THE SEALING OF THE TOOTH AMALGAM INTERFACE BY CORROSION PRODUCTS

A marginal gap exists between the amalgam restoration and the cavity w alls. At this interface, there is a constant percolation of fluid cont aining ions, molecules and bacteria. With time, corrosion products of the amalgam components seal the gap at the amalgam/tooth interface. Th e corrosion processes for conventional and high copper amalgam and fac tors affecting the corrosion deposits are reviewed. Better amalgam ada ptation to the cavity walls improves the chances of sealing the restor ation by corrosion products. The effectiveness of cavity varnish in pr eventing microleakage until corrosive deposits are formed is discussed .