Experimental microleakage around ageing dental amalgam restorations: a review

In vitro and in vivo experimental microleakage around ageing dental amalgam restorations has been reviewed. The methodologies, materials and results were examined and discussed. The initial experimental microleakage which occurred around unlined/unvarnished dental amalgam restorations and the development of leakage around lined/varnished dental amalgam restorations underlines the problem of attaining a permanent effective seal around dental amalgam restorations. The limitations of microleakage studies have been outlined and the importance of an understanding of the chemical changes which occur in the microcrevices stressed. This understanding may facilitate the production of a lifelong successful dental amalgam restoration and perhaps the development of an anticariogenic amalgam type fissure sealant.