Abstract
Objective To conduct a systematic review of the literature on the longevity of routine dental restorations in permanent posterior teeth and to identify and examine factors influencing its variability.
Data sources Medline, Embase, Cinhal, Dissertation Abstracts, and ERIC were searched from their inception as well as SCISearch and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 2 1998). Bibliographies of identified studies were searched and attempts to identify unpublished literature by contacting topic experts were made. Key search terms used dental restoration, longevity, failure, durability, survival analysis, life table analysis.
Study selection Studies relating to class I and II restoration in permanent teeth not requiring any additional form of retention were included. Independent assessment of the studies was carried out and levels of agreement assessed using Kappa. When agreements could not be resolved studies were excluded.
Results Eight of 58 relevant research reports met the inclusion criteria. They suggested that 50% of all restorations last 10–20 years, although both higher and lower median survival times were reported. The findings were supported by the totality of studies reviewed. However, variability was substantial. Restoration type, materials, the patient, the operator, the practice environment and type of care system appeared to influence longevity.
Conclusion Many studies were imperfect in design. Those considered to be the most appropriate for analysis were too limited to undertake a formal statistical exploration. Therefore, there remains a need for definitive randomised controlled trials of restoration longevity, of sound design and adequate power, employing standardised assessments and appropriate methods of analysis.
MC Downer, NA Azli, R Bedi, DR Moles, DJ Setchell. How long do routine dental restorations last? A systematic review. BDJ 1999; 187:432–439
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Address for reprints: MC Downer, Emeritus Professor, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD, UK.
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Tyas, M. Half of simple restorations last 10–20 years. Evid Based Dent 2, 41 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400028
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400028