Awareness of Indications for Repair of Dental Composite Restorations Among Dental Graduates

Objectives: The criteria for repair of composite restorations is controversial. This study investigates the opinion and the current practices of dental graduates about the repair and replacement of resin-based composites.
Methods: A questionnaire based survey was developed and distributed among 200 dental graduates in four teaching dental hospitals of Lahore seeking information about the indication of repair and management of defective composite restorations.
Results: There are many factors which may influence the decision of repair or replacement of a composite restoration. According to the results of our study most of the dental graduates are unfamiliar with appropriate treatment selection protocol indicated for composite restoration repair. Secondary carries was considered to be the most common indication for composite repair by 78% of (156) dental graduates; whereas 45% (90) dental graduates considered marginal discoloration and surface discoloration as an indication of repair. It was surprising that 5% (10) of dental graduates considered repair as a treatment option.
Conclusions: Majority of dental graduates are not familiar with the concept of composite repair. Didactic and clinical training component regarding composite repair should be added in dental curriculum to inculcate the knowledge of repair of composite restorations.