[Optimizing marginal fit of amalgam restorations on the cervico-interproximal aspect]

SEM studies were conducted to demonstrate that marginal fit and surface quality of cervico-interproximal amalgam fillings may be improved considerably by polishing the fresh filling with fine grain finishing paper. The time of finishing as a function of the amalgam used was crucial, while the method of plugging (manual or automatic) had very little influence on later finishing of the filling surface.