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Placement and replacement of restorations by selected practitioners
1School of Dental Science, The University of Melbourne. m.tyas@unimelb.edu.au
Australian Dental Journal
|July 30, 2005
Summary
Dental restorations in Australia show resin composite is popular, but amalgam lasts longest despite higher fracture risk. Secondary caries is the main reason for replacing dental fillings.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Restorative Dentistry
- Clinical Dentistry
Background:
- Limited Australian data exists on dental restoration placement and replacement reasons in general practice.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for improving dental care quality and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons for dental restoration placement and replacement in Australian general dental practice.
- To compare the performance and longevity of different restorative materials.
Main Methods:
- A survey of approximately 100 consecutive restorations placed by 28 general dental practitioners.
- Statistical analysis of coded data to identify associations between material type, restoration type, and reasons for replacement.
Main Results:
- Resin composite was the most frequently used material, followed by amalgam and glass-ionomer cement.
- Secondary caries was the primary reason for replacement, particularly in amalgam restorations.
- Amalgam restorations had a longer average service life (13.6 years) but a higher fracture rate compared to resin composite (7.1 years) and glass-ionomer cement (5.7 years).
Conclusions:
- Amalgam offers the longest clinical service life but presents a higher risk of tooth fracture.
- Secondary caries remains the principal cause for dental restoration replacement.
- The anticariogenic benefits of glass-ionomer cement require further investigation.