The aim of the present study was to assess the current approaches and philosophies pertaining to direct restorations, bleaching and root canal treatment amongst general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. A questionnaire, together with a stamped addressed envelope and an explanatory letter, was sent to 200 GDPs in the Klang Valley in April-July 2005. The GDPs were selected at random. A total of 153 (76.5%) of the GDPs responded to the survey. 46.4% of the respondents stated that the use of amalgam was decreasing whereas 79.7% stated an increase in the use of composite resins. Clinical indication (85.6%) and patients’ demand for aesthetics (73.9%) appeared to be the main factors influencing the choice of restorative materials. Fractured restorations was the main reason for the replacement of amalgam restorations (77.1%) whilst secondary caries was the main reason for the replacement of composite resin restorations (73.9%). Almost two thirds of the GDPs surveyed provided chair side bleaching while 75.8% of the GDPs would supervise home bleaching. Sodium hypochlorite was the most common endodontic irrigant used amongst the GDPs surveyed and cold lateral compaction was the most commonly used obturation technique.
Objective: : The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the pressure indicating film in measuring pressure exerted on it with and without Polyethylene (PE) sleeve as infection control purposes, and to analyze the pressure produced with its software for occlusal force study. Materials and Methods: The optimization of the pressure indicating film for occlusal force analysis commenced with the design and calibration of this sheet. The film was designed into horseshoe shape to suit the shape of maxillary and mandibular arches. The calibration was initiated with 5 different types of pressure which were 15 MPa, 25 MPa, 30 MPa, 35 MPa and 45 MPa exerted on two groups of the film: (i) with PE sleeve and (ii) without PE sleeve. Three readings were recorded for each group and mean value was documented. Then, the films were calibrated by its software for pressure analysis. Results: There was no significance difference found between the film with and without PE sleeve during the calibration stage (P>0.05). In all groups of pressure, there was no significant difference documented between pressure exerted and read out value. Conclusion: The results suggested that the film can be used for occlusal force analysis and improvement of the film with addition of PE sleeve for hygienic purpose is suitable to form the basis of clinical occlusal forces study.