The use of posterior composite restorations among dental practitioners in Benghazi-Libya

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitudes of dental practitioners toward posterior composite restorations in terms of case selection and concerns. Materials and Methods: 120 questionnaires were randomly distributed to the dental practitioners working in state and/or privet dental clinics in Benghazi. The questionnaires were designed to elicit information regarding case selection criteria and main concerns while placing posterior composite restorations. Results: 114 completed questionnaires were returned, 73 general dental practitioners and 41 specialists responded to the questionnaire. 36.8% of the dentists preferred composites for restoring only small defects and 35% selected composites for posterior restoration on patient demand. Conservation of tooth structure was the cause for placing 64.9%, esthetics for 57.8% and patient preference for placing 28% restoration by these dentists. 50% of the dentists reported concern in relation to isolation during composite placement, and 79.1% showed concern about polymerization shrinkage and microleakage. Differences in responses were not remarkable between general dental practitioners and specialists. Conclusion: Conservation of tooth structure and esthetics were the main reasons for selection of posterior composites. Posterior composite restorations were chosen mainly for small defects. Patient preference was given weightage for material selection.