Dentists' and parents' perceptions of health, esthetics, and treatment of maxillary primary incisors.

PURPOSE Dentists' and parents' assessment of primary maxillary incisors regarding attractiveness, perceived health, and treatment preferences were investigated in this study. METHODS Sample groups of 103 general dentists, 67 pediatric dentists, 97 parents of children in low-income families and 112 parents of children in high-income families completed questionnaires presenting color photographs and radiographs of maxillary incisors. Questions addressed treatment need, health beliefs, and demographics. RESULTS All groups recognized grossly carious teeth and carious teeth with visible sinus tracts as unhealthy and unattractive. All agreed that grossly carious teeth warranted extraction (dentists = 92%, parents = 73%). For carious teeth with sinus tracts, dentists favored extraction and restorations while parents favored fluoride application. Dentists rated a dark incisor as healthy and not requiring treatment. Parents rated a dark incisor as neutral for attractiveness and health, but favored extraction or restoration. All groups found anterior steel crowns esthetically unacceptable. Trust of the dentist, pain for the child, and dentist skill was important for parents in treatment plan acceptance. CONCLUSIONS A dentist's inexperience in pediatrics may result in a failure to diagnose or recognize the significance of some conditions. Proper parental education can better inform parents on dental conditions requiring prompt professional attention. Although parents today are more involved in clinical decision-making, they still rely on the dentist's expertise and advice.