The concepts of minimally invasive dentistry and its impact on clinical practice: a survey with a group of Dentists in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: the study was conducted to assess the associations between the demographic characteristics of participating dentists in Saudi Arabia and their restorative decisions for occlusal and proximal lesions. Their knowledge regarding caries diagnosis and management was assessed also. Materials and Methods: this is a cross-sectional study directed toward dentists practicing in Saudi Arabia. An online survey consisted of occlusal and proximal caries lesions. Results: For occlusal caries lesion the majority of dentists (48%) recommended removal of carious tissue when it is confined to enamel. A significant difference was found between dentists who are dealing with dental caries and other dentists. They recommend the use of composite resin for their first caries stage that requires treatment. For proximal lesions, females significantly (p=0.003) chose to restore the tooth at more advanced stage than males, composite was the first restorative material to be chosen for proximal lesions. Conclusion: The restorative decision for dentists practicing in Saudi Arabia were similar to other parts of the world. Occlusal caries lesions were easier to detect and to decide when and how to restore them. Female dentists were more towards minimally invasive dentistry than males in their decisions.

Odontología de mínima intervención: minimizando el ciclo de la restauración: Revisión de la literatura

“…Las técnicas actuales de manejo que se relacionan a la OMI incluyen: prevención, remineralización y tratamientos dentales conservadores 5 . La prevención es una herramienta importante, porque evita las complicaciones clínicas del proceso carioso 18 .…”

“…además, prefieren que las lesiones sean sujeto de seguimiento en intervalos de máximo 12 meses, antes de tomar la decisión de restaurarlos 5 .…”

“…Odontol Pediatr Vol 14 Nº 2 Julio -Diciembre Actualmente, ya no se realizan las preparaciones convencionales, por el contrario, se busca seguir la extensión de la lesión cariosa y sólo eliminar el tejido de caries infectado con la preservación de caries afectada y tejido sano. Se puede afirmar que la Odontología Mínimamente Invasiva, parte de la filosofía de mínima intervención, convierte el concepto de Black de "extensión para prevención" a "prevención de la extensión" 5 .…”

Perception of Minimum Interventional Dentistry among Dental Undergraduate Students and Interns

“…Out of these studies conducted, the majority have inculcated general dentists practicing in Kingdom. Since there are many schools of thought involved, their way of practice differs from each other too [48][49][50].…”