Occlusal indicators: A key to achieve occlusal equilibration - A Questionnaire for dental practitioner in Maharashtra

Abstract

: Knowledge about occlusion and occlusal contacts is indispensable for dental practitioners to have a successful dental practice. But its implication has been neglected in curriculum. To practice occlusal equilibration techniques the clinician needs to observe a number of accurate steps and conventional and digital aids being used for clinical application. This survey was done to evaluate awareness, knowledge of dental practitioner towards different occlusal indicators and their proper implication to achieve occlusal equilibration used in prosthodontics. An online survey was conducted amongst the prosthodontist and dental practitioner across Maharashtra. It was in the form of questionnaire consisting of 19 open and multiple-choice questions concerning the awareness and use of occlusal equilibration techniques by prosthodontist and dental practitioners in Maharashtra which was sent to them through electronic communication. This survey was focused on evaluating the awareness of occlusal equilibration techniques ranging from conventional to newer digital aids. Though the articulating paper still remains the gold standard, the appropriate use with proper thickness and knowledge at what stage is performed is of great importance.Prosthodontists were aware of the different thicknesses of articulating paper however the discretion in the use of articulating paper and their thickness and interpretation are nonconfirmatory. The choice of articulator preferred by prosthodontists is a semi-adjustable articulator. Awareness of T scan is more in Prosthodontist when compared with general dental practitioners.