Replacement and repair of direct restorations done by undergraduate and postgraduate students in Riyadh Elm University, Saudi Arabia. A Retrospective analysis
Author(s): Khalid Fahad Alotaibi* and Maha Mohammed Alotaibi
Abstract
Objectives: Retrospective study aimed to investigate the number of direct restorations replaced and repaired, evaluate the reasons behind it, as well as compare between undergraduate and post graduate students in the dental hospital of Riyadh Elm University (REU). Methods: Patient records were retrospectively screened from the electronic data base system (DentoPlus) of REU hospital for restorations replaced and repaired in the past year. Patients that are >18 years old, had restorations that were repaired or replaced, and proper documentation was present were included in the study. A form with the information was filled. Data was analysed using the IBM-SPSS, version 25, Armonk, NY. Results: A total of 78,413 documented procedures dated form March 2017 till March 2020 were viewed by the examiners. A total of 2535 procedures (3.23%) were included in this study. Reasons for exclusion were restorations placed for the first time, procedures with improper documentation, or not approved by the instructor. Conclusion: Even though restorative procedures are the most preformed during any given clinical day at REU, the replacement/repair of restorations represents only around 3.23% out of all included restorative cases. Recurrent caries was the most mentioned cause of restoration failure by operators. Those failed restorations were seen mostly among female patients, and it was mostly observed in class II restorations. The decision making depends mainly on operator’s knowledge, and clinical skills in managing defected restorations. Clinical relevance: Our research emphasized the importance of proper documentation in order to make it efficient and have great success if faced with legal issues in the future. Also, proper documentation could lead to minimum invasive dentistry.