Current philosophies and practices of general dental practitioners pertaining to direct restorations, bleaching and endodontics

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the current approaches and philosophies pertaining to direct restorations, bleaching and root canal treatment amongst general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. A questionnaire, together with a stamped addressed envelope and an explanatory letter, was sent to 200 GDPs in the Klang Valley in April-July 2005. The GDPs were selected at random. A total of 153 (76.5%) of the GDPs responded to the survey. 46.4% of the respondents stated that the use of amalgam was decreasing whereas 79.7% stated an increase in the use of composite resins. Clinical indication (85.6%) and patients’ demand for aesthetics (73.9%) appeared to be the main factors influencing the choice of restorative materials. Fractured restorations was the main reason for the replacement of amalgam restorations (77.1%) whilst secondary caries was the main reason for the replacement of composite resin restorations (73.9%). Almost two thirds of the GDPs surveyed provided chair side bleaching while 75.8% of the GDPs would supervise home bleaching. Sodium hypochlorite was the most common endodontic irrigant used amongst the GDPs surveyed and cold lateral compaction was the most commonly used obturation technique.