Fracture resistance of complex amalgam restorations

This study evaluated fracture resistance provided to complex amalgam restorations by adhesive and mechanical resistance features. The occlusal surfaces of 30 extracted molar teeth of similar size were ground flat to approximately 2 mm coronal to the CEJ. The teeth were divided into three groups. Roots were notched and embedded in acrylic resin. In two groups, four TMS Minim stainless steel pins were placed into dentin at the line angles. A copper band matrix was applied to each specimen and reinforced with compound. After applying either Copalite or Amalgambond Plus, Tytin amalgam was condensed into the matrix. The bands and excess amalgam were removed 10 minutes later, and each amalgam occlusal surface was ground flat to give the amalgam restoration a 4 mm occlusal height. Specimens were thermocycled for 2500 cycles at 6-60 degrees C with a 30-second dwell time. They were then stored in deionized water for 1 month at room temperature. A 1 mm 45 degrees bevel was placed on the facio-occlusal angle of the amalgam. Each specimen was loaded to failure in compression at 45 degrees in an Instron Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. The groups were: Group 1, four Minim pins and Copalite; Group 2, four Minim pins and Amalgambond Plus; and Group 3, Amalgambond Plus only. The data were analyzed using a one-factor ANOVA and a Tukey B post hoc test. There was no significant difference between Groups 1 and 3. The Amalgambond Plus combined with pins provided significantly greater resistance to fracture than pins or Amalgambond Plus alone (P < 0.05).