The goal of this project is to improve the clinical performance of dental amalgam by gathering information which can serve as a basis for the rational modification of amalgam systems. The primary scientific discipline involved will be metallurgy. Since the performance of a metal alloy is specifically related to its microstructure, the following procedure will be utilized. Microstructural features will be related to laboratory tests which are considered to be most relevant to clinical performance. In addition, methods to modify microstructure will be determined so that optimized configurations can be achieved. Microstructural determinations will be performed using an electron probe microanalyzer, optical metallography and X-ray diffraction. Laboratory tests will include impact strength, transverse strength and modulus of elasticity, transverse and static creep, anodic polarization and other electrochemical tests. The clinical performance factors of marginal fracture, corrosion, microleakage and Hg vapor emission will receive special emphasis. In view of the predominant role played by amalgam in the restoration of carious posterior teeth, even minor improvements in this material can produce very significant oral health benefits.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DE002936-19
Application #
3218815
Study Section
Oral Biology and Medicine Study Section (OBM)
Project Start
1977-03-01
Project End
1989-02-28
Budget Start
1987-03-01
Budget End
1988-02-29
Support Year
19
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Oregon Health and Science University
Department
Type
Schools of Dentistry/Oral Hygn
DUNS #
009584210
City
Portland
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97239
Mahler, D B; Engle, J H (2000) Clinical evaluation of amalgam bonding in Class I and II restorations. J Am Dent Assoc 131:43-9
Mahler, D B; Engle, J H; Simms, L E et al. (1996) One-year clinical evaluation of bonded amalgam restorations. J Am Dent Assoc 127:345-9, quiz 391
Mahler, D B; Adey, J D; Fleming, M A (1994) Hg emission from dental amalgam as related to the amount of Sn in the Ag-Hg (gamma 1) phase. J Dent Res 73:1663-8
Mahler, D B; Adey, J D (1991) Factors influencing the creep of dental amalgam. J Dent Res 70:1394-400
Mahler, D B; Engle, J H; Adey, J D (1990) Effect of Pd on the clinical performance of amalgam. J Dent Res 69:1759-61
Nelson, L W; Mahler, D B (1990) Factors influencing the sealing behavior of retrograde amalgam fillings. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 69:356-60
Mahler, D B; Adey, J D (1988) Sn in the Ag-Hg phase of dental amalgam. J Dent Res 67:1275-7
Mahler, D B; Adey, J D; Marshall, S J (1987) Effect of time at 37 degrees C on the creep and metallurgical characteristics of amalgam. J Dent Res 66:1146-8
Bryant, R W; Mahler, D B (1986) Modulus of elasticity in bending of composites and amalgams. J Prosthet Dent 56:243-8