The Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics in the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria is providing comprehensive oral care to thousands of patients every year. This study aims to determine dental status and assess the variations in restoration materials used with these patients over the course of several years.
Method:
A retrospective analysis of the Department’s documentation has been conducted, covering the years from 2009 to 2013. On the basis of the collected data, including the patient’s dental status and type of restorative treatment, a statistical study has been performed. The results have been obtained through trend and growth rate analysis.
Result:
The average number of examined and treated patients in the Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics for the recorded period of time is 11713 per year. In 2013, there is a considerable increase in the number of patients diagnosed with periapical diseases, as opposed to the start of the study in 2009. In respect of the types of restorations used, light-cured composites are the material of choice, showing significant rise in rates throughout the years. Amalgam restorations, on the other hand, show a steady decline in usage, reaching the lowest point in 2011. The restoration of endodontically treated teeth with prefabricated metal posts is also preferably achieved by light-cured composite resin. Amalgam and self-cured composite resin are not preferred and the figures reveal a drop in their application. There is a declining tendency in the use of cast metal posts as opposed to the use of prefabricated ones.
Conclusion:
The number of patients seeking dental treatment due to periapical diseases is increasing every year. This may be partly due to complications following the initial endodontic therapy. In treatment planning, the contemporary adhesive techniques are given an advantage over the more traditional methods.