Knowledge, awareness, and practice of various impression techniques for removable partial denture among practicing dentists in Chennai.

Background: Removable partial dentures (RPD) still form a significant part of treatment modalities in prosthodontics. Most distal extension RPD is constructed from single reversible or irreversible hydrocolloid impressions. Aim: The aim of this study was to check the awareness and utilization of different impression techniques used for RPD. Materials and Methodology: A self-structured questionnaire was designed consisting of 18 questions regarding various impression techniques used for RPD and dentists were also asked about the most common technique used by them. The survey was made on Google forms and distributed to dentists through electronic media. Results: The response rate was 93%. 97.8% dentists used alginate for the diagnostic impression of which 61.3% used medium setting alginate and 92.5% used perforated full tray for making the impression. 94.6% were aware about anatomic and functional impressions. 2% glutaraldehyde is most commonly used for disinfecting impressions by the dentists. Conclusion: Although dentists are aware of various impression techniques, maximum of them use selective pressure technique in their clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]