EDITORIAL |
https://doi.org/10.5005/cej-4-2-iv |
The use of silver amalgam restorations has seen a sharp decline in the past few years. Esthetic dental materials like composites, ceramics and glass ionomer cements have largely replaced amalgam.
After serving dentistry as a workhorse, for well over a century, the time of silver amalgam restorations is truly nearing its end. Environmental concern is also one of the major reasons for its decline, especially in the Western countries. Excellent properties and relative low cost was what endeared amalgam to the dentists for so long. With the newer materials conservation of tooth structure is also possible as its adhesiveness helps in selective removal of tooth structure, thereby avoiding the Extension for Prevention model of caries excavation.
Newer restoratives for all their advantages, need a different set of skills ,especially when it comes to dealing with its manipulation. The new generation of dentists needs to be trained in handling the vast number of composites and other restoratives.
As we move toward an amalgam-free dental practice, isn't it time we thought about revising the Class II Amalgam Exam pattern for our University examination? Finding an alternative exam model is not easy, but I think a thought process has already started and will come to a logical conclusion soon.
Thanking all the members of CAESOK and especially the Executive Committee members for their unstinting support to the editorial team.
Jai Hind
Ganesh Chitharanjan MDS
Editor-in-Chief
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontic Journal
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