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Impact of Composite Replacement of Amalgam Restoration in Posterior Teeth on Self-Perceived Dental Aesthetics: A Prospective Study

Abstract:

Objective: To evaluate the psychosocial impact and aesthetic self-perception of patients undergoing replacement of amalgam restoration by resin composite of posterior teeth. Material and Methods: This prospective study included 30 patients who presented amalgam restorations to be replaced by resin composites in at least five different teeth. A total of 150 amalgam restorations were replaced, and participants self-completed the Brazilian version of the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Esthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) before (T1) and six months after (T2) amalgam replacement. Sociodemographic information was recorded. Results: Significant differences between T1 and T2 were found in the PIDAQ self-confidence (p<0.001) and aesthetic (p=0.018) domains. Social impact (p=0.357) and psychological impact (p=0.108) domains were not significantly affected by restorative procedures. Sociodemographic data did not significantly affect patients’ aesthetic self-perception. Conclusion: The replacement of amalgam restorations improved patients’ aesthetic self-assessment, showing that the appearance of posterior restorations impacted the aesthetic self-perception and self-confidence of patients.