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Repairing ditched amalgam restorations is less time and tooth structure-consuming than replacement
T L Lenzi1, M Marquezan, G C Bonini
1Department of Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2227-Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
Summary
Maintaining ditched amalgam restorations by polishing and sealing preserves tooth structure and takes less time than replacement. This approach is a viable conservative treatment for primary molars.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Restorative Dentistry
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Ditched amalgam restorations in primary molars require intervention.
- Evaluating conservative maintenance versus replacement is crucial for preserving tooth structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare dental structure loss and treatment time for different management strategies of ditched amalgam restorations in primary molars.
Main Methods:
- Forty ditched amalgam restorations were treated using four methods: polishing, amalgam replacement, resin composite replacement, and flowable resin composite filling.
- Dental structure loss was quantified using stereomicroscopy and image analysis.
- Treatment time was recorded in seconds.
Main Results:
- Dental structure loss occurred in the amalgam and resin composite replacement groups.
- Polishing and flowable resin composite filling required significantly less time than replacement procedures.
Conclusions:
- Maintenance by polishing and sealing ditched amalgam restorations preserves dental structure.
- Conservative maintenance is a time-efficient alternative to restoration replacement in primary molars.
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