Methods of proximal amalgam overhang removal--a comparison of different techniques

It is widely accepted that the overhanging restoration is an aggravating factor in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease, and when detected, the overhang should be removed. Some methods for removing proximal amalgam overhangs are the EVA reciprocating motor driven system, roto-pro, flame-shaped steel bur, diamond bur and sonic scaler. This article illustrates the trimmed surface after overhang removal with photographs taken at 1:1 magnification. The smoothest surface was produced by EVA system where the overhang was removed with a diamond tip followed by polishing with prophylaxis paste using the plastic tip. The roughest surface was produced by the sonic scaler, whilst the others were intermediate. Of the single step methods, the instrument which combined speed while leaving a reasonable surface was the rotopro.