Effect of Pd on the clinical performance of amalgam

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a small amount of Pd on the clinical performance of a high-copper spherical-particle dental amalgam. Two identical alloys, with and without 0.5% Pd, were investigated. The marginal fracture, surface texture, and surface luster of 193 clinical restorations were evaluated at one year, those of 182 at two years, and those of 144 at three years of service. In vitro corrosion tests of anodic polarization and constant potential coulometry were also conducted. Over the three-year period, the results showed no differences in marginal fracture or surface texture between the two alloys. However, the alloy with Pd showed a significant superiority in surface luster over this time period. Both corrosion tests showed less electrochemical activity on the part of the alloy containing Pd.