ABSTRACT:
Aim: The aim of this article is to conduct a questionnaire based survey on the various impression materials and techniques used by practitioners in Saveetha Dental College, Chennai. Background: Prosthodontics, as a speciality, has evolved abundantly in the past few years. Various impression materials such as elastomeric impression materials, irreversible hydrocolloids, etc and techniques have come into use today and all of them have some advantages and disadvantages based on the situation for use. A questionnaire will be prepared and 50 practitioners in Saveetha Dental College, Chennai will be asked to fill it in order to assess the same. Result: Irreversible hydrocolloid was the most commonly used material for primary impressions. Most practitioners adopted the selective pressure theory while making the impressions. Majority of the practitioners use a spacer covering only the secondary stress bearing and relief areas. The thickness of the spacer is decided based on the amount of relief by most dentists. A spacer is used along with light body addition silicone by the majority. Green stick compound is the material of choice for border molding the custom tray. Polyvinylsiloxane has taken over eugenol pastes as the material for making final impressions. Consideration for excessive movable tissue is provided by making relief holes. The cost of the material does not significantly influence the choice of material. Reason: As a wide range of products are now available for use, this survey will help provide a better understanding about the most convenient and preferred materials by practitioners.