International Journal of Dentistry Research 2018; 3(1): 17-24 DOI:10.31254/dentistry.2018.3106

Research Article

Moroccan dentist’s perception and management of dentin hypersensitivity

S Saif¹ , M Hamza² , S Dhaimy³

S Saif,M Hamza,S Dhaimy

1. Department of orthodontics, faculty of dentistry of Casablanca, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco
2. Department of epidemiology and biostatistics, Faculty of dentistry of Casablanca, University Hassan II. Casablanca, Morocco
3. Department of conservative and endodontic dentistry, Faculty of dentistry of Casablanca, University of Hassan II. Casablanca, Morocco

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 19th December, 2017 / Accepted: 5th January, 2018 / Published : 30th April, 2018

Abstract

Introduction: Dentinal sensitivity is a common problem in dental practice. This study aimed the assessment of dentists’ perception of dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) distribution and its coalescence with factors such as sex, age, symptoms, and management strategies. Materials and method: A randomly selected sample of three hundred Moroccan private practice dentists (among 1339 dentists) took part in a questionnaire-based survey. This survey assesses dentin hypersensitivity according to dentists’ perception, their level of knowledge, and their management strategy. Results: The perception of most of Casablanca`s private dentists on the prevalence, etiology and diagnosis of dentin hypersensitivity is mainly consistent with the existent scientific data. Most dentists (69.1%) prescribe a desensitizing gel and fluoride toothpaste as first line treatment.59% of practitioners used as a preventive attitude eliminating risk factors and predisposing factors. The Most encountered problem was the subjective aspect of dentinal hypersensitivity. Conclusion: The perception of Moroccan dentists of dentine hypersensitivity matches the current scientific consensus on the management of dentine hypersensitivity.