A cor da pele pode influenciar a indicação de tratamentos odontológicos? Um estudo baseado na prática clínica

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate if the color of patient`s skin affect the decision of clinicians regards the treatment plan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Aracaju/SE. Photos of two clinical cases (presence of remaining crown and amalgam filling in premolar) were manipulated in computer to change the color of skin and soft tissues to make similar to those of black patients or maintained in the original color (white patient). One-hundred clinicians were randomly selected based on list from CRO-SE and, then, randomly allocated to chosen one of pre-defined treatment options for black or white patients (n=50). The form was elaborated using Google Forms and applied with a tablet. A descriptive analysis determining the relative and absolute frequencies of variables of interest was carried out. Results: Indication of exodontia was more prevalent for black patients (4.3%) than for white one (2%). Indication of restoration replacement of composite was higher for white patient (78.3%) than black one (67.4%). When the causes of restoration replacement were compared, there was no difference between restoration failure and esthetic concern, while the restoration failure was largely the main cause reported for black patients. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that external factors other than clinical conditions may affect the chosen of treatment by clinicians, including matters related to color skin of patient.