Sir, the article by R. D. Jackson on Class II composite restorations1 describes the provision of a beautifully finished composite filling. Over the years I have seen many articles, lavishly photographed, showing such restorations.

Usually they describe the amalgam fillings they are replacing as 'failing' and 'having recurrent caries'. To me, they often look like long-standing amalgams which have provided years of excellent service and have the potential of doing so for years to come.

Is there any chance we could be told why they are failing or see a pre-operative radiograph to show the caries, otherwise my incredulous nature makes me think that the either operator has a far more critical eye than I or, perhaps, they have been replaced for aesthetic reasons alone.

Though there is nothing wrong in that, I feel that I would rather be told.