Evaluation of the interactions between amalgam, cement and gold castings

The purpose of this study was to determine the interactive effects between a dental amalgam, cements and a gold alloy and therefore evaluate cements as barriers to corrosion. There were 48 castings cemented to either simulated amalgam cores or teeth using zinc phosphate (ZnPO4) or glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cement. An additional 12 castings were placed in direct contact with the amalgam restoration. Half of the specimens were thermocycled between 5 degrees and 50 degrees C for 12 weeks. The other half were stored at 37 degrees C for the same period of time. The specimens were then encased in epoxy resin and sectioned. The sectioned specimens were examined for cement loss, as well as evidence and extent of corrosion. Significantly more cement loss occurred with the ZnPO4 compared with the glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cement when the castings were cemented to amalgam cores. Evidence of corrosion was apparent in all specimens; thermocycling produced significantly more corrosion than the 37 degrees C environment. The direct-contact group produced significantly more corrosion compared with the specimens where castings were cemented with ZnPO4.