General dentists' patterns of restoring endodontically treated teeth

Article Abstract:

Some dentists may not follow published recommendations when restoring root-canal treated teeth. Researchers reviewed dental insurance claims data to study how 423 general dentists restored 1,199 teeth after root canal therapy. Dentists' restoration patterns were compared with the recommendations in the literature. Dentists placed dowels (posts) in similar percentages of front and premolar teeth although the literature states that front teeth require posts more often than back teeth. Between 37% and 40% of back teeth were not treated with crown restorations as recommended in the literature. Ten to 15% of teeth received posts without the subsequent crown restorations in contrast to published recommendations. When dentists did not place a crown in back teeth, they used silver fillings four times as often as composite restorations, although composites are preferred in literature reports.

Methods, Practice, Oral surgery

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Public attitudes toward dentists: a U.S. household survey

Article Abstract:

The majority of dentists and the American public believe that effective diagnosis and treatment, ethical practice, communication, and disease prevention are very important aspects of dental care. Researchers surveyed 647 households and 300 practicing dentists. Approximately 85% of the public had a moderate or great deal of trust in dentists. Older respondents and those with higher incomes had greater trust in the dental profession than younger people and those with lower incomes. More than 90% of the public and at least 85% of the dentists cited ethical conduct, effective diagnosis and treatment, communication, and disease prevention as very important aspects of dental care. At least 80% of the dentists felt that they had received good or excellent training in all of these areas except communication. Only 52% felt that they had received good or excellent training in communication.

Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Dentistry, Public opinion

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Preliminary estimates of the incidence and consequences of tooth fracture

Article Abstract:

Approximately one person in 20 may break a tooth each year, which may result in a range of consequences. During a two week period, researchers studied the rate and consequences of tooth fractures in a group of 74,503 adults. These people had 143 completely fractured teeth. Complete fractures occur when a piece of the crown breaks away from the tooth. Eighty-seven percent of the complete fractures involved back teeth. Twenty-five percent of the fractures extended below the gumline and 8% involved the pulp chamber. Eighty-eight percent had been filled previously. Sixty-two percent were restored with permanent fillings, 18% were restored with temporary fillings, and 4% were smoothed or left untreated. Each year, approximately five people in 100 will break a tooth.

Demographic aspects, Tooth loss

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