| dc.description.abstract | The aim of this prospective, blind, and randomized
clinical trial was to assess the effectiveness
of repair of localized clinical defects
in amalgam restorations that were initially
scheduled for replacement. A cohort of 20
patients with 40 (Class I and Class II) amalgam
restorations that presented one or more clinical
features that deviated from the ideal
(Bravo or Charlie) according to US Public
Health Service criteria, were randomly assigned
to either the repair or the replacement
group—A: repair, n = 19; and B: replacement, n
= 21. Two examiners who had calibration
expertise evaluated the restorations at baseline
and 10 years after according to seven
parameters: marginal occlusal adaptation, anatomic
form, surface roughness, marginal
staining, contact, secondary caries, and luster.
After 10 years, 30 restorations (75%) were
evaluated (Group A: n = 17; Group B: n = 13).
Repaired and replaced amalgam restorations
showed similar survival outcomes regarding
marginal defects and secondary caries in patients
with low and medium caries risk, and
most of the restorations were considered clinically acceptable after 10 years. Repair treatment
increased the potential for tooth longevity,
using a minimally interventional
procedure. All restorations trend to downgrade
over time. | |
