A pilot survey of impression materials and techniques used by dentists in the fabrication of fixed indirect restorations

Abstract

Objective: To assess the choice of impression material and impression technique used by Nigerian dentists for the fabrication of cast restoration.

Method: A self administered questionnaire was distributed to dentists present at two national dental meeting held at Abuja and Lagos in 2011. The questionnaire assessed their choice of impression materials and technique.

Result: Fifty one out of 70 questionnaires were returned filled giving a response rate of 73%. There were 54.9% of the respondents who reported addition curing silicone impression as their first choice material for cast restorations, while 27.4% use alginate as first choice impression. The use of stock plastic trays by the respondents was significantly higher than metal and custom trays. Two-third of the respondents poured their impressions within one hour. All the respondents poured alginate impression after 15 minutes. A significantly high percentage (76%) of the respondents did not retract the free gingival before taking impression. Conclusion: The use of alginate impressions to produce cast restorations was common among the respondents. Since no previous study has documented the use of alginate to produce accurate fitting cast restorations, there is need to investigate the accuracy of alginate impressions in a clinical setting.