Finishing and polishing procedures of composite restorations by Saudi dentists: a cross-sectional study.

AIM The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of Saudi dentists in finishing and polishing composite restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 306 Saudi dentists from March to April 2012. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 program and descriptive statistics were obtained. RESULTS Completed questionnaires were returned by 191 participants, giving a response rate of 62.4%. 115 (65.7%) respondents are using fine diamond finishing burs for finishing occlusal surfaces, 82 (48%) used fine aluminum oxide finishing discs for finishing facial surfaces, 130 (76%) used diamond finishing strips for finishing interproximal surfaces.121 (63.4%) respondents were of the view that the type of filler content has a major influence in providing color stability to the composite restoration and 137 (72.1%) believed nano-composites provided enhanced color stability. CONCLUSION Dentists in Saudi Arabia are aware of the benefits of proper finishing and polishing of composite restorations. They however need to use finishing and polishing burs, disks, strips and pastes in a sequential series. Usage of composite polishing pastes and composite surface sealants should be emphasized in undergraduate curriculum.