title: A comparative study of bonded and non-bonded amalgam restorations in general dental practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study compared the performance of non-bonded and bonded amalgam restorations in a general dental practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a general dental practice of amalgam restorations, placed by a single operator. Non-bonded amalgam restorations were analysed over a ten-year period and bonded amalgam restorations over a five-year period. Survival analysis using the Kaplan-Maier method was carried out and an analysis of postoperative sensitivity and reasons for failure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Each group consisted of 231 restorations in 135 patients. Survival rates of non-bonded amalgam restorations were 72.2% over five years and 51.0% over ten years. The survival rate for bonded amalgam restorations was 85.0% over five years. The difference was significant (p <0.0001, 95% CI 1.510-3.226). Analysis of postoperative sensitivity and reasons for failure were inconclusive.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Within the limitations of the study, bonded amalgam restorations demonstrated greater longevity over non-bonded amalgam restorations and offer significant benefit to patients. Clinicians may feel confident to offer bonded amalgam restorations for their patients as a better alternative than non-bonded amalgam restorations.
authors.affiliation: Amblecote Dental Care, 181 Amblecote Road, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 2PR. paul@amblecotedental.co.uk
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Worskett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D001840:Dental Bonding / Q000379:methods*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy*; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods*; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D003723:Dental Amalgam