Mai E Khalaf
Kuwait University, Kuwait
Title: Factors relating to contemporary usage patterns of amalgam and resin composite for posterior restorations
Biography
Biography: Mai E Khalaf
Abstract
Objectives: This study analyzed the use of amalgam and resin composite for posterior restorations placed by general dentists in
relation to dentist, patient and cavity factors.
Methods: One thousand posterior restorations (n=1000) placed by a representative sample of general dentists working in the Ministry
of Health (MOH) Kuwait during routine clinical practice were assessed and information about the restorations was recorded using a
survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors associated with
the use of amalgam versus tooth colored restoratives.
Results: Dentists chose amalgam for 30.8% of the 1000 restorations. Dentists with longer experience (>15 years) were more likely
to choose amalgam (OR=3.78, 95% CI=1.52, 9.38). Amalgam was more likely to be chosen for patients with poor oral hygiene
(OR=1.58, 95% CI=1.08, 2.32) and a high number (≥4) restorations (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.07, 1.94) with large cavity sizes (OR = 6.33,
95% CI = 3.88, 10.32). Tooth colored restorations were more likely to be chosen for small cavity 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.