Pneumatic versus hand condensation of amalgam: effect on microleakage

This study compared two techniques of amalgam condensation for effect on early microleakage. Class V preparations were restored with a high-copper amalgam using pneumatic condensation or conventional hand condensation. Significantly less microleakage was observed when pneumatic condensation was used. Further, pneumatic condensation proved equally effective in reducing early microleakage whether or not a dentinal sealant was used as an intermediary.