Evaluation of shade matching practices among nigerian dentists / Avaliação dos procedimentos de determinação de cor de restaurações entre dentistas niegerianos

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess tooth shade matching practices among Nigerian Dentists. MATERIALSAND METHODS: The data was collected by paper questionnaire mailed at random to dentists insome Nigerian Teaching Hospitals and General Hospitals. The questionnaires comprised of two aspectsthat inquired about their biographical data and basic methods of shade selection. About 95% of thequestionnaires were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: 160 (83, males; 77 females) dentists participatedin the study. 71% performed tooth shade matching often, with restorative dentists (100%) mostlyinvolved than other specialists. 67% agreed that shade matching should be done in consultation withothers. However, only 40.6% actually consults others during shade selection. Also, 85% of the dentistsresponded correctly that shade matching should be done under natural lights. However in their clinicalpractice, majority (97%) selected their teeth under dental lights. CONCLUSION: The study revealedthat majority of the dentists practicing in the Nigerian Teaching and State Dental Hospitals are involvedin shade matching practices. Majority of the dentists performed tooth matching procedure withoutconcurrence from others and under dental light source. However few dentists reported complaintsfrom their patients. Emphasizing color science in dental curriculum and teaching new shade matchingsystems could be essential for improved restorative outcomes.