Awareness and Perception on Periodontal Aesthetics Among Dentists

Introduction: Periodontics, a rapidly growing specialty in dentistry, focuses on the soft and hard tissues that support the teeth. However, less emphasis has been placed on soft tissue aesthetics, including the facial shape, lip position, and the appearance of the gingiva, such as its contours, color, and overall look which is changing with time and recent advancements. Aim: To evaluate the awareness and perception on periodontal esthetics among dentists. Study design: A web-based questionnaire study Material and Methods: A web-based questionnaire study consisting of 26 questions related to the awareness and perception on periodontal esthetics among dentists. The questionnaire was circulated among the dentists and a total of 301 responses were recorded. Results: The survey shows that most respondents are young dental professionals, with 35.5% being familiar with periodontal aesthetic procedures. Clinical necessity and patient requests are the primary drivers of these treatments, though most respondents rarely discuss aesthetic options with patients. Commonly performed procedures include gingival contouring and smile designing, but there is limited use of advanced technologies and training. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for better education and training in periodontal aesthetics, as well as increased patient awareness. Technological advancements and rising demand are expected to shape the future of the field, but challenges such as costs and stigma still need to be addressed to improve accessibility and patient engagement.