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Condensation pressure during amalgam placement in patients
A Lussi1, M Brunner, P Portmann
1Department of Operative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Bern, School of Dental Medicine, Switzerland.
European Journal of Oral Sciences
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Dentists applied lower condensation pressure than recommended during amalgam placement. This study found no significant differences based on amalgam type, time of day, or dentist gender.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Clinical Dentistry
Background:
- Proper condensation pressure is crucial for amalgam restoration quality.
- Previous studies have primarily focused on laboratory settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure in-vivo condensation pressure during Class II amalgam placement.
- To compare pressures exerted by different instrument sizes and amalgam types.
Main Methods:
- Forty-four dental practitioners used force-measuring pluggers in patient Class II cavities.
- Three amalgam types with varying alloy particle shapes were tested.
- Condensation pressure was recorded using semiconductor strain gauges.
Main Results:
- Maximum condensation pressures ranged from 5.5 to 8.9 MPa.
- Average pressures were 2.2 MPa (large plugger) and 3.7 MPa (small plugger).
- No significant differences were found related to amalgam particle shape, time of day, or dentist gender.
Conclusions:
- Clinical condensation pressures are lower than often recommended.
- Measured pressures align with previous laboratory findings.
- Instrument size significantly impacts condensation pressure applied.