Preferencias y criterios de selección de protocolos adhesivos en restauraciones con resina compuesta por odontólogos de Guayaquil, 2026.

Abstract

Introduction: The selection and handling of adhesive systems are critical factors for the longevity of composite resin restorations. Despite material simplification, clinical variations in hybridization protocols persist depending on the exposed substrate. Objective: To establish the preferences and patterns of use of adhesive systems based on professional and clinical factors among dentists in the city of Guayaquil during 2026. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study with a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach was conducted. The sample consisted of 138 active clinical dentists. Data were collected using a validated 11-question digital self-report questionnaire. Statistical analysis involved the calculation of absolute frequencies and percentages. Results: In preparations limited to enamel, total etching was the predominant protocol (70.3%). However, in deep dentin, a radical technical shift toward selective enamel etching was observed (65.9%). This protocol was more frequently adopted by younger professionals with less than one year of experience (83.3%) compared to clinicians with over 20 years of practice (33.3%). Active scrubbing of the adhesive was systematically performed by 93.4% of selective etching users. Although 81.2% of respondents reported postoperative sensitivity in their patients, 57.2% correctly stated that the adhesive system itself is not the direct cause. Conclusions: Dentists in Guayaquil demonstrate a biologically conservative clinical approach by preferring selective etching in deep cavities, a behavior strongly influenced by recent academic training. Adhesive success relies heavily on operative discipline and strict compliance with physical handling steps, such as active scrubbing and moisture control.