Current materials and techniques for direct restorations in posterior teeth: Part 1: silver amalgam

Abstract

This paper, the first of two reviewing materials and techniques for direct intracoronal restorations in posterior teeth, deals with the use of silver amalgam. Based on a consensus view on appropriate applications and contraindications for silver amalgam, the toxicity of amalgam and competing materials, financial implications and international legislation, consideration is given to the continued use of this material. It is concluded that silver amalgam still has a place in everyday practice, albeit restricted in comparison to its former use. Amalgam should only be used where it offers clear advantages over other materials. This requirement for use of silver amalgam will continue until true substitutes are developed and evaluated, alternative materials are optimised and dentists are fully trained in the use of adhesive techniques.

Parametric study of the effect of phase anisotropy on the micromechanical behaviour of dentin–adhesive interfaces

“…The breakdown of this bond has been linked to the failure of our current materials to consistently seal and adhere to the dentin (Meiers & Kresin 1996). Acid etching provides effective mechanical bonding between the composite restoration and treated enamel, but breakdown at the dentin surface continues to threaten the long-term viability of large posterior composite restorations (Dunne et al 1997;Roulet 1997;Nordbo et al 1998).…”

Diversity of silver resistance genes in IncH incompatibility group plasmids

“…In hospitals, silver sulfadiazine is used in burn dressings (George et al, 1997) to prevent nosocomial infections. The most familiar human exposure to silver is with dental amalgams that contain 35 % Ag(0) and 50 % Hg(0) ( Dunne et al, 1997). The slow release of Hg(0) from amalgams is known to select for mercury-resistant bacteria in the gut (Lorscheider et al, 1995).…”

Dental post-operative sensitivity associated with a gallium-based restorative material

“…The boiling point is high (over 1,700°C) and the vapour pressure low (10Pa at 1,178°C). The density of liquid gallium is 6.09 g/cm 3 compared with 13.55 g/cm 3 for mercury. 7 Gallium has been used for many years in the electronics industry as a compound semiconductor and also in medicine as a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer.…”

“…3,4 The first gallium alloy for dental purposes 2 alloyed liquid gallium with powders of Ta, Cr, Mo, In, Co, Ni, Au and some Cu-Sn alloys. The Cu-Sn alloys produced mixes that hardened satisfactorily.…”