Reasons for placement and replacement of direct restorative materials in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to report the reasons for placement and replacement of direct restorations in private general dental practices in Brazil.


METHODS
Thirty-seven practitioners recorded information regarding 16 consecutive direct restorations placed by themselves in a 4-week period. The information recorded reported the patient's age, gender, tooth number, the class of restorations, the restorative material used, and the reasons for placement and replacement of amalgam and tooth-colored restorations. The data were statistically analyzed through chi-square tests.


RESULTS
The average age of the patients was 37 years, with female patients occurring more frequently. Of all the restorations placed (n = 551), 39.75% were first-time placements, while 60.25% were replacements. For first-time restorations, the primary reason for placement was primary caries, followed by noncarious tooth substance loss. For amalgam restorations, the main reason for replacement was to obtain improved esthetic appearance with a tooth-colored material. For restorations of resin composite, secondary caries was the principal reason of failure. The resin composite was statistically (P <.01) the most indicated material (88.93%) for the placement and replacement of restorations.


CONCLUSIONS
Replacements have been the main reason for performing direct restorations, and the chosen restoration material was resin composite.
Braga
Sheila Regina Maia
SR
Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. sheilabr@usp.br <sheilabr@usp.br>
Vasconcelos
Beatriz Tholt
BT
Macedo
Manoel Roberto de Paula
MR
Martins
Vinicius R Geraldo
VR
Sobral
Maria Angela Pita
MA
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019233:Retreatment / Q000379:methods; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000628:therapy*
D000180:Acrylic Resins; C029012:Composite Dental Resin; D003188:Composite Resins; D011140:Polyurethanes