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  • Perspective
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The great amalgam debate or debacle: a perspective

British Dental Journal volume 233, pages 870–871 (2022)Cite this article

Key points

  • Minimum intervention dentistry is the way forward.

  • The use of amalgam limits the benefits of minimum intervention dentistry.

  • Evidence supports composite as the material of choice for the restoration of posterior teeth.

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References

  1. Lynch C D, Wilson N H F. Managing the phase-down of amalgam: part II. Implications for practising arrangements and lessons from Norway. Br Dent J 2013; 215: 159-162.

  2. Lynch C D, Opdam N J, Hickel R et al. Guidance on posterior resin composites: Academy of Operative Dentistry - European Section. J Dent 2014; 42: 377-383.

  3. Opdam N J, Bronkhorst E M, Loomans B A, Huysmans M C. 12-year survival of composite vs. amalgam restorations. J Dent Res 2010; 89: 1063-1067.

  4. Pallesen U, van Dijken J W V, Halken J, Hallonsten A-L, Höigaard R. Longevity of posterior resin composite restorations in permanent teeth in Public Dental Health Service: a prospective 8 years follow up. J Dent 2013; 41: 297-306.

  5. Wilson N H F, Lynch C D. The teaching of posterior resin composites: planning for the future based on 25 years of research. J Dent 2014; 42: 503-516.

  6. Lynch C D, Farnell D J J, Stanton H, Chestnutt I G, Brunton P A, Wilson N H F. No more amalgams: Use of amalgam and amalgam alternative materials in primary dental care. Br Dent J 2018; 225: 171-176.

  7. Eltahlah D, Lynch C D, Chadwick B L, Blum I R, Wilson N H F. An update on the reasons for placement and replacement of direct restorations. J Dent 2018; 72: 1-7.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Emeritus Professor of Dentistry, King´s College London; and Emeritus President, College of General Dentistry, UK

    Nairn Wilson

  2. Professor and Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at University College Cork; Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Dentistry; Dean-Elect of the Faculty of Dentistry, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland

    Chris Lynch

Authors
  1. Nairn Wilson
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  2. Chris Lynch
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Cite this article

Wilson, N., Lynch, C. The great amalgam debate or debacle: a perspective. Br Dent J 233, 870–871 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-5219-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-5219-1

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