The influence of restorative material on the survival rate of restorations in primary molars

Author(s): Anastasios G. Papathanasiou, DDS, MDSc, MRCD(C), et al
Journal: Pediatric Dentistry
Volume (number): 16(4)
Month, Year: July/August 1994
Major topic: Longevity of restorations in primary molars
Type of Article: study
Main Purpose: To examine the survival rate of restorations placed in primary molars.
Overview of method of research: 128 patients with data on 604 restorations met the criteria to be included in the final sample. The restorative materials used in the study were preformed crowns, amalgam, composite, and glass ionomer. Each restoration could have one of 3 possible fates: failed, withdrawn (patient was lost to follow-up or the tooth naturally exfoliated) or censored (the tooth survived intact to the censor date). It was estimated that LA was used on 90% of the restorations and rubber-dam on 60%. The survival time of a restoration was an estimate of the number of months between the placement of a restoration and when it was terminated (once one of the fates could be attributed).
Findings: A higher frequency of failed restorations was observed in the GI and composite group, while a higher frequency of withdrawn restorations was observed in the SSC and amalgam group. For SSC and amalgam restorations, the mean survival time was more than 5 years and the 5-year survival estimate values were 68% for SSC and 60% for amalgam. The mean survival time was 32 months for composite and 12 months for GI. The difference in survival rate success was small in the first year of study, but increased as the restorations were followed for a longer period of time.
Key points/Summary: The order of the survival rate of the restorations, from highest to lowest, was SSC, amalgam, composite, and GI.
Assessment of article: Written 15 years ago – this knowledge seems pretty standard now.