FACTORS INFLUENCING THE SELECTION OF RESTORATIVE MATERIALS IN DENTAL-CARE IN FINLAND

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing t he selection of restorative materials. Methods: In 1992, a random samp le of Finnish dentists working in the public and private health care s ectors were asked to provide information on restorative treatments dur ing a given period. The study material consisted of 9886 restorations placed by 855 dentists. Results: The results indicate that private pra ctitioners sought the opinions of their adult patients regarding the s election of restorative material more frequently (26% of restorative t reatments) than their colleagues working in the public sector (11%; P< 0.001). The frequency of resin composite restorations increased and th at of amalgam and glass ionomer restorations decreased when the patien ts' opinions were sought. Forty percent of restorations provided by pu blic dentists and 69% of those completed by private practitioners were replacement restorations (P>0.001). Secondary caries was the main rea son for the replacement of amalgam restorations, whereas fractures of the teeth and restorations were the main reasons for the replacement o f resin composite restorations. Conclusion: The results indicate that patients' opinions have a strong influence on the selection of restora tive materials. A large proportion of the restorative treatment studie d comprised replacement restorations. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd.