Dentistry

Factors relating to contemporary usage patterns of amalgam and resin composite for posterior restorations

19^th American Dental Congress

December 08-10, 2016 Phoenix, USA

Mai E Khalaf

Kuwait University, Kuwait

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Dentistry

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.

Biography :

Mai E Khalaf is an Assistant Professor at the Department of General Dental Practice, Kuwait University. She has completed a two-year advanced education in General Dentistry and Master of Arts at Columbia University, NY, USA. She has obtained board certification in General Dentistry and is currently involved in preclinical and clinical teaching at Kuwait University. She is involved in research mostly in the field of restorative dentistry.

Email: mai.k@hsc.edu.kw