[A method for the determination of corroding factors of amalgams by electrical measurements]

The study describes a method for the determination of corrosion kinetics of amalgams from the buccal cavity by measuring initial and evolutive electrical potentials in parallel with an evaluation of clinical factors. It also deals with factors which might be improved in this connection. The method was applied experimentally in 125 cases with restoration therapy with silver amalgam, and a digital milivoltmeter for direct current was used, of 0.2% precision class with silver chloride electrodes to which two probes have been adapted. The values determined varied between--320 and--82 milivolts. The advantages as compared with previously used methods are the following: an electrical measurement of resistance to corrosion of amalgams, and improvement of factors which influence corrosion.