Knowledge Attitude and Practice Survey on non-vital bleaching among dental practitioners and specialists

Abstract

Aim -This study is to evaluate the preferences of general dentists regarding the vital and nonvital tooth bleaching
therapies and investigate whether the time of clinical practice and post-graduate training has influenced these options
or not .
Introduction The dental practice in today’s time is a combination of treatment and maintenance of esthetics. People
consider whiteness of teeth as an important component for achieving self-esteem and confidence; discolored teeth
significantly impacts on physical, psychological, and social aspects of individuals’ quality of life.
Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire with closed questions applied
to dentists . The Information was collected regarding the sociodemographic variables, and level of specialization In
addition the options regarding bleaching therapies including the first choice of material, technique and clinical practice
for vital and nonvital tooth bleaching therapies are also included. The Data were submitted to descriptive analysis and
the associations were evaluated using chi-square and Fisher exact tests .
Results The response rate was 68% . At-home bleaching therapy was broadly preferred over in-office bleaching. For
at-home bleaching, most dentists answered to use 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) and >30% hydrogen peroxide (HP)
for nonvital therapies. The majority of dentists with training preferred at-home bleaching techniques . At-home
bleaching therapy was also more indicated by younger dentists. No association was found between the choice for
nonvital bleaching therapies and time since graduation or continuous education.The P value = 0.392 (> 0.05) hence
not statistically significant.
Conclusion It is found that carbamide peroxide is the most effective material for non vital bleaching.The discoloration
of pulp chamber origin is an indication of internal bleaching in females than in males. Also dental practitioners and
specialists prefer carbamide peroxide for non vital bleaching.