Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, cilt.49, sa.5, ss.105-118, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Background: The aim of this study was to determine restoration thresholds and restorative treatment decisions of dentists in Türkiye for proximal caries of primary and immature permanent teeth, to investigate factors associated with these decisions. Methods: The study was based on the evaluation of a prepared electronic survey. Participants completed a questionnaire comprising three sections: demographic information, daily clinical practices, hypothetical clinical case scenarios. The case scenarios section utilized diagram based on the Espelid classification (Degrees 1– 6, ranging from outer enamel to inner dentine) to assess treatment thresholds and preferences. The first scenario involved a distal carious lesion on the upper second premolar of 14-year-old patient, while the second depicted a mesial carious lesion on the lower second primary molar of 5-year-old patient. The preference for Degrees 1– 3 lesions were evaluated as early intervention. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the relationship between treatment thresholds, participant characteristics and clinical practices. Results: Total of 345 respondents participated, including general dentists (47.8%), pediatric dentists (26.7%), restorative specialists (8.1%), fifth-year college students (17.4%). In the first scenario, Degree 3 was the most frequently selected threshold (38.9%), with 59.1% favoring early intervention and 20.2% choosing Degrees 1 and 2. The box-only preparation method was preferred by 65% of respondents. In the second scenario, Degree 3 remained the most selected threshold, with 55.6% supporting early intervention and 17.1% opting for enamel-level thresholds. Total of 62.3% preferred the box-only preparation method. Pediatric dentists exhibited higher rates of early intervention compared to others. Composite materials were predominantly chosen for permanent teeth, while compomer materials were preferred for primary teeth. Gender, years of experience, and institution type significantly influenced the choice of restorative treatment and preparation method. Conclusions: Based on the questionnaire study, it was concluded that dentists in Türkiye have high tendency to intervene early.