Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
Published on: March 31, 2021
Dentin caries sealing in primary teeth and the perspective of Brazilian dentists: A questionnaire validation and
Thalita Lucas Brum Moreira da Silva1, Emerson Tavares de Sousa2, Thaís Manzano Parisotto3
1Graduate Program of Dentistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Objectives:
Little is known about dentists' practices regarding the sealing of dentin lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate Brazilian dentists' knowledge, attitude, and clinical practice regarding the sealing of dentin caries lesions in primary molars.
Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with a random sample of 402 dentists. The questionnaire was validated, and the final version included demographic questions, clinical cases with ICDAS 4, 5, and 6 to assess attitude and practice concerning caries sealing, and questions regarding knowledge of caries sealing. Data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression model.
Results:
Among respondents, 64.1 % had an academic degree in pediatric dentistry. Caries sealing was the most recommended procedure (69.1 %) for ICDAS 4 (outer dentin). For ICDAS 4 (inner dentin), 5, and 6, partial caries removal was preferred. Dentists with academic-based knowledge and pediatric dentistry degrees were 2.85 and 1.98 times more likely to recommend sealing for ICDAS 4 (outer dentin), and 1.82 times for ICDAS 4 (inner dentin). Academic knowledge increased the likelihood of indicating dentin caries sealing 3.61-fold for ICDAS 5, while a pediatric dentistry degree raised it 1.54-fold for ICDAS 6. The main reasons for caries sealing were scientific basis and minimally invasive dentistry (MID) principles.
Conclusions:
Brazilian dentists demonstrated average to good knowledge of sealing dentin caries lesions and adopted MID for managing caries lesions in primary molars. Academic-based knowledge and pediatric dentistry degrees were associated with a higher likelihood of recommending sealing of dentin caries lesions.
Clinical Relevance:
Holding a degree in pediatric dentistry and academic-based knowledge influenced the recommendation to seal carious lesions in primary molars. However, the variations in clinical decisions highlight the need of guidelines to ensure consistent diagnosis and intervention of carious dentin tissue, and quality of care.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.