Clinical Significance
Although composite and amalgam restorations are known to have comparable longevity, both have challenges associated with 3-surface
The survival data for larger posterior dental restorations vary widely based on the restoration material used, the extent of the restoration, the type of tooth involved, and the patient's age. However, understanding the factors that contribute to the failure of large posterior restorations could be of great benefit to clinicians and researchers, who could better plan for greater longevity of their restorations. The data from the Helsinki City Public Dental Service were used to detail the
The electronic patient files were searched to identify patients who had received 2- and 3-surface posterior composite and amalgam restorations. The 5542 restorations (3051 patients) identified were tracked from 2002 to 2015. Annual failure rates (AFRs) were calculated for type of tooth, for size of restoration, and for restorative material used. Comparisons were made between these AFRs.
The patients' mean age was 27.6 years, with a range from 25 to 30 years. Sixty-three percent of the sample were women. Mean Decayed-Missing-Filled Tooth (DMFT) score was 13.2 for the sample, with a slightly higher score for men than for women. Mean dental index (DT) was 4.2 for men and 2.8 for women, with a sample mean of 3.3. Sixty-one percent of the restorations were in women. Molars were involved more than premolars, and composite was used more often than amalgam. Gender differences were
As expected, the longevity of restorations that cover multiple surfaces is shorter than for those covering fewer surfaces. In addition, the longevity of posterior composite restorations is comparable to that for amalgam restorations. However, upper jaw restorations had not previously been known to last longer than lower jaw restorations. Clinical Significance Although composite and amalgam restorations are known to have comparable longevity, both have challenges associated with 3-surface
Palotie U, Eronen AK, Vehkalahti K, et al: Longevity of 2- and 3-surface restorations in posterior teeth of 25- to 30-year-olds attending Public Dental Service—A 13-year observation. J Dent 62:13-17, 2017
Reprints available from U Palotie, City of Helsinki, Dept of Social Services and Health Care, Metropolitan Area Dept of Oral Special Care, PO Box 6670, FI-00099 Helsinki, Finland; e-mail: [email protected]