Turkish Dentist Practice and Opinions on Diagnosing and Treating Deep Caries Lesions: a Web-Based Survey

Abstract

Background This study investigated the practices and opinions of Turkish dentists regarding the management of deep caries lesions using an online questionnaire. Methods The questionnaire had two sections: the first collected demographic data, while the second focused on clinical practices, including radiographic techniques, rubber dam usage, liner choices, pulp protection, and post-endodontic restoration methods. Results The survey response rate was 20.4%. 18 participants were excluded due to incomplete responses in the survey. A total of 390 survey texts (19.5%) were analyzed. The gender distribution of the participants was as follows: 60% female and 40% male. Notably, none of the respondents used rubber dams for endodontic treatment. Male dentists were less likely to use a base under restorations (p < 0.05). Female dentists preferred single-session pulp capping for pulpal perforations (p < 0.05). Public hospitals utilized fewer panoramic films, while Oral and Dental Health Centers used fewer periapical films for diagnoses (p < 0.05). Glass ionomer cement was the most commonly used base material, and direct composite resin was the preferred choice for post-endodontic restorations, in contrast to the less favored indirect composite resin. Conclusions Despite its advantages, the application of rubber dam was infrequent. Glass ionomer cement emerged as the predominant base material across all restoration types, exhibiting variability among dentists in diagnosis, treatment, and material selection.