Factors relating to usage patterns of amalgam and resin composite for posterior restorations--a prospective analysis.
OBJECTIVE
This study prospectively analyzed the use of amalgam and resin composite posterior restorations placed by general dentists in relation to dentist, patient and cavity factors.


METHODS
One thousand posterior restorations placed by a representative sample of general dentists working in the Ministry of Health (MOH), Kuwait, during routine clinical practice were included. Information about the restorations was recorded using a survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors associated with the use of amalgam versus tooth coloured restoratives.


RESULTS
Dentists chose amalgam for 30.8% of the 1000 restorations. Dentists with longer work experience (>15 years) were more likely to choose amalgam (OR=2.61, 95% CI=1.06, 6.40). Younger dentists (≤30 years) were less likely to choose amalgam (OR=0. 45, 95% CI=0.26, 0.77). Amalgam was more likely to be chosen for patients with poor oral hygiene (OR=1.58, 95% CI=1.08, 2.32) and a higher number (≥4) of restorations (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.07, 1.94) with large cavity sizes (OR=6.33, 95% CI=3.88, 10.32). Tooth-coloured restorations were more likely to be chosen for cavities of smaller sizes.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of resin composite materials as the dominant choice among dentists in Kuwait reflects the trend worldwide. Nevertheless, clinicians still find a use for amalgam in posterior load-bearing teeth and in the high-caries risk population.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings give insight into factors influencing material usage under different clinical conditions and provides information about the perceived deficiencies or shortcomings of resin composite materials in a general dental practice setting. This information can be useful for identifying perceived barriers to the usage of newer restorative materials and finding ways to overcome them.
Department of Restorative Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait. Electronic address: mai.k@hsc.edu.kw.
Mai E
ME
Khalaf
Department of Restorative Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
Qasem D
QD
Alomari
Department of Restorative Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
Ridwaan
R
Omar
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000473:pathology; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D003657:Decision Making; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000737:chemistry*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000473:pathology; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000145:classification; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods*; D004497:Education, Dental; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006078:Government Programs; D006801:Humans; D007730:Kuwait; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000145:classification; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D011446:Prospective Studies
D003188:Composite Resins; D003764:Dental Materials; D003723:Dental Amalgam
Amalgam; Cavity; Composite; Dentist; Patient; Restoration