Abstract

ADAM, RZ  and  NAIDOO, S. The use and repair of dental amalgam restorations as practised in South Africa. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2017, vol.72, n.8, pp.366-371. ISSN 0375-1562.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2519-0105/2017/v72no8a4.

INTRODUCTION: Research has confirmed that the replacement of defective restorations is the most commonly performed procedure in general practice. Any defect or sign of secondary caries often led to the complete replacement of a dental restoration. The repair or refurbishment of defective dental amalgam restorations is now considered best practice over replacements. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use and repair of dental amalgam restorations as practised in South Africa. METHODS: Three hundred and twenty-four dentists participated in an electronic cross sectional survey to gather biological data and information on the management of defective amalgam restorations. Analyses included Analysis of Variance (Anova) tests, Chi-square tests, paired t tests and Friedman's test (p-value of <0.05) (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA. RESULTS: Most dentists (n=62%) reported almost never using dental amalgam and an almost equal number (n=63%) repaired defective amalgam restorations. Resin composite was the most popular material for the repair (n=62%) and replacement (n=78%) of defective amalgam restorations. Dentists in this study relied on their clinical experience to derive their repair techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Dental amalgam was no longer a preferred material for the restoration of posterior teeth in South Africa. Resin composite was the most widely used to repair or replace defective amalgam restorations. Dentists practised the repair of defective restorations.

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