ASSESSMENT OF UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON ESTHETIC SMILE AND THE PERIODONTAL TREATMENT OPTIONS TO ACHIEVE ESTHETIC SMILE- A SURVEY

Apoorva Sokke Mallikarjunappa, Kommana Poojitha*, Suchetha Aghanashini, Sapna Nadiger, Darshan Basavaraj Mundinamane and Reshmi V. Nair

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Periodontics, which is among the most rapidly developing dental specialties focuses on the soft and hard tissues which maintains the tooth structure. The contour, colour, and general aesthetics of the gingiva and related soft tissues have received less focus in the curriculum for the undergraduate dental students. Aim: To assess the knowledge of final year undergraduate dental students on soft tissue factors effecting esthetic smile and its periodontal treatment options. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based survey, conducted from May 2022 to October 2022 in Bangalore city. Questionnaire consisting of 10 questions related to soft tissue factors affecting esthetic smile and their various periodontal treatment options were assessed. Results: Total responses obtained were 505. More than 50% of the students were aware about the factors affecting an esthetic smile like gummy smile, black triangles, aberrant frenum, pigmented gums and the results are statistically significant (p- <0.005). More than 50% of them were aware about the periodontal treatment options, except for black triangles (only 23% were aware). Conclusion: Dental curriculum should stress up on the various factors and treatment options available to create an esthetic smile, for better patient education and management by the under graduate dental students.

Keywords: Aesthetics; Black triangle; Depigmentation; Gummy smile; Aberrant frenum.