ABSTRACT
To conduct a pilot study of the types of various dental restorative materials used, and to determine the reasons for the placement and replacement of dental restorations in the clinics of Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Information was collected by using a specially designed form that was distributed to all dentists in operative dentistry department. The dentists were asked to record specific details for all restorations placed in all of the patients being treated in the department during a period of two weeks in August, 2004. Basic statistical analyses of the data. including the cross-tabulation were carried out, and where appropriate, the chi-square test was used to compare the frequency differences. Data were collected for 84 restorations placed in permanent teeth. Amalgam [60.7%] was the most commonly used restorative material followed by Glass lonomer Cement [G.I.C] [27.4%] and temporary restorations [8.3%] with a minimal use [3.6%] of resin composite, p<0.01. Most of the restorations [88.1%] were initial placements, while [11.9%] were replacement restorations, p<0.01. Primary caries [79.7%] was the major reason for the initial placements and secondary caries [80%] for the replacement of restorations. Amalgam and G.I.C were the most commonly used restorative materials, and primary caries was the major reason for the initial restorations, and secondary caries for replacement restorations