Reasons for placement and replacement of dental restorations in the United States Navy Dental Corps.

This study investigated the reasons for placement and replacement of dental restorations in the United States Navy Dental Corps. The relationship between restoration longevity and the reasons for replacement of restorations was also studied. Data on newly placed dental restorations were collected from restorative dentists working at 11 Naval Dental Clinics located throughout the United States. Participating dentists at each clinic were asked to collect data for all restorations they placed during a two-week period. Data on 4633 restorations were collected from 88 dentists. The most common reasons for placement of restorations varied by age category. Primary caries was the most common reason for patients 18-34 years of age, while noncarious reasons for placement were most common for patients 35 years of age and older. The most common reason for replacement of restorations was secondary caries. For all replacement reasons amalgam restorations had greater longevity than composite resin restorations.