Survival analysis of amalgam restorations in long-term recall patients

The longevity of amalgam restorations in premolars and first and second molars in long-term recall patients has been calculated by means of survival analysis. The present retrospective longitudinal study includes information from 32 patients and their records over a time period of 17 years. The data were recorded by six dentists. The estimated time of 90% survival was 7 years. After 17 years the survival estimate decreased to 78%, indicating a favorable longevity of amalgam restorations in patients taken care of in an established recall system.