Survey of prosthodontic impression procedures for complete dentures in general dental practice in the United Kingdom.
BACKGROUND
Anecdotal evidence suggests impression techniques used in general dental practice may vary from those taught at dental schools. There is little published information on this topic.


OBJECTIVE
This study identifies the materials and methods used by general dental practitioners for recording impressions for the provision of replacement of complete dentures.


METHODS
A total of 905 questionnaires were sent to general dental practitioners in the Greater Manchester area to identify current clinical practices.


RESULTS
The results revealed that 88% of respondents use only irreversible hydrocolloid for primary impressions. If multiple responses are included, 99% of respondents mentioned irreversible hydrocolloids as an option for primary impressions. In response to the same question for secondary impressions, 94% of respondents mentioned irreversible hydrocolloids as an option. Other material mentioned as an option for secondary impressions included zinc oxide-eugenol (29%) and polyvinyl siloxane (13%). With regard to special trays, 75% of respondents routinely used laboratory constructed special trays to take definitive impressions. Questions on the requisite spacing, perforation, handle design of special trays, and on disinfection showed a diversity of opinion among practitioners.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this survey reflected a diverse range of clinical preferences, it is clear that irreversible hydrocolloid dominates the impression market for complete dentures. The use of special trays is normal practice for complete dentures in general dental practice in the United Kingdom.
Turner Dental School, University Dental Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom.
T P
TP
Hyde
J F
JF
McCord
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000464:Alginates; D003760:Dental Impression Materials; D003761:Dental Impression Technique / Q000295:instrumentation; D003824:Denture, Complete; D004203:Disinfection; D004739:England; D004867:Equipment Design; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D011145:Polyvinyls; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D011331:Private Practice; D012833:Siloxanes; D013222:State Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000464:Alginates; D003760:Dental Impression Materials; D011145:Polyvinyls; D012833:Siloxanes; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement; C034183:vinyl polysiloxane