Biological Reactions to Experimental Dental Amalgams
G. H. SPERBER 1
1 Faculty of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
The biological reactions of rat connective tissues to newly developed dispersion-strengthened copper-silver amalgams (and fluoride combinations) were tested to evaluate their safety for clinical usage as dental restorative materials. Varying concentrations of calcium fluoride were added experimentally to the copper-silver amalgams to form potentially cariostatic restorative materials. These combinations were inserted in the subcutaneous connective tissues of rats and allowed to remain for as long as 32 days. On histologic examination of these tissues, the copper-silver amalgams appeared to be as innocuous as currently used silver-tin amalgams. The addition of 1 per cent calcium fluoride by weight to amalgam caused prolonged irritation to the tissues. The addition of 0.5 per cent and less of calcium fluoride by weight to copper-silver amalgams caused no undue inflammatory response and was considered safe for clinical usage as a dental restorative material. The minimum percentage, by weight, of calcium fluoride producing the maximum cariostatic effect awaits the results of prolonged clinical trials.
Submitted on September 24, 1964
