INHIBITION OF DEMINERALIZATION IN-VITRO AROUND AMALGAM RESTORATIONS

Objective: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate some for ms of preventing or avoiding demineralization within enamel cavity wal ls adjacent to amalgam restorations. Method and materials: Third molar teeth were sectioned to obtain 72 specimens, divided into one control and five experimental groups: amalgam only; varnish plus amalgam; aci dulated phosphate fluoride plus amalgam; adhesive amalgam; glass-ionom er cement plus amalgam; control (amalgam only, not subjected to a demi neralization challenge). The experimental groups were subjected to pH and thermal cycling and then submitted to enamel hardness determinatio ns. Results: Significant differences between the treatment groups reve aled that the bonded amalgam technique offered the best resistance to demineralization. The Else of cavity varnish resulted in greater miner al loss than amalgam placed alone. Conclusion: The use of an adhesive system, glass-ionomer cement, or acidulated phosphate fluoride under a malgam restorations may interfere with development of secondary caries .