Restoration longevity and analysis of reasons for the placement and replacement of restorations provided by vocational dental practitioners and theirtrainers in the United Kingdom

Objective: This study examined the reasons given by vocational dental pract itioners and their trainers for placement and replacement of restorations. Method and materials: Each participant was asked to record the reason for p lacement or replacement of restorations. The age and class of the restorati on being replaced were also recorded, as was the material being used and th e material being replaced (if known). Results: Details of the reason for pl acement or replacement was received on 9,031 restorations. Of the restorati ons placed, 53.9% were amalgam, 29.8% were resin composite, and 16.3% were glass-ionomer cement. The reasons for placement or replacement of the resto rations were principally primary caries (41.3%), secondary caries (21.9%), tooth fracture (6.4%), marginal fracture or degradation (6.1%), and noncari ous defects (5.8%). Of the amalgam restorations, most were placed to restor e Class II and Glass I preparations (65.8% and 29.9%, respectively). Of the composite restorations, most were placed in Class III and Class V cavities (35.5% and 26.3%, respectively). Glass-ionomer cement was used predominant ly to restore Class V cavities (63.5%). Conclusion: Secondary caries was th e most prevalent reason for replacement of restorations, regardless of mate rial. Statistical analysis indicated that amalgam provided significantly gr eater longevity than composite or glass-ionomer materials.