Clinical Amalgam Flashcards
What are possible indications for amalgam
a direct restoration that is moderate and large sized cavities in posterior teeth
core build ups when the definitive restoration will be an indirect cast restoration such as a crown or bridge retainer
what are the contra-indications for amalgam
If aesthetics are paramount to patient
The patient has a history of sensitivity to mercury
or other amalgam components
Where the loss of tooth substance is such that a retentive cavity cannot be produced
Where excessive removal of sound tooth substance would be required to produce a retentive cavity.
what are the advantages of amalgam
Durable
Good long term clinical performance
Long lasting if placed under ideal conditions
Long-term resistance to surface corrosion
Shorter placement time than composite
Corrosion products may seal the tooth restoration
interface
Radiopaque
Colour Contrast
Economical
what is the median survival for amalgam
median survival 12 – 15 years
what are the disadvantages of amalgam
Poor aesthetic qualities Does not bond easily to tooth substance Thermal diffusivity high Cavity preparation may require destruction of sound tooth tissue Marginal breakdown Long-term corrosion at tooth restoration interface may result in "ditching" leading to replacement or repair Local sensitivity reactions Lichenoid lesions Galvanic response can occur Tooth discolouration Amalgam Tattoo Concern about possible mercury toxicity
what is the thermal diffusivity of amalgam vs dentine
1.7cm2 /sec vs 0.0026cm2 /sec for dentine
what are lichenoid lesions
type IV hypersensitivity reactions
what do you do if there is a lichenoid lesion
remove the amalgam and replace with either gold or composite
what is the galvanic response
Battery effect from 2 different amalgams or more likely amalgam and a cast metal restoration
how does tooth discoloration occur
Corrosion products migrate into tooth surfaces which is porous results in a darkened tooth
what is an amalgam tattoo
Fine amalgam particles migrate into soft tissues
not harmful, only issue is differential diagnosis
could be an intra oral melanoma
why is amalgam so popular
Quick and Easy
Self-hardening at mouth temperature
Can be used in load-bearing areas of the mouth
Good bulk strength and wear resistance
Usually placed at one visit
Economical
vs gold (historically)
vs composite or indirect restorations
what is the restoration sequence
Caries risk, assessment and diagnosis
Likely material choice (in these examples: amalgam)
Informed consent
Caries access and removal
Cavity Design
Removal of deep caries
Cavity Toilet
Restoration placement
what is the retention form in cavity design
Features that prevent the loss of the restoration in any direction
In an occlusal direction significant undercut is not required, parallel or minimal undercut is all that is necessary.
what is the resistance form in cavity design
Features that prevent loss of the material due to distortion or fracture by masticatory forces
Ideally the cavity floor should be approximately parallel to the occlusal surface with sufficient depth of the cavity to give adequate mechanical strength (approx 1.5 – 2mm)
what should the resistance form be in an interproximal restoration
The gingival floor of an interproximal box should be approximately 90o to the axial wall. If it is greater a sloping inclined plane which makes the filling liable to slide out of the cavity.
is amalgam first choice for occlusal caries
no
unless moderate or large occlusal cavities
if the caries involves most of the fissure system then removal of caries will rseult in a rough parallel sided cavity of adequate depth for either composite or amalgam
what are the cavity designs to treat inter proximal caries
self retentive box preparation (minimal preparation box)
proximoocclusal prepararon
what are the advantages of self-retentive box preparation
Less tooth tissue removed than with a proximo-
occlusal preparation
• Reduced amount of amalgam placed
• Sound tooth tissue retained between proximal box and
any occlusal cavity
what are the disadvantages of a self-retentive box preparation
• Can be more technically demanding than proximo-
occlusal preparation
• Further treatment of any pit and fissure caries may be
required
what are the advantages of a proximo-occlusal preparation
• (Should be) Very retentive
Also treats any caries in pits and fissures
• Less or no opportunity for future caries in
pits and fissures
what are the disadvantages of proximo-occlusal preparations
Destruction of tooth tissue for retention
• Increased risk of weakening of the tooth
what can be done for additional mechanical retention
- Include grooves or dimples within the cavity design
* Pin placement - titanium / stainless steel
what are pins used for
to increase retention in large
non-retentive cavities.
describe pin use
Can work well in large restorations and for cores beneath crowns.
Pins are self tapping screws
Place pin into dentine in the greatest bulk of the tooth.
Never in enamel or at the ADJ
Avoid the pulp and periodontal ligament
Pack amalgam around the pin
what are initial problems with pins
Stress in tooth around the pin.
Cracking of dentine,
Sensitivity of tooth due to temperature transference
what are long term problems with pins
filling can leak but will not fall out because of the pin secondary caries which can progress further into the tooth because of the pin
what can be used for additional retention (adhesive)
adhesive technology:
sealing + bonding restorations (scotch bond, prime and bond). has to be a dual curing bonding agent.
bonding - resin cement e.g panavia(R) 21 EX
resin modified GIC e.g vitrebond
what did the cochrane review say in terms of bonding amalgam
‘There is no evidence to claim or refute a difference in survival between bonded and non-bonded amalgam restorations’
what should be done in the finishing of a restoration
- Ensure all caries is removed
- Smooth and round internal line angles
- Check and finish cavo-surface angles
- Smooth cavity margins
what does moisture contamination do
Reduces Strength
- Increases creep
- Increases corrosion
- Increases porosity
- Critical but not as critical as in bonded composite restorations
how can you seal dentine
Cavity Varnishes
• Normally with RMGIC
• Can use DBA but this
complicates the process
why does using DBA complicate the process
cavity must be dry
what happens in microleakge
Passage of fluid and bacteria in micro gaps (10 microns) between restoration and tooth
what does micro leakage result in
Pulpal irritation and infection
• Discolouration
• Secondary Caries
what can cause micro leakage
Over time; mechanical loading and thermal stresses
may lead to microleakage
what are the different matrixes you can use
kerrhawe matrixes
omnimatrix
what do matrixes do
- Recreate wall(s) of the cavity
- Allows creation of proximal form
- Allows adequate condensation
- Confines amalgam to the cavity