Knowledge, attitude, and practice on the use of desensitizing agents on reducing the dentinal hypersensitivity following vital tooth preparation among dental practitioners in and around Puducherry – A cross-sectional questionnaire survey

Background: Hypersensitivity is the most common clinical problem which is encountered by most of dental patients undergoing vital tooth preparation for fixed crown prosthesis. Evidence in the literature on the knowledge, awareness, and practice on the use of desensitizing agents in the management of hypersensitivity following tooth preparation is minimal. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the dentists on the use of desensitizing agents in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity following a vital tooth preparation. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among the general dentists using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated using subject experts and the final questionnaire, with 14 questions, was aimed to elicit the knowledge, attitude, and practice on the use of desensitizing agents. The questionnaire was distributed among 150 dentists and they were asked to submit responses within 3 weeks. Results: Ninety-five general practitioners responded for the questionnaire and it was found that hypersensitivity is a common clinical sign among 66% of general practitioners, with 10–50% of patients reporting to them. Awareness of the use of desensitizers was more among the specialty group than the other groups, with potassium nitrate being more preferred (25.3%) followed by GLUMA and silver diamine fluoride.