| المستخلص: |
Statement of the problem: Resin bonded bridges (RBBs) have been used to restore edentulous spaces for many years and offer many advantages as a conservative approach to tooth replacement over conventional full coverage fixed prosthesis. However, the use of this treatment option has been limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of dentists in Libya, including general dental practitioners (GDPs) and prosthodontics and restorative specialists (SPs), toward RBBs. Methods: in this study, questionnaires designed to survey knowledge of RBB performance factors were distributed to GDPs and SPs (n = 200). Specifically, opinions of GDPs and SPs regarding clinical, mechanical, technique and patient-dependent performance factors of RBBs were obtained. Average significance and tests were used to identify the frequency, pattern, and significance of the response variables identified. Results: A majority (78%) of the subjects reported using RBBs in less than 7% of their pros- prosthodontics cases. The most common reason for the limited clinical application of RBBs was observed poor retention (33%). In addition, SPs regarded the influence of enamel structure, number of pontics, cement type, RBB design, and surface treatment as "very significant" factors with respect to RBB survival. Overall, a statistically significant difference was observed between the responses of GDPs and SPs regarding their knowledge of performance factors for RBBs. Conclusion: In the light of this study, the different resin-bonded bridges appear to provide acceptable option for replacing single missing tooth. In comparison to SPs, GDPs reported greater disagreement with current standards for RBB success factors. Moreover, 52% of SPs and 61% of GDPs used RBBs for less than 7% of their prosthodontics cases. Therefore, continuing education opportunities are needed for practicing den-dentists, and undergraduate students need to receive greater exposure to the clinical application of RBBs.
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