Amalgam Phase-Down Part 1: UK-Based Posterior Restorative Material and Technique Use

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Restorative dentistry
• Public health dentistry

Background:

• A European Union amalgam phase-down is underway.
• The United Kingdom's publicly funded healthcare system has historically favored amalgam use.
• Current amalgam use and alternatives in the UK require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify direct posterior restorative techniques and material usage in UK primary care.
• To assess reported postoperative complication incidence for different restorative materials.
• To compare practices and outcomes between dentist and therapist groups.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 11,092 UK primary care clinicians.
• Questionnaires gathered data on direct posterior restorations and material-related issues.
• Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing were employed.

Main Results:

• Amalgam was the most used material for molars, composite for premolars.
• Composite restorations required 45% more time and cost compared to amalgam.
• Higher incidences of food packing and sensitivity were reported with composite restorations.

Conclusions:

• Amalgam use is high in UK's publicly funded primary care.
• Composite, the main alternative, is more time-consuming and costly with higher complication rates.
• Improved techniques and education are needed to manage the ongoing amalgam phase-down.