An Audit of Indication, Distribution, and Failure of Direct Composite Restoration in a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background: Currently, the move to phase down/phase out Amalgam as a direct restorative material has made composite restoration presently the most used direct tooth-coloured restoration in all teeth. Aim: The aim is to assess the indication, distribution, and failure of direct composite restorations placed in a tertiary teaching hospital over a period. Methodology: A three-year retrospective audit of composite restorations placed in a Nigeria tertiary facility. Data concerning composite cases were extracted from the case files using a pro forma. Sociodemographics, type of procedure, type of teeth, shade of composite, and failure of restoration were among the data collected. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequency and percentage, and Chi-square test was used to test associations between categorical variables ( P < 0.05). Results: A total of 898 cases were retrieved and analysed. A higher number: 333 (37.1%) of the participants were in the age group 21–40 years and the majority were (507, 56.5%). Cervical abrasion (289; 32.2%), followed by class 1 carious cavity (105; 11.7%), were the major procedures specified. Upper centrals had the highest restoration (135; 15%). Only 24.5% of the restorations reported the use of glass ionomer cement (GIC) lining. Shade A3 was the most used (73; 57%). The failure rate recorded was 13.8% and the use of GIC reduced it to 5.1% ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: A 13.8% failure of composite restoration within the three-year study period was observed, which fell within the reported range from other studies. Furthermore, it was observed that the use of GIC lining, where necessary, contributed to the survival of composite restoration.