Reasons for Placement and Replacement of Resin-based Composite Restorations in Greece

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the placement and replacement of resin-based composite restorations and related factors in a private practice in Greece. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 1500 subjects, 720 males and 780 females, aged 18 to 52 years old. The clinical examination involved calculation of the number of teeth with primary caries and failed-restored teeth. In addition the relationship between placed and replaced composite restorations and the following aspects was assessed: gender, cavity type, tooth type and evaluation of longevity of the replaced composite restorations. Statistical analysis performed using the chi-square test. A p value less than 5% was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The total number of restorations placed were 1940; 1202 of those (62%) were placed for first time while 738 (38%) were replaced. The main reason for the placement of new composite resin restorations was primary caries (60%), while secondary caries was the most frequent reason for the replacement (48%) of those. A statistically significant differ-ence was recorded between males and females regarding the composite restorations placed and replaced (p = 0.00082), the type of cavity of placed restorations (p = 0.00062), and the type of cavity of replaced ones (p = 0.00038). The median lon-gevity of the replaced resin composite restorations was approximately 4 years (47%). CONCLUSION: Dental caries, primary and secondary, followed by tooth discoloration and loss of filling were the main rea-sons for placed and replaced composite restorations.