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Dentists' molar restoration choices and longevity: a web-based survey
Stephen F Rosenstiel1, Martin F Land, Robert G Rashid
1The Ohio State University, College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH 43218, USA. rosentiel.l@osu.edu
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|April 30, 2004
Summary
Dentists often choose traditional, non-esthetic dental restorations for their own teeth, prioritizing longevity over appearance. Amalgam and gold restorations show high long-term survival rates, influencing professional choices.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Dental Materials Science
- Restorative Dentistry
Background:
- The increasing demand for esthetic dental restorations has raised questions about their long-term durability compared to traditional options.
- Understanding dentists' personal restorative choices can offer insights into professional judgment regarding restoration longevity and material selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the types of dental restorations dentists select for their own molars.
- To estimate the longevity of various dental restorations based on dentists' personal choices.
Main Methods:
- A web-based survey was distributed to dentists, collecting demographic data and charting information for up to eight molar teeth, including estimated restoration longevity.
- Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, was employed to evaluate the collected data from 757 valid responses.
Main Results:
- Amalgam (36%) and gold inlay/onlay (13%) were common choices for dentists' own restorations, with many exceeding 20 years in longevity (58% for amalgam, 48% for gold).
- While esthetic restorations are increasingly placed, traditional materials like amalgam and gold demonstrate significant long-term survival rates.
- Dentists' gender, graduation year, and practice location showed significant associations with their restorative choices.
Conclusions:
- Dentists frequently opt for non-esthetic, traditional restorations for their own teeth, suggesting a continued professional value placed on longevity.
- The data indicate that dentists do not overwhelmingly favor esthetic alternatives for their personal restorative needs, often choosing materials with proven long-term performance.