Awareness of amalgam dental fillings among Iraqi dentists and patients: A cross-sectional study

Background: The utilization of amalgam fillings has been minimized to just consider its mercury content. Mercury exposure may present a health hazard, as well as the Cavity design of amalgam restoration includes unnecessary removal of sound tooth structure which may lead to fracture of remaining tooth structure.

Objective: To estimate dentists’ and patients’ information, knowledge, and concern about the mercury content of amalgam and their preference for more esthetic restoration in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 282 dentists and 616 patients was conducted at Al-Rafidain University College to validate Iraqi patients’ perceptions and dentists’ attitudes towards dental amalgam use.

Results: It was found that half of the patients don’t have any idea about the restoration type and outcome of dental materials for their well-being. A total of 259 participants (80.19%) specified that they would not prefer amalgam restoration in their teeth as being unaesthetic. 22.69% of dentists used amalgam, and 37.94% did not use amalgam. The decision to avoid employing amalgam is based on two primary factors: the aesthetic and the presence of mercury.

Conclusion: Dental amalgam awareness is not enough among participating patients. Although dentists do not frequently use dental amalgam, disagreement on banning dental amalgam was their choice.