The evaluation of dentists’ stances concerning resin composite and amalgam as restorative materials
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2026
Yazarlar: Fikriye Selin BARHAN, Hüseyin TEZEL, Çiğdem ATALAYIN ÖZKAYA, Timur Kose, Gul Kayrak
BMC Oral Health, Uluslararası, Wos, 2026, cilt 26, ss 100-100
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-025-06988-y
Özet
This study aims to evaluate the attitudes and preferences of dentists in Türkiye regarding the use of resin composites and amalgam as restorative materials, especially in light of the country’s recent participation in the Minamata Convention. An online survey was conducted among 1265 actively practising dentists in Türkiye between 2021 and 2023. The survey included questions on demographic information, the use of amalgam and resin composites, and the dentists' views on the biological safety of these materials. The data were statistically analysed via the Mann‒Whitney U test and the Kruskal‒Wallis H test with SPSS 21.0 (Statistical Package Program for Social Science). The study revealed that 50.2% of the participants still used amalgam, with a significant preference observed among those with more than 11 years of professional experience. However, aesthetic concerns, patient preferences, and mercury content were the main reasons for avoiding amalgam. Compared with their counterparts in the private sector and other regions, dentists working in the public sector and those in Eastern Anatolia were more likely to use amalgam. Concerns about the biological safety of both amalgam and resin composites were almost equally divided among participants. Despite global efforts to phase out amalgam, it remains a necessary material in certain clinical situations in Türkiye. While resin composites are preferred because of their aesthetic properties, they also present challenges that must be addressed. As Türkiye transitions away from amalgam, it is crucial to ensure that dentists are adequately supported to adapt to changes while maintaining high standards of patient care. The current study highlights the continuing use of amalgam in Türkiye despite global efforts to phase it out, emphasising the need for clinical guidance and education to support dentists in adapting to composite materials while maintaining effective patient care, especially in complex restorations. • Despite global efforts to phase out dental amalgam, 50.2% of Turkish dentists, particularly those with over 11 years of experience, still use it. • Dentists in the public sector and, the Eastern Anatolia show a greater preference for amalgam than do those in the private sector and other regions. • Aesthetic concerns, patient preferences, and mercury content are the primary reasons for avoiding amalgam, while the biological safety of both amalgam and resin composites remains a debated issue among Turkish dentists. • Although preferred for their aesthetic qualities, resin composites pose challenges such as postoperative sensitivity and inadequate contact and contour, leading to questions about their long-term effectiveness. • As Türkiye phases out amalgam in line with the Minamata Convention, it is crucial to support dental professionals through this transition to maintain high standards of care.