Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitude Towards Importance of Finishing and Polishing used of Composite Restorations
Author(s): Ahmed Hilal Sheriff K and Manish Ranjan*
Abstract
Critical clinical procedures during restoration of the teeth include proper finishing and polishing of dental restoratives, they are especially important for the esthetics and longevity of restorations. Residual surface roughness of restorations can influence dental biofilm retention, resulting in superficial staining, gingival inflammation, and secondary caries, which leads to affecting the clinical performance of restorations. Thus, the aim of the study is to determine the level of knowledge, awareness, and practice among the dental students regarding the importance of Finishing and polishing of composite restoration. The questionnaire consisting of 10 questions was prepared online and the link was distributed to the dental students to fill the survey. The data was imported to SPSS software for statistical analysis, chi square test was done. Association between gender distribution and awareness among the students if finishing and polishing of composite restorations are mandatory, shows 23% of males and 39% of females agreed it was mandatory. Association between gender distribution and awareness among the students if type of composite plays a vital role in color stability, both males (29%) and females (44%) agreed that type of composite plays a vital role. Association between gender distribution and finishing and polishing being done by the students, both males (36%) and females (49%) practiced finishing and polishing of composite for the patients in their practice. These associations did not show statistical significance. The use of Composite restorations in the field of dentistry has become extremely popular and most preferred type of restorations among the patients. Importance of awareness regarding new techniques in dentistry should be emphasized to the future dental practitioners.