The use of amalgam in pediatric dentistry

Amalgam has been widely utilized to restore posterior teeth in pediatric dentistry, and is still taught as the material of choice for Class I and Class II restorations in many dental schools in the United States and Canada. Results of clinical trials are difficult to compare due to their heterogenicity, mainly due to differences in caries risk, operator skills, study duration, or patients' age. Thus, the different studies report failure rates of amalgams ranging from 12% to over 70%. Treatment of caries should meet the needs of each particular patient, based on his/her caries risk. In general, for small occlusal lesions, a conservative preventive resin restoration, using composite or compomer in conjunction with sealant, would be more appropriate than the classic Class I amalgam preparation. For proximal lesions, amalgam would be indicated for 2-surface Class II preparations that do not extend beyond the line angles of primary teeth. This recommendation might not be appropriate for high-risk patients or for restoring first primary molars in children 4 years of age and younger where stainless steel crowns have demonstrated better longevity. Currently, amalgam demonstrates the best clinical success for Class II restorations that extend beyond the proximal line angles of permanent molars.