Effect of moisture contamination on high-copper amalgam

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Materials Science and Engineering

Background:

• Dental amalgam alloys are widely used restorative materials.
• Understanding the impact of environmental factors like moisture on amalgam properties is crucial for clinical longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of moisture contamination on the properties of different types of dental amalgams.
• To determine which amalgam formulations are susceptible to moisture-induced degradation.

Main Methods:

• Testing various dental amalgams (non-high-copper lathe-cut, high-copper, non-high-copper spherical) for expansion and physical properties after moisture contamination.
• Evaluating compressive strength, hardness, and creep.

Main Results:

• Non-high-copper lathe-cut alloy amalgam with zinc exhibited delayed excessive expansion and physical property deterioration due to moisture.
• High-copper amalgam and non-high-copper spherical alloy amalgam (both with zinc) were not adversely affected by moisture.
• Compressive strength and creep were affected, but hardness remained unchanged in susceptible amalgams.
• Setting dimensional change was slightly influenced by moisture in all zinc-containing amalgams.

Conclusions:

• Moisture contamination poses a risk to specific dental amalgam types, particularly non-high-copper lathe-cut formulations containing zinc.
• High-copper and spherical amalgams demonstrate superior resistance to moisture-induced degradation.
• Clinical handling and material selection should consider the potential for moisture contamination to ensure restoration integrity.