Choice of Pulp Therapy Methods and Restorative Materials in Primary Dentition among General and Paediatric Dentists

Relevance of the problem and aim of the work. Primary teeth of children are treated by both general dentists (GD) and paediatric (PD). They have to evaluate which treatment methods and materials are the most suitable in each case individually. Choices can vary due to work experience, workplace, the flow of patients and the methods of knowledge renewal or its frequency. The aim of work is to determine what methods of pulp treatment and what restorative materials are chosen frequently by GD and to compare with choices by PD. Material and the methods. During questionnaire survey 102 responses of GD and PD were received. The data was analysed using “SPSS” and “R” software programs, employing descriptive statistics, the significance level of 0,05 was chosen. Correlation analysis was performed in order to determine the link between variables. Results. 82% of respondents treat primary teeth often or daily. 51% of GD and 86% of PD perform pulpotomy after sterile pulp exposure. Formocresol is mostly used material in pulpotomy (67%). More PD (41%) than GD (10%) choose ferric sulphate. 63% of GD uses ZOE and more than half of PD uses calcium hydroxide and iodoform paste to fill the canals. The most popular restorative material of the choice is GIC. The main criteria for choosing restorative material is the ability to control moisture. 83% of PD and 18% of GD restore primary teeth with SSC. Conclusions. The choice of pulp therapy methods and restorative materials in primary teeth differs among GD and PD. The link between preference of dentists and qualification, work experience, the flow of patients and knowledge updating methods is weak or very weak