SURVEY OF IMPRESSION MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES USED FOR FIXED PARTIAL PROSTHESIS FABRICATION AMONG THE DENTAL PRACTITIONERS- A PILOT STUDY IN THE MAKKAH REGION OF SAUDI ARABIA

The aim of this survey was to integrate impression techniques evolved all over the years for fixed partial dentures and to know the techniques and materials which are used in the present day by the practitioners. Material and methods: A questionnaire based survey was conducted among the dental practitioners of Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. . Ethical approval for the beginning of the study was obtained via Institutional Review Committee, Ibn Sina National College for Medical studies, Jeddah. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed to the participants. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 19 software. Results: Results shows that, majority of responses indicated use of irreversible hydrocolloid in stock metal tray for making the preliminary impression. 80% of them used retraction cord for gingival retraction and only few of them used elecrosurgery, lasers, rotary curettage and gingifoam. Maximum participants used hemostat along with retraction cord. Most of the participants used addition silicone with single mix heavy body with light body technique for making final impression and some of them used polyether. Conclusion: The ideal materials, technique, and armamentarium are required for the long-term success of the treatment for fixed dental prosthesis. Also, if the ideal procedure is not followed, it will lead to a compromised fit of the final prosthesis and failure of the treatment.