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Dental Materials

Is there a difference in longevity between direct posterior amalgam and resin composite restorations?

This summary is based on the article published in Operative Dentistry: Longevity of Direct Restorations in Stress-Bearing Posterior Cavities: A Retrospective Study (September/October 2013)

Y-J Rho, C. Namgung, B-H Jin, B-S Lim, B-H Cho

Context

In posterior stress-bearing occlusal cavities, the longevity of resin composite restorations (RCs) was lower than amalgam restorations, while the clinical performance of the restorations in use was not different. RCs must be observed with periodic follow-ups for early detection and timely repair of failures.

Purpose of the Study

The aims of this retrospective clinical study were to compare the longevities of direct posterior amalgam restorations (AMs) and resin composite restorations (RCs) that were subjected to occlusal stresses and to investigate variables predictive of their outcome.

Key Findings

  • The prognostic variables, such as age, restorative material, tooth type, operator group, diagnosis, cavity classification, and gender, affected the longevity of the restorations.
  • However, among the restorations working in oral cavities, their clinical performance evaluated with modified US Public Health Service criteria showed no statistical difference between both restoratives.
  • The longevity of RCs was significantly lower than that of AMs, especially in molars.
  • In contrast to the short longevity of RCs relative to AMs, the clinical performance of RCs working in oral cavities was observed to be not different from that of AMs.
  • This suggests that once a RC starts to fail, it happens in a rapid progression. As posterior esthetic restorations, RCs must be observed carefully with periodic follow-ups for early detection and timely repair of failures.

 

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