Selection of restorative materials in general dental practice in Sweden

The aim of this study was to record any differences in the selection of materials in private dental practices in Sweden during 1993-95, after a ban on amalgam had been proposed by politicians, compared with those obtained in a similar survey in 1978-79. A total of 177 clinicians participated in the present survey, which recorded the total number of restorations they placed and the number of composite, amalgam, and glass ionomers inserted in the treatment of primary caries and for replacement of restorations. Furthermore, the number of intact amalgam restorations replaced by composite and the number and types of inlays and laminates cemented were accounted for. Marked changes in the selection of direct restorative materials were noted in the present study compared with the survey in 1978-79. Resin-based composite materials are taking over the routine posterior restorative material, also in stress-bearing areas. Glass ionomer restorative materials are used preferentially in the treatment of primary caries. The use of amalgam restorations has decreased in relative and absolute numbers. Inlays are infrequently used but, when used, usually include three or more surfaces, and ceramic materials predominate.