actually repaired restorations as generally they had no clinical experience, and because of their supervisors recommendation.

Secondary caries was the main cause of replacing dental restorations), which was significantly higher than other causes.

Composite was mainly used in the replacement and repair of dental restorations.