[Restorative therapy with amalgam-indication and long life time].

The pattern of restorative therapy with amalgam of 38 thuringian dentists were checked up over a period of 4 weeks. The indications of the 3644 in these time applicated amalgam restorations were in 42% of all cases primarily caries, in 22% secondary caries and in 24% noncaries caused reasons. Occlusal caries was dominant in adolescents and young adults. Patients older than 24 years had a higher risk of approximal caries and root caries is becoming a clinical problem in patients older than 54 years. 61% of the replaced amalgam restorations have had a function period over 5 years. Prevention, early restorative therapy and consequently a recall system in connection with correct indication are the most important factors for a long time of amalgam restorations and successful dental treatment.