Archiving the Natural Dentition to Serve as Pre-extraction Record: Evaluating Perceptions Among Indian Prosthodontists

Abstract

This survey is undertaken to: (1) assess the perceptions of prosthodontist towards the concept of natural dentition archival (NDA); and (2) to obtain any further suggestions/recommendations regarding it. 616 prosthodontist across India participated in the study. Data was collected using a self- designed, self-administered, pilot tested, structured 10 item questionnaire. Results indicate that 32.1 % prosthodontists make use of pre-extraction records; 54.4 % seemed to give consideration to natural findings of the patient while denture fabrication; 86.7 % recommended patient aged 25-34 years to archive his/her natural dentition to serve as pre-extraction record; 92.2 % were willing to promote the NDA concept for their patients and 33.7 % thought that it is an extra burden. It was noted that postgraduate students (61.5 %) significantly gave more consideration to natural findings of the patient as compared to practicing prosthodontist and faculty (p < 0.001). Using, pre-extraction records was preferred by the prosthodontists from urban and periurban area as compared to those from rural area (p < 0.05). 67.8 % prosthodontists' viewed NDA as ideal for denture construction which will result in greater patient satisfaction. However, 46 % prosthodontists have raised concerns like: storage and preservation of cast and records being tedious, extra time needed and patient motivation an added burden. 54 % recommended that NDA concept can be introduced and emphasized in the prosthodontic curriculum, so that the dental students learn and promote it to their future patients. Overall, the perception towards NDA is favourable and the prosthodontist needs to be motivated to utilize this concept.