Reaction of the human dental pulp to silver amalgam restorations: The effect of insertion of amalgam of high plasticity in deep cavities

Abstract

The purpose was to study the effect of amalgam with known relative sealing properties. In 28 bicuspids deep cavities were prepared and filled according to the wet technique, 14 with amalgam A, shown to give a good seal, and 14 with another amalgam, B, which gave a comparatively less good seal. Seven teeth in each group were extracted after 1 week and 7 after 1 month. In a further 6 teeth the method of preparation was checked. The effect of the packing pressure was studied in 11 other teeth with lined cavities of varying depth. The teeth were examined histologically. All teeth in the material proper showed pulpal inflammation of varying severity, somewhat more pronounced in teeth with amalgam B. The method of preparation used had caused no significant changes. Two of 6 teeth studied regarding the effect of packing in deep cavities showed extensive fresh haemorrhages. No such reaction was found in teeth with less deep cavities. The initially high mercury content together with the shortness of the distance between the pulp and the floor of the cavity were probably the decisive factors. An effect of leakage and of packing pressure could, however, not be excluded.