Impression Materials and Techniques used in the Fabrication of Implant-supported Fixed Partial Dentures: A Survey among Dental Practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: The objectives of this study were to determine the attitude of the dental practitioners practicing dental implants in Saudi Arabia toward the restorative phase of implant dentistry. In particular, this study investigated the most accepted impression materials and techniques used to make impressions for dental implants among these practitioners and their opinions regarding the clinical factors that may influence the decision-making process for the selection of impression materials and techniques. Materials and Methods: An email questionnaire, of a closed response format, was sent to dental practitioners across Saudi Arabia. Returned responses were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results: A total of 315 dental implant practitioners responded to this survey. The majority (about 85%) of the respondents preferred using additional silicone and polyether as an impression material, and 70% of them used the open-tray technique. About two-thirds of the respondents agreed that the presence of angulated implants and sub-gingival implant depth adversely affect the impression's accuracy. About 63% of the respondents preferred splinting the copings before taking the impression for multiple implants whereas 71% confirmed the seating of the copings with radiographs. Only 45% of the respondents used the verification jig while taking the impression. Significant relationships between the choice of the impression technique and some of the demographic characteristics of the respondents were noted. The open-tray technique was more used by non-Saudi practitioners (P = 0.008) and those respondents who had an implant degree (P = 0.036). Conclusions: It can be concluded from the current study survey that, most of the dentists with postgraduate diploma or board qualification in dental implant followed the well-documented technique and proven materials.