Reasons for placement and replacement of amalgam restorations in Jordan

Abstract

Aims: To record the reasons for placement and replacement of amalgam restorations in Jordan, to determine the use of amalgam restorations in common cavity types and to collect data on the age of the replaced amalgam restorations. Subjects and setting: Dentists in Jordan (n=241). Method: Cross-sectional study using postal survey backed up with personal contact. Data was recorded for all restorations placed or replaced over a period of one month. Results: Information was collected on 3,166 restorations from patients aged 9 to 66 years. Of all restorations, 54.8% were first time placements while 45.2% were replacements of old restorations. The major reason for the first time restorations was primary caries, while that for replacement was secondary caries (28.5%) followed by broken and lost restorations (20.4%), root canal therapy (17%), tooth fracture (12%), pain or sensitivity (8.8%), poor margins (8.5%). Conclusions: In Jordan, the main reason for first placement of amalgam restoration is primary caries, the main reason for replacement is secondary caries. © 2001 FDI/Wortd Dental Press.