Initial placement and replacement of amalgam restorations: a retrospective review

Restorative dentistry comprises a large amount of dental treatment. There is subjectivity among dentists concerning the reasons for initial placement and replacement of amalgam restorations. Different instructional methods and learned experiences while in private practice has much to do with this subjectivity even though, specific criteria have been established for standardization of initial placement and replacement of amalgam restorations. There are many reasons for the failure of amalgam restorations. Recurrent caries and material/tooth interface defects have been and are among the leading reasons for replacement. There are also differences in opinion among dentists concerning diagnosis of primary carious lesions.