Anterior composite restorations in clinical practice: findings from a survey with general dental practitioners.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess technical preferences of general dental practitioners when restoring anterior composite restorations. How the level of clinical experience or post-graduate training infuenced their options was also tested.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire with general dental practitioners (GDPs) (n=276) in Southern Brazil. Information regarding post graduation training (specialization, master's or PhD degree) and linical experience (years since completing graduation) were gathered. The options regarding anterior composite restorations (type of composite, adhesive system, light curing unit, polishing procedures and rubber dam use) were collected. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis and associations were tested.


RESULTS
Response rate was 68% (187). GDPs selected microhybrid composite (52%) and 2-step total etch adhesive system (77%). LED was the preferred method of activation for 72.8%. Immediate polishing was preferred by 75%, using a combination of techniques. Most of the respondents (74.3%) did not use rubber dam. More experienced clinicians used more halogen lights (p<0.022), performed more light monitoring (p<0.001) and were resistant to use rubber dam (p<0.012). Dentists with post-graduation training used 3-etch-and-rinse system more frequently (p<0.04), usually monitored light intensity (p<0.014) and placed rubber dam more frequently (p<0.044).


CONCLUSIONS
Hybrid composite, simplifed adhesives, LED units and immediate polishing were preferred by Southern Brazilian dentists for anterior composite restorations. Few dentists used rubber dam to perform composite restorations in anterior teeth. Clinical experience and post-graduation training infuenced the dentists' choices.
Federal University of Pelotas, Post-Graduate Program in Dentistry, PelotasRS, Brazil.
Flávio Fernando
FF
Demarco
Federal University of Pelotas, Post-Graduate Program in Dentistry, PelotasRS, Brazil.
Rudimar Antonio
RA
Baldissera
Federal University of Pelotas, Post-Graduate Program in Dentistry, PelotasRS, Brazil.
Francine Cardozo
FC
Madruga
Roberto Cuchiara
RC
Simões
Federal University of Pelotas, Post-Graduate Program in Dentistry, PelotasRS, Brazil.
Rafael Guerra
RG
Lund
Federal University of Pelotas, Post-Graduate Program in Dentistry, PelotasRS, Brazil.
Marcos Britto
MB
Correa
Federal University of Pelotas, Post-Graduate Program in Dentistry, PelotasRS, Brazil.
Maximiliano Sérgio
MS
Cenci
D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055117:Curing Lights, Dental; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D003764:Dental Materials