Journal of Dental Research, Vol 68, 82-88, Copyright © 1989 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Correlation of dental amalgam crevice corrosion with clinical ratings
E. J. Sutow, D. W. Jones and G. C. Hall
Division of Dental Biomaterials Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
In vitro corrosion behavior of gamma 2-containing and gamma 2-free dental
amalgams was examined under crevice conditions which simulated the
amalgam-tooth interface. By means of potentiostatic testing,
current-density/time behavior and integrated anodic current were measured
for 16 hr. All of the amalgams demonstrated crevice corrosion
susceptibility. Crevice corrosion propagation for gamma 2-free vs. gamma
2-containing amalgams was characterized by lower acceleration and maximum
rates during the most dynamic period. Integrated anodic current results
were correlated with marginal breakdown ratings reported in two clinical
investigations. Strong and significant coefficients were found between
integrated current and marginal breakdown ratings when gamma 2-containing
and gamma 2-free amalgams were correlated as a single group, but not when
correlated separately.
