Comparison of the convergence angle in full-crown abutment teeth prepared by the preclinical and senior students in faculty of dentistry, Tabriz university of medical sciences, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: One of the main factors in the successful treatment of fixed prosthodontics is preparation of the teeth such that proper retention of the crown is provided. The aim of the study was to compare the convergence angle in full-crown abutment teeth prepared by the preclinic and senior students in the Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional/analytical study was conducted on dental students in the Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran in 2016. The sample size was determined randomly at n = 30 for each group. Preparation angle for each specimen was measured and recorded by digital photographs and Autocad software. The results were analyzed with appropriate statistical tests. Results: The results showed that preclinic and senior students prepared the anterior teeth with average values of 22.13 آ± 9.59 to 18.53 آ± 8.87آ° and 18.46 آ± 11.08 to 14.6 آ± 6.32آ° respectively, from the buccolingual and mesiodistal aspects. Concerning posterior teeth, preclinic and senior students prepared them with average values of 21.4 آ± 10.24 to 22.46 آ± 8.99آ° and 19.46 آ± 8.09 to 21.13 آ± 8.83آ° respectively. Although the average value of convergence angle in both aspects was higher for preclinic students than for the senior students, t-test for independent groups revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Either preclinic or senior students prepared the teeth with a convergence angle, i.e., higher than ideal. However, all the recorded angles were within the range of previous studies. é 2017, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd. All rights reserved.